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Via practica 5/2014
Constipation
Constipation is traditionally defined as less than 3 stools in a week and difficult stool passage. Risk factors for constipation include female sex, older age, low-fiber and fluid diet, inactivity, low income, low educational level. Chronic constipa tion is classified as functional (primary) or secondary. Secondary constipatin is related to organic disease, systemic disease or medications. The evaluation of constipa tion includes a history and physical examination to rule out alarm signs. Patients with such signs require futher evaluation by specialist, the other may be treated symptomaticaly.
Keywords: chronic constipation, classification, treatment, laxative.
