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. 2007 May 2;9(2):25.

Table 2.

Examples of Primary (Idiopathic) and Secondary Causes of Constipation Symptoms[3,14,20–24]

Primary (Idiopathic) Secondary
IBS-C Inadequate diet
Normal-transit constipation Dehydration
Slow-transit constipation Inadequate physical activity
Defecatory or rectal evacuation disorders:

  • Pelvic floor dyssynergia

  • Hirschsprung's disease

  • Anismus

  • Paradoxical pelvic floor contraction

  • Functional rectosigmoid obstruction>

  • Spastic pelvic floor syndrome

  • Descending perineum syndrome

 Use of certain medications:

  • Aluminum-containing antacids

  • Antispasmodics

  • Antidepressants>

  • Diuretics

  • Anticonvulsants

  • Pain medications (especially narcotics)

  • Calcium-channel blockers

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs>
Older age Pregnancy Mechanical obstruction:

  • Colon cancer

  • Postsurgical abnormalities
Endocrine/metabolic disorders:

  • Diabetes

  • Hypothyroidism

  • Hypercalcemia

  • Hyperparathyroidism

  • Hypokalemia

  • Uremia
Neurologic conditions:

  • Cerebrovascular events

  • Multiple sclerosis

  • Parkinson's disease
Psychological conditions:

  • Depression

  • Anxiety