Summary of the Efficacy and Cautions of Lifestyle Modification and Medical Treatment
| Management | Level of evidence | Strength | Cautions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dietary fiber | ++ | ▲ | Slow-transit constipation and defecatory disorders |
| Exercise | + | ▽ | |
| Bulking agent | ++ | ▲ | Insoluble bulking agents (abdominal distention, flatulence) |
| Magnesium salt | +++ | ▲ | Impaired renal function, pregnancy, lactating women |
| Non-absorbable carbohydrates | + | ▲ | Bloating and flatulence |
| Polyethylene glycol | +++ | ▲ | Diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea |
| Stimulant agent | ++ | ▲ | Long-term safety and abuse |
| Probiotics | + | ▽ | Immunocompromised patients |
| Prucalopride | +++ | ▲ | Renal and hepatic impairment, elderly |
| Lubiprostone | +++ | ▲ | Nausea, hepatic dysfunction, pregnancy |
| Linaclotide | +++ | ▲ | Diarrhea |
+, low; ++, moderate; +++, high; ▲, strong; ▽, conditional.