An estimated 14% of people experience chronic constipation.

Women, older people, and those with lower socioeconomic status are at higher risk.

They’ll most likely do a physical exam and run some bloodwork.

Midsection Of Woman Sitting On Toilet Seat At Home

Chakrapong Worathat / EyeEm / Getty Images

They may also order other diagnostic tests depending on your symptoms and medical history.

Obstruction from cancer should always be ruled out, and a colonoscopy may be performed.

FGDs are diagnosed according to the Rome IV criteria,which refer to the disorder as functional constipation.

For a diagnosis of functional constipation, your diagnostic workup must not show any sign of abnormality.

By definition, though, CIC is only diagnosed if the criteria for IBS hasnotbeen met.

you might increase your intake of dietary fiber through the foods you eat or with a fiber supplement.

You may find soluble fiber easier to tolerate.

Medications

Laxative medications can provide short-term relief of constipation.

There are two types:

Many laxatives are available over the counter.

However, there’s little evidence that long-term laxative use is beneficial for CIC.

Prescription medications may provide more relief.

Knowing the exact cause of any symptoms generally gives you a more concrete path toward managing them.

Nevertheless, those with CIC can find relief.

Lacy BE.Update on the management of chronic idiopathic constipation.Am J Manag Care.

2010;3:4956. doi:10.2147/ceg.s8091

International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Pelvic floor dyssynergia.

2015;110(4):580-7. doi:10.1038/ajg.2015.67