A Guide to Understanding Constipation: From Symptoms to Treatment
Imagine waking up in the morning and not being able to pass stools comfortably. What discomfort that would be! Sadly, this is a reality for many individuals dealing with constipation. A survey reported that close to 16.8% of adults in India suffer from constipation. Considering this fact, it is important to be aware of what it means to be constipated, its symptoms, and how you can deal with it if you ever have a hard time passing stools.
What is Constipation?
Every individual has their own frequency of passing stools. Some go three times a day, whereas others are okay with having a bowel movement thrice a week. The road to becoming constipated typically starts when a person has fewer than normal bowel movements and has trouble passing stools.
A person is said to have constipation when they have fewer than three bowel movements or stools per week.
Why Do You Get Constipated?
Normally, as food passes through the large intestine (colon), it absorbs water and turns food into stool, which is later defecated through the rectum. When contractions of the large intestine are normal and the person has regular bowel movements, soft stools are formed, which are easier to release.
However, when the contractions turn sluggish and food passes slowly through the large intestine, excess water is absorbed from the stool, which then turns hard and dry. These hard and dry stools are difficult to pass and are characteristic of constipation.
What Causes Constipation?
If you thought constipation only presents itself when you drink less water, you need to read this! In addition to not drinking enough water and other fluids, there are several other causes that can lead to constipation. They are:
- Lack of physical activity or exercise
- Not eating a fibre-rich diet
- Consuming too much laxatives
- Resisting the urge to pass stool
- Weakness in pelvic floor muscles
- Blockages in the large intestine
- Medications like opioid pain relievers
- Lifestyle reasons such as pregnancy and old age
- Other health conditions like IBS, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism
What Are Its Symptoms?
Constipation can result in one or more of the following symptoms:
- Less than 3 bowel movements in a week
- Hard, dry, and lumpy stools
- Difficulty passing stool
- Pain while trying to have a bowel movement
- Feeling like you haven’t passed stool completely
How Is Constipation Treated?
There are several treatment options available for constipation. Your doctor will suggest treatment based on factors like your age and medical history, how bad your constipation is, and your preferences.
Treatment options for constipation include:
Diet and Lifestyle Modifications
Eating a fibre-rich diet including foods like beans, fruits, and vegetables and drinking plenty of fluids can help in the formation of soft stools and curbing constipation. One must aim to consume 20–35 g of fibre daily through diet.
Besides mindful eating, doctors also suggest exercising regularly to aid in the movement of stools in the large intestine.
Laxatives
Another treatment option for constipation is taking laxatives. These help in moving the stool through the large intestine, thereby facilitating its elimination from the body. Laxatives are of different types, such as osmotics, stimulants, fibre supplements, and more, and each one works differently to support bowel movements.
Medications
If lifestyle changes and over-the-counter treatments do not work, doctors may prescribe prescription medications to help a person with constipation.
If symptoms are caused due to a particular medication the person has been taking, the doctor may suggest a change in medication to relieve constipation symptoms.
Biofeedback Therapy
This therapy is used to retrain the muscles controlling the release of bowel movements out of the body. It is mainly used in cases of chronic constipation where patients work with a therapist and learn to use their pelvic, anal, and rectal muscles efficiently for better bowel movement.
Surgery
If nothing works, doctors suggest surgery as the last resort. It is used in cases of anorectal blockages, anal tear, and narrowing of the intestine. Though surgery is a treatment option, most cases of constipation get better through dietary and lifestyle changes.
Tips to Prevent Constipation
Follow a bathroom routine and make sure to visit the toilet at a set time when you think your bowels are most active.
1. Consume probiotics to support a healthy gut and facilitate digestion.
2. Avoid processed foods containing excessive fat and sugars. Instead, eat fresh, whole foods rich in fibre.
3. Include prunes and dates in your diet, as these act as natural laxatives and can help relieve constipation.
4. Avoid caffeinated drinks and alcohol, as they can result in dehydration and aggravate your condition.
Concluding Thoughts
Constipation is a troublesome issue that you must attend to as soon as you notice its signs. If you ignore it, you might only aggravate the problem, which can lead to complications like anal fissures, hemorrhoids, and rectal prolapse. The best way to address constipation is to try diet changes and exercise. If that doesn’t help, visit your doctor for relief.
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Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of any health condition.
Sources:
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/constipation
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370056176_The_Efficacy_and_Safety_of_an_Ayurvedic_Petsaffa_Formulation_in_Subjects_with_Constipation_An_Open-Label_Non-Randomized_Clinical_Study
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/constipation/treatment
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