Aetiology

• Low fibre
• Poor mobility
• Drugs: opioids, anticholinergics
• Dehydration
• Hypercalcaemia
• Parkinson’s

Pathophysiology

• Proximal colon is the key to stool formation
• Neuronal input for stimulus
• Need adequate fluid intake, as well as intact sphincters/enough squeezing pressure
• Various pathologies can cause problems
  • Neurological diseases
  • Colorectal pathology: diverticular disease, strictures/adhesions, polyps, malignancy, anal fissures
  • Psychological factors

Overflow diarrhoea

Clinical features

Problems caused by constipation

• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting/nausea
• Rectal discomfort
• Overflow diarrhoea/incontinence