Overview
Colonic inertia is a severe motility disorder where the colon has very slow movement, often requiring medical or surgical management.
Symptoms
• <3 BMs/week
• Difficulty passing stool
• Hard stools
• Bloating
• Abdominal discomfort
Causes
• Nerve dysfunction
• Muscle dysfunction
• Long-term laxative overuse
• Hypothyroidism
• Diabetes
• Idiopathic
Diagnosis
• Sitz marker study
• Motility testing
• Colonoscopy to rule out obstruction
Treatment
• High-dose fiber therapy (careful)
• Osmotic laxatives
• Prokinetics
• Pelvic floor therapy
• Subtotal colectomy (severe)
Self-Management
Consistent tracking of stool patterns, hydration, meals, and triggers helps identify what stimulates movement.