Expert Videos

Expert gastroenterologist Dr. Satish Rao describes the long-term bowel problem of chronic constipation and the possible causes. He explains the difference between chronic and occasional constipation, how many bowel movements a week is considered constipation, and what can cause occasional constipation. He also describes primary and secondary chronic constipation and what medications and conditions can cause secondary constipation. Dr. Rao also discusses opioid-induced constipation and when the medical term "chronic idiopathic constipation" is appropriate.

Expert gastroenterologist Dr. Satish Rao shares the most current medical thinking about chronic constipation symptoms, including the six most common symptoms. He explains how many of these you are likely to have if your doctor diagnoses chronic constipation. Dr. Rao also reviews when constipation can be a sign of a serious condition, including sudden constipation and bleeding. He suggests questions to ask yourself and your doctor about possible constipation causes, including any new medications.

Dr. Jeanetta Frye, expert on chronic constipation, discusses the various risk factors for this condition. She explains how gender and chronic constipation can be related, as well as the role of surgery in causing chronic constipation. Finally, Dr. Frye describes medical treatments and conditions that can cause chronic constipation.

Gastroenterologist Dr. Jeanetta Frye explains the difference between chronic constipation and occasional constipation (also called intermittent constipation). The main factor is how long-lasting the constipation is and when it occurs. Constipation due to travel or changes in diet is usually occasional.

Dr. Satish Rao, an expert on chronic constipation, explains that many people have difficulty remembering their chronic constipation symptoms accurately. Keeping track of your symptoms can include writing down the time of bowel movements, any medications you use, what you eat and drink, and more. Dr. Rao notes that apps are now available to keep track of symptoms. Writing symptoms down in a diary or using a constipation app gives your doctor better information than trying to remember on your own.

Dr. Satish Rao, an expert on chronic constipation, explains which medical conditions your doctor should test for if you have long-lasting constipation. These conditions include Parkinson's disease, diabetes and others. Treating the condition may relieve constipation.

Medical expert Dr. Satish Rao describes how chronic constipation is diagnosed, including the use of medical history and tests that can identify a condition causing it. He explains when a colonoscopy is needed and what other tests you may have, including a colon transit study and a motility capsule. Dr. Rao also describes how anorectal manometry and the balloon expulsion test can help doctors find the source of constipation.

In this video, Dr. Satish Rao, an expert on chronic constipation, describes the importance of taking a complete medical history and doing an appropriate abdominal and rectal exam to identify chronic constipation. He discusses common concerns about these exams, how they are generally painless, and important ways to learn more about the cause of constipation.

Expert on chronic constipation Dr. Jeanetta Frye reviews the specific symptoms that may mean you have chronic constipation. These include having constipation for a certain length of time, having a certain number of bowel movements each week, and what your bowel movements look and feel like. Dr. Frye also discusses how you may feel after a bowel movement and what you need to do to have one if you have chronic constipation.

Dr. Jeanetta Frye, an expert on chronic constipation, discusses the "red flags" that mean you should talk to your doctor immediately, including bleeding, losing weight, and sudden changes in your bowel movements. Learn about the symptoms that could mean a serious condition is causing your constipation.

In this video, Dr. Satish Rao, an expert on chronic constipation, discusses how often you should see your doctor at first for your chronic constipation and how long it may take to stabilize this condition. He also talks about whether you need further testing after diagnosis, when you may need repeat testing, and what to do if the treatment stops working.

Expert gastroenterologist Dr. Jeanetta Frye details how you can be an informed patient regarding your chronic constipation. This includes asking your doctor how they know you have chronic constipation, tracking your constipation symptoms, and learning about diet and lifestyle changes.

Gastroenterologist Dr. Satish Rao discusses the current treatment options for chronic constipation, including lifestyle changes, medications, and biofeedback. Treatment for people with diabetes or another condition causing constipation may require seeing additional specialists. Learn if your primary care doctor can help you manage your chronic constipation and if stress and anxiety might play a role.

Gastroenterologist Dr. Jeanetta Frye explains the importance of fiber and hydration for chronic constipation, as well as tracking your symptoms to manage any bloating from increased fiber. Prunes and other high-fiber foods such as whole grains may be helpful, but Dr. Frye suggests finding and working with a dietitian specializing in bowel disorders and chronic constipation, as personalized recommendations can help the most.

Gastroenterology expert Dr. Jeanetta Frye talks about the importance of "listening to your colon" when you have chronic constipation. She discusses helpful bowel habits, how often to exercise, and the role of diet and hydration in managing chronic constipation at home.

Gastroenterology expert Dr. Satish Rao discusses the main treatments for chronic constipation, including over-the-counter medications. These include stimulant laxatives and stool softeners. He also talks about polyethylene glycol for constipation, and specific FDA-approved medications including lubiprostone, linaclotide, plecanatide, and prucalopride. These drugs are approved for a condition called "chronic idiopathic constipation," and Dr. Rao discusses the meaning of this term.

Gastroenterology expert Dr. Satish Rao describes several new clinical trials for chronic constipation, including the use of a vibrating capsule and a new drug approved in Japan, elobixibat. Other trials include further studies of biofeedback, which already helps some forms of chronic constipation. Dr. Rao recommends the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) clinical trials database to find trials. Learn about other sources to find clinical trials and the importance of research volunteers in developing chronic constipation treatments.

In this video, Dr. Jeanetta Frye, an expert on chronic constipation, describes how to prepare questions for your doctor. She also discusses tracking your symptoms and bowel movements, discussing your best treatment options, and asking about side effects, cost of medications, and finding constipation treatment near you.

Dr. Satish Rao, an expert on chronic constipation and other digestive system diseases, reviews the latest advances in the treatment of chronic constipation in adults. He discusses a newly approved vibrating capsule that helps to alleviate chronic constipation and explains its benefits and how it works.

Expert gastroenterologist Dr. Satish Rao reviews the latest non-drug management interventions for chronic constipation in adults. He discusses the use of sacral neuromodulation and interferential current therapy for treating chronic constipation. Dr. Rao emphasizes that there are several treatment options for chronic constipation and the critical step is to identify the mechanisms causing constipation, in order to find a solution and help the majority of patients.

Dr. Jeanetta Frye and Dr. Satish Rao, experts on digestive system diseases and constipation, discuss the latest over-the-counter treatment options for occasional constipation. He reviews some of the traditional treatment approaches and then discusses new approaches including senna with magnesium, fruit-based compounds (kiwifruit, mango), fructooligosaccharides, newer fiber supplements and combination fiber supplements to relieve occasional constipation in adults.

In this video, expert gastroenterologist Dr. Jeanetta Frye explains what opioid medications are and how opioid-induced constipation, or OIC, is part of a syndrome caused by these medications that are often prescribed for pain.

Dr. Satish Rao, an expert on constipation and the digestive system, explains the various ways that opioid medicines affect the nerves and muscles of the gut. Their action can cause constipation and other health problems. He also describes how recent research shows these medicines can actually be a source of pain and inflammation instead of relieving it.

Dr. Jeanetta Frye explains the symptoms of opioid-induced constipation, including decreased frequency of bowel movements, straining, hard bowel movements and bloating. She describes when this condition is likely to start and get worse. Dr. Frye also mentions warning signs of a serious condition, including bleeding and sudden symptoms, and what to ask your doctor if you are over 50.

Gastroenterologist Dr. Satish Rao explains that while opioids can cause many side effects, including constipation, they are very effective for relieving certain types of pain. Opioids can relieve pain that is not managed with over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (paracetamol) and other readily available medications. A condition such as severe back pain, a fall or other injury, or even a heart attack are all examples of conditions for which doctors might prescribe opioids to relieve pain.

Dr. Jeanetta Frye, an expert on the bowel and digestive system, explains that it is important to know if opioids are right for you and if you are taking the correct opioid dose. It is important to communicate honestly with your doctors about all your symptoms, including your pain level and constipation. Having all your doctors share information can be a key to managing both pain and opioid-induced constipation.

Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is the most likely diagnosis if your constipation symptoms began around the same time you started taking opioid medications. Gastroenterologist Dr. Jeanetta Frye describes what questions your doctor is likely to ask about your constipation, including your daily routine, exercise, intake of water and other fluids, and diet. She explains how a rectal exam can be important to look for other possible causes of constipation.

Gastroenterologist Dr. Satish Rao describes the process of diagnosing opioid-induced constipation. A thorough diagnosis includes comparing the dates when constipation started and when the patient began taking opioids, and more. Dr. Rao explains additional tests to find the cause of constipation, what an abdominal X-ray can tell your doctor, and how opioid medications may be just one factor in bowel problems.

Dr. Jeanetta Frye, an expert on chronic constipation, says communication with your doctor is key in diagnosing opioid-induced constipation, or OIC. The best situation is to have a pain specialist (or other healthcare provider who can prescribe opioid medicines), work with the gastroenterologist and patient to find the lowest dose of opioids that will control pain. Talking openly and honestly with your doctor about all your symptoms is very important to diagnosing and managing OIC.

Gastroenterologist Dr. Jeanetta Frye describes lifestyle changes that can help treat opioid-induced constipation (OIC). These can include exercise, fiber, and hydration. Dr. Frye describes the medications available without a prescription and when it is time to talk with your doctor about prescription medications and other possible treatments for OIC.

In this video, expert gastroenterologist Dr. Satish Rao describes ways to manage your opioid-induced constipation (OIC) on your own. These include learning the best timing for your opioid medications and how to adjust and space out doses. He also discusses long-term approaches to pain management, including yoga and progressive muscle relaxation, and the importance of giving these approaches time to work. Finally, Dr. Rao discusses the role of diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes in reducing OIC and pain.

Gastroenterologist Dr. Jeanetta Frye, an expert on chronic constipation, discusses the main prescription medications available to treat opioid-induced constipation (OIC).  These medications include lubiprostone, methylnaltrexone bromide, naloxegol and naldemidine. Dr. Frye explains how each one works to help relieve OIC, such as by blocking the effects of opioid medications in the digestive system.

Dr. Satish Rao, an expert on constipation, explains the options for reducing or living without opioid-induced constipation (OIC) and how talking with your doctor in detail can help you explore options that may help. These include changing your dosage, using non-opioid medications to control pain, and trying prescription medications to block the effects of opioids on the digestive system (opioid antagonists).

In this video, expert gastroenterologist Dr. Jeanetta Frye discusses the importance of knowing why you are taking opioid medications and taking the lowest possible dose. She explains that other options are available to treat chronic pain, such as changing your pain medicine and taking a non-opioid medication. Talking with the doctor who prescribes your opioid medication is a key step in managing and reducing opioid-induced constipation (OIC).

Dr. Satish Rao, a noted gastroenterologist, explains the importance of participating in clinical trials. This is the main way researchers discover new treatments for all conditions, including opioid-induced constipation (OIC). He recommends the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) clinical trials database and other sources to find clinical trials for constipation and OIC.

Gastroenterologist Dr. Jeanetta Frye suggests questions to ask your doctor about treating opioid-induced constipation (OIC). These include why you are taking opioid medications, what side effects may happen with various medications, and what other treatment options may help you control pain and avoid constipation.

Expert gastroenterologist Dr. Satish Rao reviews the latest advances in the treatment of opioid-induced constipation (OIC). He also discusses strategies and tips for managing opioid-induced constipation. Dr. Rao urges all patients to be upfront with their providers about any medications they are taking, particularly opioids. He also urges providers to look carefully at the list of medications their patients are taking. Dr. Rao explains that the silver lining on the horizon is the development of peripherally acting μ-opioid receptor antagonists (PAMORAs) which act to neutralize the effect of opioids on gut receptors.

Dr. Satish Rao, an expert on constipation, describes dyssynergic defecation, including how common it is in people with chronic constipation. He discusses what his own and others' research tells us about the causes of this disorder, including surgery, injury, and abuse. A few people have dyssynergic defecation with no known cause. 

Gastroenterologist Dr. Satish Rao discusses what to tell your doctor about your constipation symptoms. Learn about the main symptom that tells your doctor you may have dyssynergic defecation, why you may still be constipated if you have frequent bowel movements, and the telltale sign of dyssynergic defecation related to laxatives and other constipation medications.

Digestive system expert Dr. Jeanetta Frye describes how muscle tension and lack of muscle coordination can play a role in the development of dyssynergic defecation. Back surgery, pelvic floor surgery, and childbirth can also put people at risk. Physical problems, including rectal problems, can be another factor in developing this type of chronic constipation.

Gastroenterologist and constipation expert Dr. Satish Rao describes specific ways doctors can diagnose dyssynergic defecation, such as digital rectal examination and anorectal manometry. He also describes how the balloon expulsion test is done, and the value of defecography and colon transit studies in making a definite diagnosis of this condition.

Dr. Satish Rao, an expert on constipation and dyssynergic defecation, discusses the role of biofeedback in training people to develop healthy bowel movement patterns. This technique makes muscle effort visible in order to teach improved coordination, potentially including posture and breathing. Dr. Rao describes how effective this type of physical therapy can be in resolving dyssynergic defecation. The use of home biofeedback devices can help if a therapist or specialty treatment center is not available nearby.

Dr. Satish Rao, an expert on dyssynergic defecation and constipation, talks with gastroenterologist Dr. Jeanetta Frye about the latest advances in the treatment of dyssynergic defecation. He discusses strategies and tips for helping individuals with dyssynergic defecation including biofeedback therapy and how to optimize working with a physical therapist. He talks about a new biofeedback therapy device in development that can be used with a smartphone app at home.