What You May Not Know About Constipation

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Constipation, in short means that the stool doesn’t leave the body often enough for the individual to feel healthy. Symptoms of constipation are hard stools, straining when passing stools, or a feeling of not having emptied completely after a bowel movement. Frequency of bowel movement is highly individual, ranging from several times a day to a few times a week. Therefore, constipation cannot be diagnosed by regarding the frequency of bowel movements only. However, in general, a medical doctor will suspect constipation when the patient reports less than three bowel movements a week.

The most common reasons are low fluid intake (dehydration) and a diets low in fiber. Constipation can also occur as a result of an illness, medication (especially opiates and antidepressants). Hormones also effects bowel movements, especially estrogen, which might be the reason why women suffer more frequently from constipation than men. Traveling, change of food habits or even change of exercise might very well cause constipation.

Normally constipation is nothing to worry about and will resolve itself without medical treatment or any need for taking medication. Chronic or recurrent constipation should however be diagnosed and evaluated by a doctor. Chronic constipation does increase the risk of various sorts of cancers, can cause hemorrhoids and even rectal relapse.

There are various treatments for constipation including laxatives or natural stool softeners. Some laxatives are gut irritants, which means that the laxative irritates the intestines and thus increases bowel movements. Other laxative lubricates the intestines and feces, making it easier for the material to pass through the intestines. Constipation can also be treated with a water-based enema, which can also be performed at home. Laxatives and enemas should not be taken regularly since the body will soon get used to the extra “help” and the patient will find it hard to get back to normal. For long term treatment, life-style changes are usually necessary. High-fiber diet, to learn how to keep hydrated (drink more water, avoid tea and coffee), exercise and regular toilet habits will usually prevent constipation. Biofeedback has recently also emerged as new, drug-free alternative to manage constipation for patients with constipation related to pelvis floor dysfunction.

Constipation, in short means that the stool doesn’t leave the body often enough for the individual to feel healthy. Symptoms of constipation are hard stools, straining when passing stools, or a feeling of not having emptied completely after a bowel movement. Frequency of bowel movement is highly individual, ranging from several times a day to a few times a week. Therefore, constipation cannot be diagnosed by regarding the frequency of bowel movements only. However, in general, a medical doctor will suspect constipation when the patient reports less than three bowel movements a week.

The most common reasons are low fluid intake (dehydration) and a diets low in fiber. Constipation can also occur as a result of an illness, medication (especially opiates and antidepressants). Hormones also effects bowel movements, especially estrogen, which might be the reason why women suffer more frequently from constipation than men. Traveling, change of food habits or even change of exercise might very well cause constipation.

Normally constipation is nothing to worry about and will resolve itself without medical treatment or any need for taking medication. Chronic or recurrent constipation should however be diagnosed and evaluated by a doctor. Chronic constipation does increase the risk of various sorts of cancers, can cause hemorrhoids and even rectal relapse.

There are various treatments for constipation including laxatives or natural stool softeners. Some laxatives are gut irritants, which means that the laxative irritates the intestines and thus increases bowel movements. Other laxative lubricates the intestines and feces, making it easier for the material to pass through the intestines. Constipation can also be treated with a water-based enema, which can also be performed at home. Laxatives and enemas for constipation should not be taken regularly since the body will soon get used to the extra “help” and the patient will find it hard to get back to normal. For long term treatment, life-style changes are usually necessary. High-fiber diet, to learn how to keep hydrated (drink more water, avoid tea and coffee), exercise and regular toilet habits will usually prevent constipation. Biofeedback has recently also emerged as new, drug-free alternative to manage constipation for patients with constipation related to pelvis floor dysfunction.

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