| [ Summary ] |
The prevalence of constipation is 2 to 5 % in Japan, and the prevalence rate increases with age. Additionally, the rate is higher in women when compared to men under 50 years old, and the rate in women is equal to that in men over 70 years old. Pathophysiology of family history in constipation is still unknown, as constipation often coexists with other functional disorders, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and functional dyspepsia (FD). The correlation between constipation and BMI is still unknown. Some lifestyle factors were considered to be causes of constipation, such as a low intake of dietary fiber and water and a decrease in activity. Constipation has a good prognosis ; however, quality of life (QOL) decreases with the onset of constipation symptoms, and these effects can be seen in the Short Form Health Survey (SF‒36), Psychological General Well‒Being Index (PGWBI), and the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS). Complications of constipation can occur as anorectal dysfunction and gastrointestinal diseases, such as hemorrhoids, prolapse of the rectum, rectal ulcers and sigmoid volvulus. Additionally, some of the complications of constipation, except the gastrointestinal tract, include urinary retention, aspiration pneumonia, and exacerbation of varicose vein or hepatic coma. The prevalence of constipation and neuropsychiatric disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, depression, and anxiety. increases with constipation. The prevalence of ischemic heart disease, such as myocardial infarction or angina pectoris, is higher when compared to individuals without constipation. These complications might worsen the prognosis of constipation patients. |