A full assessment is required when there is complaint of
constipation, or laxatives are being used. A complete
history should be taken including relevant details as
outlined in Table a physical examination performed
and, on occasions, investigations arranged.At the very
least, most patients should have abdominal palpation, a
rectal examination, and an abdominal X-ray. The purpose
of this assessment is to exclude the reversible or
more serious causes of constipation, which are included
in Table 2. Many of these causes are more prevalent in
older people, but age alone is not a cause of constipation.
Constipation is associated with numerous complications
, so prompt assessment is appropriate