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Chronic Idiopathic Constipation

Struggling with persistent constipation? At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Nghia Nguyen offers care for chronic idiopathic constipation, using comprehensive evaluation and tailored treatments—from dietary changes and medications to advanced therapies—to restore regularity and improve your digestive health, quality of life.

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Nghia Nguyen

About the Expert

Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.

What Is Chronic Idiopathic Constipation?

Chronic idiopathic constipation is a long-term disorder characterized by infrequent or difficult bowel movements (typically fewer than three per week) lasting at least three months, with no identifiable underlying cause on standard testing.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

  • Low dietary fiber intake
  • Insufficient fluid consumption
  • Lack of regular physical activity
  • Medications (e.g., opioids, anticholinergics, antidepressants)
  • Slow colonic transit or pelvic floor dysfunction
  • Family history of constipation
  • Advancing age

Signs and Symptoms

  • Fewer than three bowel movements per week
  • Hard, lumpy, or small stools
  • Straining or pain during defecation
  • Sensation of incomplete evacuation
  • Bloating or abdominal discomfort

How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses This Condition?

Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:

Medical History and Exam

He reviews your symptoms, diet, lifestyle habits, medication use, and any family history of bowel disorders.

Blood Tests

Checks thyroid function, electrolytes, and other labs to rule out metabolic or endocrine causes of constipation.

Imaging & Endoscopy

  • Abdominal X-ray or CT scan if there are warning signs such as unexplained weight loss or severe pain.
  • Colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy to exclude structural abnormalities, strictures, or inflammation.

Specialized Tests

  • Anorectal Manometry - measures the strength and coordination of the pelvic floor and anal sphincter muscles.
  • Balloon Expulsion Test - evaluates how well you can expel a small balloon, testing pelvic floor function.
  • Colonic Transit Study - tracks the movement of markers through your colon to assess transit time.
Dr. Nghia Nguyen
Treatment

Our Team offers a full range of care for chronic idiopathic constipation.

1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications

  • Gradual fiber increase (25-35 g daily) with personalized meal planning
  • Hydration guidance (8-10 cups of water per day)
  • Customized activity programs (walking, stretching, yoga)
  • Establishing regular bathroom routines

2. Medications

  • Osmotic laxatives (e.g., polyethylene glycol) to draw water into the colon
  • Stool softeners (e.g., docusate sodium) to ease stool passage
  • Stimulant laxatives (e.g., senna, bisacodyl) to promote bowel contractions
  • Prescription agents (e.g., linaclotide, lubiprostone) for chronic management

3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures

  • Biofeedback therapy to retrain pelvic floor muscles
  • Transanal irrigation for regulated colon cleansing
  • Sacral nerve stimulation in refractory or severe cases
  • Botox injections to relax tight pelvic floor muscles
Dr Nghia Nguyen

About the Author

Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is chronic idiopathic constipation?

Chronic idiopathic constipation is long-lasting constipation without a known cause, typically defined by fewer than three bowel movements per week for at least three months.

What is the ICD-10 code for it?

The ICD-10 code for chronic idiopathic constipation is K59.0 (Constipation, not otherwise specified).

What are the common symptoms?

Symptoms include hard or small stools, straining during bowel movements, a feeling of blockage or incomplete evacuation, bloating, and abdominal discomfort.

How is it diagnosed by Dr. Nguyen?

Dr. Nguyen reviews your medical history and performs a physical exam, blood tests, imaging or endoscopy if needed, and special tests like anorectal manometry, balloon expulsion, or colon transit studies.

Can diet and lifestyle changes help?

Yes. Gradually increasing fiber intake, drinking plenty of water, staying active, and keeping a regular bathroom schedule can significantly improve symptoms.

When should I see a specialist?

See a specialist if you experience severe pain, rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, or no relief from home remedies despite dietary and lifestyle changes.

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