Constipation: Causes, Symptoms, Tests, Treatment, And Prevention

OVER VIEW

Constipation is one of the common stomach problems, like diarrhea, all over the world.

Research in India suggests that 22% of the adult population suffers from this condition while 13% complain of severe constipation, and 6% suffer from concomitant diseases.

NOTE: Constipation is that condition, In which our poop becomes hard, lumpy, and dry, which creates stiffness or pain while leaving.

It can be Acute and Chronic.

• Acute constipation may cause closure of the intestine, which may even require surgery (1).

• Common causes of chronic constipation include lack of fiber and lack of liquids.

Epidemiological studies have shown that a higher prevalence of chronic constipation is associated with increased age (2).

Causes of Constipation

There are common causes of constipation. which include:

Lack of fiber – High dietary fiber, which promotes regular stool, especially works well when a person is in proper hydration.

Lack of physical activity – People who exercise regularly are generally less developed to constipation.

A 2013 study found that more enhancement in physical activity can help improve constipation in adults.

Certain Medicines– Pain relievers like opiates, Antispasmodics like dicyclomine, Tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline, and many medicines (3).

Lack of water – Water plays an essential role to keep stools soft, and preventing stool from drying, and hard.

Other causes are:

• Pregnancy
• Aging
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Travelling causes a change in routine, which affects the digestive system.
• Intestinal blockage
• Chemotherapy, and pain relief medicines can promote constipation.

Delayed emptying of the colon from pelvic floor disorders, especially in women, and colon surgery (4).

Constipation During Pregnancy

However, it is more common in women than in men. moreover, severe constipation is more clearly visible in older women as compared to men (5).

According to a source, 40% of pregnant women experience constipation. 

During pregnancy, hormone changes cause relaxation of your body muscles including decreased intestinal movement, which leads to constipation.

However, it is more seen in the last months, which increase progesterone hormone and delayed intestinal tempting, because of mechanical pressure.

Reports show that women are more likely to suffer from constipation during the premenopausal period, due to which fluctuations in hormones and emotions can be seen (6).

Learn More About – Obesity, And Pregnancy.

Symptoms

Its symptoms may include.

• Difficulty in passing stool
• Stools that are hard, lumpy, and dry
• Stomach Pain
• Applying more pressure while pouring
• Bloated feeling
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite

If you see problems like blood in the stool, or constant pain in the stomach during constipation, then it can be a sign of a medical problem. talk to the doctor.

Complications

Yes, long-time constipation can lead to other various health problems, but how?

It’s slowly damaging your internal part, which causes other health problems including:

• Infection, that affects the colon wall, becomes trapped, which leads to the infection condition diverticulitis.
• Fecal impaction, a condition, was too much stool in the rectum.
• Piles
• Fissures, this condition may occur when you pass hard or large stools.
• Bowel incontinence (the leakage of liquid stools).

Diagnose and Tests

If you have frequent or troubled constipation, then you must talk to your healthcare provider. there are many tests that can diagnose severe constipation.

Doctors may also ask about your Medical history, Lifestyle habits, and routine Physical examination to allow the doctor to define the type you have.

Other tests are available. which include:

• Blood tests
• Imaging test
• X-ray
• Colonoscopy, In this your internal view of your colon checked with a scope.

Treatment of Constipation

There are many medicines available for its treatment, whether it is homeopathy or allopathy, also many more ayurvedic and home remedies are available.

Here is some recommendation, that you should take while constipation, it really helps you.

Natural Ways

• Drink lots of water
• Promote exercise in your life.
• Decide on your departure time.
• Reduce intake of this food including meat, milk, cheese, and processed foods.
• Eat fiber-related food including:

1. Vegetables
2. Whole grains
3. Nuts
4. Fruits
5. Chickpeas, and other legumes

• Avoiding holding stool
• Take herbal remedies, which are an excellent way to get relief from constipation.

Medicines

• Medicines like laxatives are a type of medicine that can treat constipation.
• Taking over-the-counter medicines, like Metamucil, and Benefiber, but only taken under a doctor’s guidance.
• Homeopathy and allopathy are also avaliable.

Prevention

You just have to these things in mind for prevention, they include:

• Drink enough water around 2 to 3 liters a day, and pregnant, and breastfeeding women need more water approx 2.5 to 3 liters a day.

• Travelers should also drink enough water, but clear water, otherwise may diarrhea happen.

• Eat high-fiber fruits, which promote a healthy gut.

• Avoid excessive caffeine, alcohol, and dehydration.

• At least do 1-hour daily exercise

• Do yoga including cobra, and bow.

Some studies have shown that adding probiotics to your diet can help this illness, just remember to drink plenty of water with them.

Learn More About – Benefits Of Drinking Enough Water, and Side Effects.

When We Need a Doctor?

It has been indicated that patients with chronic constipation, especially those with dyssynergic defecation, had had an important psychological disorder (7).

You should talk to the doctor if you have severe pain, blood in your stool, and constipation that lasts for more than 2 weeks.

This can often be due to diet and poor lifestyle.

For other symptoms, if this is seen, consult the doctor:

• Without any reason suddenly start constipation
• Difficulty in passing gas
• Fever
• Vomitting
• Blood in stool
• Frequent pain in the stomach

BOTTOM LINE

If you see problems like blood in the stool, or constant pain in the stomach during constipation, then it can be a sign of a medical problem. talk to the doctor.

However, it is more common in women than in men. moreover, severe constipation is more clearly visible in older women as compared to men.

During pregnancy, hormone changes cause the relaxation of your body muscles including decreased intestinal movement, which leads to constipation.