Organic or functional constipation, what are the differences?

How do you know if constipation is “natural” or the result of an illness? Dr. Jean-Jacques Raynaud, gastroenterologist, enlightens us.

Editorial Allo Doctors

Written 04/27/2024

If constipation is frequent and most often harmless, it may be a sign of a disease. In fact, “The older the constipation, the more functional it is”That is, it is not caused by a disease, explains Dr. Jean-Jacques Raynaud, a gastroenterologist.

But “Some organic diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, can also cause constipation.”he continues.

Read also: How can you prevent and relieve constipation?

Constipation: when should you worry?

To find out if constipation is caused by an illness, analyze “your land” Really, “If you are over 50 years old, have been constipated for a long time and have associated symptoms.”then you need to consult a doctor.

“Ask yourself: have you lost weight? Are you bleeding?”– continues the specialist. Another factor comes into play: a family history of colon cancer.

What is the cause of constipation?

When intestinal transit functions normally, after chewing and swallowing, food passes into the pharynx and then into the esophagus. In the stomach, food turns into “porridge” due to mechanical mixing and the action of gastric juices. Digestion continues in the small intestine, where the intestinal villi absorb nutrients. Substances that do not need to be absorbed enter the colon.

Digestion in the colon is essentially microbial degradation, of little nutritional value. Also at this level, dehydration of materials occurs. Water is reabsorbed by the colon. Feces are stored in the rectum and then evacuated by relaxation of the anal sphincter.

We talk about constipation when bowel movements occur abnormally infrequently. It is called chronic if it lasts for a long time. Causes can vary: poor diet, particularly a diet that is too low in fibre, anatomical conditions such as a colon that is too long, illness or taking certain medications.