Poster 322 Restricted Eating Patterns in Chronic Constipation Are Associated With Bloating and Abdominal Symptoms More so Than Rectal and Stool Symptoms
Author Insight from Kyle Staller, MD, MPH, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School
What’s new here and important for clinicians?
Many patients with chronic constipation attribute their symptoms to dietary factors, and restrictive eating is a common phenomenon among patients in this population. We found that abdominal symptoms (i.e. bloating), much more so than rectal symptoms (i.e. straining, incomplete evacuation), predicted restricted eating practices. Patients with abdominal symptoms of constipation are the most likely to restrict their eating and could benefit from structured, evidence-based dietary interventions rather than their own, self-imposed diets.
What do patients need to know?
Among those suffering from chronic constipation, bloating and abdominal symptoms clearly affect eating patterns. Those patients suffering from constipation and bloating/abdominal discomfort could be better candidates for guided dietary interventions that can improve these symptoms.
Author Contact
Kyle Staller, MD, MPH, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School
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