Constipation, a common functional gastrointestinal disorder, has become a matter of concern for many people around the world, affecting the elderly more than the younger population. In most cases, however, it is a mild condition that can be effectively treated with basic care by controlling symptoms at a reasonable cost.
Constipation is a condition marked by painful or delayed bowel movements. A person is typically considered to be constipated when their bowel motions result in the passing of only tiny amounts of hard, dry stool, often less than three times per week. However, it varies widely from person to person. Some people have bowel movements several times a day, while others have them only one to two times a week. A bowel movement pattern is unique and normal for every person as long as it is continuous without any significant change.
Symptoms of constipation include:
Normally, nutrients are absorbed as food passes through the digestive system. The small intestine’s leftover partially digested food (waste) travels to the large intestine, often known as the colon. This waste is turned into a solid substance called stool by the colon, which absorbs water from it. Food may transit the digestive tract too slowly in the case of constipation. Because of the additional time the colon is given, the water in the waste might become absorbed. It gets harder to push the stool out as it becomes dry and firm.
Consuming low-fiber meals, less water, consuming milk products, less physical activity or stress cause constipation.
There are many causes of constipation. These include:
There are certain factors that can increase the risk of constipation. These include:
Cancers of the large and small intestines: Cancers in the large and small intestines narrows the intestinal lumen and can cause constipation. Most of the time, this is associated with blood in the stool.
Constipation can lead to certain disorders like:
The doctor may or may not order any tests depending on the symptoms, medical history and overall health.
Constipation can be treated in the following ways based on the severity of the disease:
Most of the mild or moderate constipation can be handled at home. Few changes in the lifestyle can easily cure constipation. These include:
Surgery: In very rare cases if there is any structural deformity in the colon or the patient is diagnosed with cancer, the doctor may suggest surgery.
Certain healthy habits, when acquired, can help in avoiding constipation. Eating a well-balanced diet with plenty of fibre-rich foods, drinking 8-ounce glasses of water a day, avoiding too many caffeinated drinks, avoiding alcohol, exercising regularly, not delaying the urge to move the bowels, etc can all prevent constipation. In some cases, constipation can be due to underlying conditions like cancer or deformity in the colon, etc., wherein urgent medical care should be sought.
Constipation
Constipation; Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention (clevelandclinic.org)
Constipation: A Global Perspective
English | World Gastroenterology Organisation
Does neurological disorders cause constipation?
Does neurological disorders cause constipation? (norushcharge.com)
Can Constipation Cause Urinary Incontinence?
Can Constipation Cause Urinary Incontinence? (nafc.org)
Medications that cause constipation
http://www.happybowel.com/medications-that-cause-constipation/
Constipation in neurological diseases
About Author –
Consultant Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist and Therapeutic Endoscopist , Yashoda Hospitals – Hyderabad
MD, DM (Gastroenterology)
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