Abstrakt

Chronic constipation is a widespread disease affecting 10 – 15% of the population in western industrialized countries and its symptoms can heavily affect a patient’s quality of life. The therapy of chronic constipation depends upon its type and severity. Patients with normal colonic transit time may benefit from general therapeutic measures such as lifestyle changes including dietetic advice. In addition, bulk forming laxatives such as psyllium seeds and, in some cases, osmotic (macrogol) or stimulant laxatives (bisacodyl, sodium picosulfate) are recommended. Patients with slow-transit constipation (transit-time over 72 hours) are dependent on a long-term therapy with the aforementioned agents. If these agents do not suffice, newer medicals like prucalopride or linaclotide are necessary. Patients with defecatory disorders (outlet constipation) should be treated with bulk forming laxatives (psyllium seeds) combined with suppositories (e.g. CO₂-suppositories). Regarding the inappropriate myth of the laxative abuse, the long-term intake of laxatives is possible and inoffensive if the recommended dosage is adhered and adjusted to the patient. Several studies disprove the risk of addiction and tolerance of laxatives in long-term intake. Patients with chronic constipation benefit from medical therapy and should not be held back from it due to fear of adverse effects.

Autoreninformation

Autoren

• H. Krammer¹
• A.K. Thomann¹
• T. Rustemeyer¹
• R. Ehehalt²

Abteilungen

• ¹ Praxis für Gastroenterologie und Ernährungsmedizin und End- und Dickdarmzentrum Mannheim,
• ² IV. Medizinische Klinik, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg

Adresse

Prof. Dr. med. H. Krammer
Praxis für Gastroenterologie und Ernährungsmedizin
End- und Dickdarmzentrum Mannheim
Bismarckplatz 1
D–68165 Mannheim
Email: [email protected]

Citation