Bowel emptying disorders

Intestinal bowel disorders include constipation, encopes (smearing), incontinence and diarrhea. The physiological frequency of bowel movements varies with age.

Constipation
Constipation is defined as the difficulty of emptying stiff stools and the impossibility of spontaneous defecation. This is a partially subjective symptom. It can be a separate problem (habitual, addictive constipation) or a symptom accompanying another disease (organic, secondary constipation). It is very important to distinguish organic constipation from functional.

Definition of constipation according to the Roman criteria II (1999)
Some of the above apply:
 * less than 3 stools per week;
 * solid stool in more than 25% of defecations;
 * feeling of incomplete emptying in more than 25% of defecations;
 * the need for manual maneuvers to facilitate more than 25% of defecations (digital stool evacuation, pelvic floor support).

Pathogenesis
Decreased water content in the stool, prolonged passage time through the digestive tract, or the presence of a mechanical barrier in the terminal part of the digestive tract contribute to constipation.

Regimen and dietary measures
Regular daily routine and diet, sufficient fluid intake, enough fiber in the diet (whole grains, fruits, vegetables). Plenty of exercise, belly massage and no laxatives. Training of defecation reflex with the use of physiological gastrocolic reflex (after waking up a glass of water, usual morning tasks, breakfast, with an interval of 20–30 minutes attempted defecation).

Pharmacological treatment
Lactulose, saline laxatives, laxative minerals, enemas, drugs stimulating colonic motility.

Supposed constipation

 * manifestation of prejudice or psychopathy

Pseudoobstipation

 * with low food intake

Encopreza

 * involuntary departure of stool (into laundry, to the floor)

Soiling

 * involuntary leakage of stool in chronic constipation
 * stagnant stool in the rectum is dissolved on the surface and escapes
 * may be mistaken for diarrhea

Diarrhea
Diarrhea can be characterized as frequent bowel movements. This is a symptom with considerable subjective discoloration. Diarrhea is a common manifestation of various digestive disorders. Diarrheal diseases cause up to 20 million deaths a year worldwide, with young children most at risk.