Constipation

Constipation means fewer than three bowel movements per week, hard stool, straining, or incomplete evacuation. Most cases respond to fiber (25–35 g/day), fluids, regular activity, and over-the-counter osmotic laxatives like polyethylene glycol (Miralax). Clindle evaluates persistent constipation, screens for medication causes (opioids, iron, anticholinergics) and conditions like hypothyroidism, and prescribes prescription options (linaclotide, lubiprostone, plecanatide) when needed. New constipation with weight loss, blood in stool, or family history of colon cancer earns a GI referral.