Description
Constipation is a bowel dysfunction that occurs when bowel movements are infrequent or difficult to pass. Symptoms include hard or dry stools, abdominal pain, bloating, and feeling like you haven't completely passed stool.
Constipation is usually not serious and can be treated. It can be caused by:
- Changes in routine, such as travel
- Changes in diet
- Brief illnesses, such as respiratory infections
- Medications, such as antibiotics or analgesics
- Not getting enough fiber
- Not drinking enough liquids
- Not getting enough physical activity
- Certain health conditions, such as celiac disease, diabetes, or Parkinson's disease
- Certain cancers, especially colorectal
- Some chemotherapy medicines
- Immunomodulatory medicines
This panel includes the following test:
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
Fasting not required.
Additional information about each test is listed below:
A Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) can be important for investigating constipation because it provides a broad overview of your body's chemical balance, including electrolytes which can be affected by certain underlying conditions that may contribute to constipation, like thyroid issues or electrolyte imbalances, thus helping to identify potential causes beyond simple lifestyle factors; a doctor can use this information to determine if further testing or specific treatments are needed to address the root cause of constipation.
A complete blood count (CBC) is important when investigating constipation because it can reveal signs of anemia, which could be caused by rectal bleeding often associated with straining during bowel movements due to constipation; this helps identify potential underlying medical conditions that might be contributing to the constipation and warrants further investigation.
A TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) test is important for investigating constipation because low TSH levels, indicating an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), can often lead to constipation due to the slowing down of digestive processes throughout the body, making bowel movements infrequent and difficult to pass; therefore, checking TSH levels can help identify a potential underlying cause for constipation and guide appropriate treatment.
