A Primary Care Approach to Constipation in Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
This article is part of Special Issue:
Reshmi Mathew,
Barrett O. Attarha,
Govind Kallumkal,
Morgan Cribbin,
Christopher Izzo,
Linda Edwards,
Rafik Jacob,
Reshmi Mathew
University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, USA ufl.edu
Search for more papers by this authorBarrett O. Attarha
University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, USA ufl.edu
Search for more papers by this authorGovind Kallumkal
University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, USA ufl.edu
Search for more papers by this authorMorgan Cribbin
University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, USA ufl.edu
Search for more papers by this authorChristopher Izzo
University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, USA ufl.edu
Search for more papers by this authorLinda Edwards
University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, USA ufl.edu
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Rafik Jacob
University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, USA ufl.edu
Search for more papers by this authorReshmi Mathew,
Barrett O. Attarha,
Govind Kallumkal,
Morgan Cribbin,
Christopher Izzo,
Linda Edwards,
Rafik Jacob,
Reshmi Mathew
University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, USA ufl.edu
Search for more papers by this authorBarrett O. Attarha
University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, USA ufl.edu
Search for more papers by this authorGovind Kallumkal
University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, USA ufl.edu
Search for more papers by this authorMorgan Cribbin
University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, USA ufl.edu
Search for more papers by this authorChristopher Izzo
University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, USA ufl.edu
Search for more papers by this authorLinda Edwards
University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, USA ufl.edu
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Rafik Jacob
University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, USA ufl.edu
Search for more papers by this authorAcademic Editor: Rahman Shiri
Abstract
Constipation is a condition that is very prevalent and is reported in up to 40 percent of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Constipation in this patient population is most commonly secondary to neuromuscular abnormalities, immobility, suboptimal diet, and medication side effects. History taking is frequently limited in adults with IDD due to communication barriers, often leading to a missed diagnosis of constipation. Inadequately treated constipation may lead to adverse effects including behavioral disturbances, fecal impaction, intestinal obstruction, and even death from intestinal perforation and sepsis. As a result, a high index of suspicion must exist for this patient population. Treatment in these patients requires an individualized approach, to reduce the constipation and its associated health complications.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.
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