Background: Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) is a condition that widely affects the global population, represents relevant healthcare resource utilization and costs, and impacts the individual's well-being.
Objective: To review the consensus of expert societies and published guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of CIC in adults, seeking to assist reasoning and decision-making for medical management of patients with CIC and provide a practical reference material.
Methods: A Brazilian medical task force searched the scientific literature in the following electronic databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, SciELO, EMBASE and Cochrane, using the following descriptors: chronic constipation, diagnosis, management of chronic constipation. In addition, a review of articles on the mechanism of action, safety, and efficacy of therapeutic options available in Brazil was carried out.
Results: The diagnostic approach and the understanding of the pathophysiology present in CIC are essential items to indicate the appropriate therapy and to understand the ecosystem of the patient's needs.
Conclusion: CIC is a common condition in adults, occurring more frequently in the elderly and in women. Proper management is defined by detailed medical history and physical examination, together with appropriate therapeutics, regardless pharmacological or not, and depending on the best moment of indication. This way, the impact on quality of life is also optimized.