Functional constipation and related health care seeking are common in the Canadian population and are strongly determined by the definition used. The Rome II criteria for this disorder seem to be satisfactory, but modifications may be considered to allow for constipated subjects taking laxatives and to increase the number of qualifying symptoms.

Constipation is common in the Canadian population and significantly impairs health-related quality of life. Poor quality of life is an important predictor of health care utilization in these subjects.

The Rome II criteria and questionnaires developed to identify functional gastrointestinal disorders have not been evaluated. Our objectives were to determine the prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders in Canada, compare our results with data from other published studies, assess concordance of Rome I and Rome II criteria for irritable bowel syndrome, and suggest improvements in the Rome II questionnaire. An independent research firm was employed to conduct a random digit dial national survey, inviting household members > or = 18 years of age to participate in a study examining personal health issues. Subjects recruited by telephone, who agreed to participate, were mailed a questionnaire, and the data were retrieved by a follow-up phone call. The Rome II questionnaire and algorithms were used and where possible Rome I algorithms were also applied. At least one functional gastrointestinal disorder occurred in 61.7% of 1149 respondents (65.6% female versus 57.6% male; P < 0.05). The most prevalent were the functional bowel disorders at 41.6% followed by esophageal disorders at 28.9%. Irritable bowel syndrome prevalence by Rome II and I criteria were 12.1% and 13.5%, respectively (kappa = 0.76). Because the Rome II criteria have added exclusion items that are not present in the Rome I criteria, the prevalence of esophageal, gastroduodenal, and anorectal disorders is lower than the figures from a US market survey. In conclusion, functional gastrointestinal disorders are highly prevalent in Canada, with a significantly higher rate in women. There is substantial agreement between Rome I and Rome II criteria for irritable bowel syndrome. Rome criteria and questionnaire remain works in progress.

A large proportion of Canadian primary care patients whose presenting complaint or diagnosis was constipation satisfied the Rome II criteria for IBS, with a smaller number defined as functionally constipated. IBS patients tended to be younger than those with functional constipation, and whole gut transit times did not differentiate IBS from functional constipation. Careful questioning of patients who complain of constipation may reveal constipating medication, diarrhea symptoms or IBS.

The lower rate of admissions for chest pain patients is the first published evidence of prehospital drug treatment's reducing hospital utilization in a sub-group of such medical patients. The "Symptom Relief Drug Program" is effective in improving patients' field conditions and can decrease ED LOS in hypoglycemic persons receiving glucagon injections. More outcome research pertaining to ambulance-administered prehospital drug treatment is warranted.