Management of the clinical issue of constipation with abdominal complaints in adults. A national survey of Primary Care physicians and gastroenterologists.

Management of the clinical issue of constipation with abdominal complaints in adults. A national survey of Primary Care physicians and gastroenterologists. Rev Esp Enferm Dig. 2016 May 11;108 Authors: Rey Díaz-Rubio E, Mascort Roca JJ, Peña Forcada E, Cañones Garzón P, Tenias Burillo JM, Júdez Gutiérrez FJ Abstract Irritable bowel syndrome and functional constipation represent a relevant and common health issue. However, real-world clinical practice includes patients with constipation who may or may not have other abdominal complaints (pain, bloating, abdominal discomfort) with variable frequency. The goal of the present study was to obtain information on the workload entailed by patients with constipation and associated abdominal complaints, predominant clinical behaviors, education needs, and potential daily practice aids both in Primary Care and gastroenterology settings. The clinical behavior of doctors is generally similar at both levels, despite differences in healthcare approach: use of empiric therapies and clinically guided diagnostic tests, with some differences in colonoscopy use (not always directly accessible from Primary Care). Regarding perceptions, general support and osmotic laxatives are most valued by PC doctors, whereas osmotic laxatives, combined laxatives, and linaclotide are most valued by GE specialists. Furthermore, over half of respondents considered differentiating both diagnoses as challenging. Final...
Source: Revista Espanola de Enfermedades Digestivas - Category: Gastroenterology Tags: Rev Esp Enferm Dig Source Type: research