Constipation

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Diagnosis

The patient’s medical history is most important in diagnosing the cause of constipation. The physician will perform a physical exam and obtain certain blood tests. A barium x-ray exam of the lower bowel or colon  may be warranted. In addition, a sigmoidoscopy exam (using a lighted, flexible endoscope) is necessary to rule out a mechanical blockage of the lower bowel, such as a tumor. This exam allows the physician to view the bowel wall and obtain biopsies (tissue samples) of any suspicious areas. Colonoscopy may be indicated. This is the visual exam of the inside of the entire colon using a flexible endoscope. The exam is usually performed under mild sedation. A marker test may be done whereby the patient swallows a capsule containing markers. Some days later an x-ray is taken to analyze the pattern and distribution of markers in the colon. In some cases, pressure measurements of the rectum and lower colon can provide valuable information. This exam is called manometry.
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Jackson GI