Infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stools that persists for several weeks or longer. Can significantly affect quality of life. Various types: normal transit, slow transit, and outlet dysfunction.

• 1Rome IV criteria
• 2Physical examination
• 3Blood tests
• 4Thyroid function tests
• 5Colonoscopy (if red flags)
• 6Anorectal manometry
• 7Balloon expulsion test
• 8Defecography

Chronic but manageable. Treatments effective for most. Lifestyle modifications important. Some require long-term laxative use. Rarely leads to serious complications (fecal impaction, megacolon).

• Adequate fluid intake
• High fiber diet
• Regular exercise
• Don't ignore urge
• Establish toilet routine
• Limit constipating medications
• Manage underlying conditions