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. 2021 Apr 16;10(8):1738. doi: 10.3390/jcm10081738

Table 2.

Rome IV criteria for functional constipation [29].

Rome IV Criteria
Must include 2 or more of the following fulfilled for the last 3 months with symptom onset at least 6 months prior to diagnosis

  1. Straining during more than one-fourth (25%) of defecations

  2. Lumpy or hard stools (Bristol stool from scale 1–2) during more than one-fourth (25%) of defecations

  3. Sensation of incomplete evacuation during more than one-fourth (25%) of defecations

  4. Sensation of anorectal obstruction/blockage during more than one-fourth (25%) of defecations

  5. Manual maneuvers to facilitate more than one fourth (25%) of defecations (eg, digital evacuation, support of the pelvic floor)

Loose stools are rarely present without the use of laxatives
Insufficient criteria for irritable bowel syndrome