Constipation. Mechanisms and management of a common clinical problem.

Many persons, including physicians, regard a "normal" bowel habit as being at least one bowel movement per day. In truth, the spectrum of normal covers anywhere from three movements per day to three or even less per week. This article outlines aspects of the history that will be most helpful in determining if constipation is indeed present. It also provides very useful information on the mechanisms of laxative action.