{"id":5673,"date":"2016-07-21T09:59:28","date_gmt":"2016-07-21T09:59:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/proctoclinic.gr\/diagnwstikes-exetaseis-dyskoiliotitas\/"},"modified":"2025-04-28T13:31:03","modified_gmt":"2025-04-28T13:31:03","slug":"diagnostic-test-and-constipation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/proctoclinic.gr\/en\/diagnostic-test-and-constipation\/","title":{"rendered":"Diagnostic tests and constipation"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Are diagnostic tests necessary in constipation?<\/h1>
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Most people do not need extensive tests to diagnose constipation and treat it. Only changes in diet and exercise are required. For example, in young people with mild symptoms, all a doctor needs to suggest a successful treatment is a medical history and physical examination. The possible tests needed to depend on the duration and severity of the constipation, the age of the person, whether there is blood in the stool, recent changes in bowel movements or weight loss.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

The medical history<\/h2>
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The doctor may ask the patient to describe their constipation in detail. That is, the duration of symptoms, the frequency of stools, the consistency of the stools, the presence of blood in the stools and his toilet habits, e.g. how often and where he stools. Recording dietary habits, medication and level of physical activity or exercise also help the doctor determine the cause of constipation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/p><\/div><\/p>\n

The clinical examination<\/h3>
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The physical examination may include a finger examination, with a lubricated glove, in order for the doctor to evaluate the muscle tone that closes the anus (anal sphincter) to detect tenderness, obstruction or blood. In some cases, blood and thyroid tests may be necessary.
\nExtended tests are usually reserved only for people with severe symptoms or sudden changes in the number and consistency of stools, or for those who have detected blood in the stool and for older adults. Specifically, in older adults, because of the increased risk of colorectal cancer, the doctor may use the following tests to rule out a diagnosis of cancer:<\/p>\n