Abstract

Constipation is one of the most common symptoms experienced around the world. While routinely experienced in the general population, it also occurs in patients with unique medical backgrounds. This includes geriatric patients,those on chronic opiate medications and those with neurodegenerative diseases. General providers as well as Hospice and Palliative Medicine (HPM) providers need to be familiar with the presentation and management of constipation in these special patient populations. This article aims to provide such guidance with the use of both modern medical treatment as well as a complement of traditional therapies.