Expert Video - How is opioid-induced constipation (OIC) diagnosed?

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.

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Section: Diagnosing OIC

Animation - Diagnosing OIC

Slide Show - Diagnosing OIC

Other OIC Animations

Animation - Understanding OIC

Animation - Managing and Treating OIC

Expert Videos

1. How is opioid-induced constipation diagnosed?

2. Is opioid-induced constipation difficult to diagnose?

3. What questions should I ask my doctor about diagnosing OIC?

Other Sections in this Module:

Understanding Opioid-Induced Constipation (OIC)

Managing and Treating Opioid-Induced Constipation

Advances in Opioid-Induced Constipation

Other Modules:

Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C)

Chronic Constipation (CC)

Dyssynergic Defecation (DD)

Patient Stories

This educational activity has been developed by the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders and Mechanisms in Medicine Inc.

This activity is supported by independent educational grants from AbbVie, Ironwood Pharmaceuticals and Takeda.

This website is part of the Animated Patient^® series developed by Mechanisms in Medicine Inc., to provide highly visual formats of learning for patients to improve their understanding, make informed decisions, and partner with their healthcare professionals for optimal outcomes.