TABLE 1.

Distribution of symptoms in patients with chronic constipation

Symptom	Frequency, % (Rome II defined)	Most bothersome, % (self-reported)
Straining	81	32
Hard or lumpy stools	72	20
Feeling of incomplete evacuation	54	12
Sensation that stool cannot be passed	39	13
Abdominal fullness or bloating	37	0.4
Fewer than 3 bowel movements/week	36	13
Need to press around the anus	29	6

From reference 1