Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC)
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Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC) Overview

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Learn About Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC)

What is the definition of Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC)?
Chronic idiopathic (of unknown cause) constipation is a persistent condition that mainly affects females and older adults and is characterized by infrequent, hard, and lumpy stools that are extremely difficult to pass. This creates a buildup of stool in the colon that causes extreme abdominal and pelvic pain. While the cause is unknown, chronic idiopathic constipation may be triggered by reduced fluid and fiber intake; the use of certain medications, such as antihistamines, antipsychotic medications, opioids, general anesthetics, and antiparkinsonian drugs; changes in the colon; rectocele (rectum bulging into vagina); rectal prolapse (rectum protrudes through the anus); or dyssynergic dysfunction (disorder of muscles and sphincters that control defecation).
What are the symptoms of Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC)?
Symptoms of chronic idiopathic constipation may include chronic constipation (fewer than three bowel movements a week) that persists for six months or more with hard stools; a feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation; a sensation of a blockage in the rectum or anus; straining upon defecation; abdominal pain and bloating; back pain; poor appetite; a general feeling of being unwell (malaise); and the necessity of using the hands to facilitate defecation.
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What are the current treatments for Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC)?
Treatments for chronic idiopathic constipation include laxatives, such as milk of magnesia, lactulose, and polyethylene glycol (PEG); glycerin suppositories; enemas; stimulant laxatives, such as bisacodyl, glycerol, or sodium picosulfate; linaclotide; prucalopride; fiber laxatives, such as psyllium, calcium polycarbophil, inulin, and maltodextrin; prucalopride; velusetrag; lubiprostone; linaclotide; increased dietary fiber and water intake; probiotics; physical exercise; and biofeedback training.
Who are the top Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC) Local Doctors?
Elite in Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC)
Gastroenterology
Elite in Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC)
Gastroenterology
259 E Erie St Ste 1600, Lavin Family Pavilion, 
Chicago, IL 
Experience:
24+ years
Languages Spoken:
English
Offers Telehealth

Darren Brenner is a Gastroenterologist practicing medicine in Chicago, Illinois. He has been practicing medicine for over 24 years. Dr. Brenner is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC). He is also highly rated in 17 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Diarrhea, Gastrectomy, and Colonoscopy. Dr. Brenner is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine - Gastroenterology (Certified).

Elite in Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC)
Gastroenterology
Elite in Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC)
Gastroenterology

Cleveland Clinic Main Campus

2049 East 100th Street, 
Cleveland, OH 
Experience:
41+ years
Languages Spoken:
English
Offers Telehealth

Anthony Lembo is a Gastroenterologist practicing medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. He has been practicing medicine for over 41 years. Dr. Lembo is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC). He is also highly rated in 26 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Diarrhea, Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC), Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy. Dr. Lembo is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine.

 
 
 
 
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Elite in Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC)
Gastroenterology | Internal Medicine
Elite in Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC)
Gastroenterology | Internal Medicine

Taubman Center

1500 E Medical Center Dr, Floor 3 Reception D, 
Ann Arbor, MI 
Languages Spoken:
English
Offers Telehealth

Dr. Chey received his BA degree from the University of Pennsylvania and medical degree & training in internal medicine at the Emory University School of Medicine. He went on to complete a fellowship in gastroenterology at the University of Michigan. Since completing this fellowship, Dr. Chey has remained at the University of Michigan, where he is H. Marvin Pollard Professor of Gastroenterology, Professor of Nutrition Sciences, and Chief, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology. Dr. Chey runs a very active clinical research group which has received funding from federal and private sources. Dr. Chey has authored more than 400 manuscripts, reviews and book chapters yielding an H-index of 50. He is former Co-editor-in-Chief of the American Journal of Gastroenterology (2010-2016) and serves on the editorial boards of several other journals. He serves as a member of the Board of Trustees and in 2026, will become President of the American College of Gastroenterology. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Rome Foundation and IFFGD. He has participated in and directed numerous national and international continuing medical education programs in gastroenterology, and has been elected to the roster of Best Doctors since 2001 and America's™ Top Doctors since 2009. Dr. Chey has received numerous awards including the Berk-Fise Award for outstanding clinical service from the ACG, the Distinguished Clinician Award from the AGA, Dean’s Outstanding Clinician Award, Dean’s Award for Innovation and Commercialization, and the Healio Disruptive Innovator Award. Dr. Chey is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC). He is also highly rated in 25 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Diarrhea, Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC), Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy. Dr. Chey is board certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology.

What are the latest Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC) Clinical Trials?
Response Characteristics of the Dose-Effect Relationship in Acupuncture Treatment for Functional Constipation: A Randomized Controlled Study

Summary: This is a single-center, randomized, parallel-group trial evaluating the dose-response relationship of two experimental interventions: manual acupuncture and electroacupuncture for functional constipation. A total of 72 participants with functional constipation (Rome IV criteria) will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the manual acupuncture group or the electroacupuncture group. Both g...

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Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University

Summary: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and palatability of a developed polyethylene glycol-based formula compared with the standard polyethylene glycol (PEG) in the treatment of children with functional constipation for 8 weeks. Besides, we also aim to assess the side effects of a developed PEG-based formula as well as evaluate the change of rectal diameter from baseline at each visit between 2 ...