Constipation in Cancer & Serious Illness: Causes and Physiology (Palliative Care Doctor Explains)

Constipation is one of the most common—yet least discussed—symptoms for patients living with cancer or advanced chronic illnesses. In this video, Dr. Jonathan Wong, a Palliative Care physician, breaks down the medical physiology of how the intestines function and the various factors that cause them to slow down. Understanding the root cause of constipation is essential for finding the right treatment. We discuss everything from lifestyle and situational factors to complex medical causes and the science behind Opioid-Induced Constipation (OIC). In this video, you will learn: The Definition: How doctors use the Rome IV criteria to diagnose constipation. The Brain-Gut Axis: Why the connection between your nervous system and your intestines is vital for regular movement. Common Causes: From lifestyle factors and dehydration to physical or structural changes and metabolic changes. Opioid-Induced Constipation (OIC): A look into why pain medications affect the mu receptors in your gut and why this isn't an "allergy." Constipation can significantly impact quality of life, but understanding the why is the first step toward finding relief. #Palliative Care #Constipation #OpioidInducedConstipation #CancerSupport #HospiceCare #MedicalEducation #DrJonathanWong *Link to the introductory/welcome video for this channel:    • Welcome to Palliative Care Explained! Decl...   00:00 Intro 01:03 Welcome and disclaimer 02:05 What is constipation? 03:26 How things normally work 05:21 Physiology 06:26 Causes - situational and lifestyle factors 07:27 Medical causes 10:21 Medications and side effects 11:51 Opioid induced constipation 13:36 Summary About this channel: Welcome to Palliative Care Explained - a channel aimed at answering your questions about palliative care and end of life care. My name is Dr. Jonathan Wong (MD, FRCPC) and I am a palliative care doctor based out of Winnipeg, Canada. Brought online March 28, 2025, Palliative Care Explained is a channel aimed at answering your questions about palliative care. My formal medical training is in internal medicine and palliative care and I have been working in the field of palliative care since 2011. It is my hope that this channel will better inform viewers about palliative care, end of life care and living with a serious illness. Intro music written & recorded by: Jonathan Wong Committee advisors: Dr. P. Daeninck MD, MSc, FRCPC Dr. E. Giannouli MD, FRCPC Dr. J. Strutinsky-Mason MD, MSc, MRCP (UK) Disclaimer and medical-legal statements: *As a medical professional speaking to you, I hereby declare that I do not have any conflicts of interest that would compromise the integrity of the presented information. *I do not have any financial sponsors nor am I receiving any funding from the pharmaceutical industry. *This channel and its production, is my own undertaking, with support from other palliative care experts. *This video series is for educational purposes only and is intended for audiences in Canada. *The presented information may not be applicable to all viewers. *I am not providing any direct medical treatment or advice to the viewer. *These videos are not meant to imply or establish a therapeutic relationship with the viewer. *These videos are not to replace or subvert the advice from the viewer’s own doctor or health care provider team. *Any further questions should be directed to the medical team most familiar with the viewer’s unique situation. References and further reading: Palliative Medicine – A Cased Based Manual Fourth Edition MacDonald S, Herx L, Boyle A Copyright Oxford University Press 2022. Published by Oxford University Press. Oxford Textbook of Palliative Medicine Sixth Edition Cherny N, Fallon M, Kaasa S, Portenoy R, Currow D. Copyright Oxford University Press 2021. Published by Oxford University Press. JAMA Evidence Care at the close of life – Evidence and Experience McPhee S, Winker M, Rabow M, Pantilat S, Markowitz A Copyright American Medical Association 2011. Published by McGraw-Hill.