The irritable colon and functional constipation

The irritable colon and functional constipation are the most frequent functional disorders of the digestive system and occur in a high

percentage of the population in developed countries. The predominant symptom of the irritable colon is abdominal pain and/or abdominal

discomfort, which is eased by defecation or a change in the form or frequency of the stools, and malfunction in evacuation. The

main symptom of functional constipation is a permanent difficulty in defecation associated with the infrequent passage of hard stools,

often associated with the feeling of incomplete emptying. The pathogenesis of both conditions is not known despite extensive research.

We suppose this is a defect of the neurohumoral regulatory function of the colon, originating in people with a genetic predisposition

and an incidence of adverse external factors. This dysfunctional regulation leads to a change of colonic motility, colonic secretion and

visceral sensitivity of the bowel, the consequence of which is the occurrence of characteristic symptoms. Both conditions run a chronic

course, often markedly reducing the quality of a patient’s life. The diagnosis can be established on the basis of current characteristic

symptoms, negative physical findings and in the absence of alarming symptoms as a positive diagnosis. Other investigations, except

the differentiation of specific types of severe functional constipation, are not necessary. Therapy is complex, targeting the predominant

symptoms, the basis for success being the creation of mutual trust between doctor and patient.

Keywords: irritable colon, functional constipation, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, abdominal discomfort