According to statistics, the prevalence of adult constipation in China is 3% to 17%, the prevalence of chronic constipation is 4% to 6%, and increases with age, the prevalence of chronic constipation in people over 60 years old can be as high as 22%. The prevalence of women is higher than that of men, the prevalence ratio of men to women is 1:1.22 to 1:4.56. The occurrence of constipation is related to work stress and psychosocial factors. Women, low body mass index, low literacy, and those living in densely populated areas are more likely to suffer from constipation. Low-fiber foods and reduced fluid intake can increase the likelihood of chronic constipation, and laxative abuse can aggravate constipation. Constipation can be caused by a variety of factors, including functional disorders of the intestinal tract, organic diseases, and many drugs can also cause constipation. Among the causes of chronic constipation, most of them are functional disorders, including functional constipation, functional bowel disorders and constipated irritable bowel syndrome. A proper diet, drinking more water, exercising, and establishing good bowel habits are the basic treatment measures for chronic constipation. Drugs for constipation include volumetric laxatives, osmotic laxatives, stimulant laxatives and prokinetic drugs. Among them, stimulant laxatives include bisacodyl, phenolphthalein, anthraquinones and castor oil, which act on the enteric nervous system to enhance intestinal motility and stimulate intestinal secretion. Studies have shown that long-term use of anthraquinone laxatives can lead to colonic melanosis, and short-term, intermittent use of stimulant laxatives is recommended. Psychological guidance and cognitive therapy are available for patients with combined psychosomatic disorders and sleep disorders. For constipation due to pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, biofeedback is an effective treatment. Other treatment methods include probiotics, herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage and tui-na, sacral nerve stimulation, and surgical treatment. At present, the number of patients with chronic constipation who really need surgical treatment is still a minority.