Fresh perspectives in chronic constipation and other functional bowel disorders.

Functional bowel disorders (FBDs) such as chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome-constipation predominant (IBS-C) often share symptoms, but thanks to advances such as the Rome III criteria, diagnosis of these conditions in the absence of alarm features can be relatively straightforward. Empiric treatment is recommended for most patients, with diagnostic testing reserved for those with alarm symptoms. Most current therapies for constipation are indicated for patients with occasional symptoms, with only lubiprostone and tegaserod (restricted) indicated for chronic constipation. Therapies for IBS-C also are limited. However, ongoing research provides promise for improved outcomes in patients with FBDs.