Prevalence and ramifications of chronic constipation.

Constipation is a common condition, affecting 2% to 27% of North Americans. Arriving at true prevalence rates is complicated, because consensus definitions are lacking. Constipation has daily implications for those affected, and, although only one-third of affected persons seek care, it is associated with high socioeconomic costs. Traditional interventions, such as fiber and laxatives, are often recommended, but high-quality evidence of their efficacy is lacking and patient dissatisfaction is common. Improved understanding of the pathophysiology of constipation has resulted in the development and approval of a new agent for the treatment of patients with chronic idiopathic constipation.