Constipation is the difficulty in the proper functioning of the bowel movements characterized by infrequent stools, which generally lasts for a day or two. People suffering from constipation have fewer than three bowel movements in a week, on an average.
Although, it is not usually a chronic disorder, yet some people experience it. As a result, it causes a lot of trouble in a person’s day to day activity.
Causes of constipation
Generally, any kind of blockage in the rectum or colon is likely to cause constipation. This results in a too slow movement of the stool or even complete stoppage. Other causes like colon cancer, anal fissures, narrowing of the colon, rectal cancer, and rectum bulge at the back of the vagina, etc.
Even difficulty in muscles and nerves are also likely to cause constipation. People suffering from Parkinson’s disease, injury in the spinal cord, and people with multiple sclerosis are known to have constipation. Frequent use of laxatives is also a probable cause.
Sometimes, pregnancy, diabetes, a low fiber diet, an underactive thyroid may also be the reason for experiencing constipation.
Symptoms of constipation
Difficulty in bowel movements and infrequent stools are the foremost symptoms of constipation. Although, there is no uniform or a prescribed number of bowel movements for every individual in a day or week, yet a minimum of three to four times is considered to be healthy.
The most common signs are mentioned below:
- Having difficulty in passing stool; that is hard and lumpy in nature
- A painful and bloated abdomen
- An individual is likely to experience a blockage in the intestine
- Even the appetite is reduced and sometimes, even lost
- A person also feels lethargic easily and shows sluggishness towards work.
- He or she feels strained to pass the stool
- The feeling or the urge to go again immediately after a bowel movement becomes intense
The trapping of waste inside the body is likely to cause damage to the overall health of an individual suffering from constipation. Some people often develop back pain too, due to the effects of constipation. Besides all, chronic constipation should be treated properly.
Treatment of constipation
Generally, the changes in eating habits and lifestyle are considered to be prime treatments for constipation.
- The fiber intake in foods should be increased. This will help in increasing the weight of the stool and will allow for easier passage of the same through the intestines.
- Eating fruits and vegetables every day is also advised. Exercising regularly will be beneficial for the overall health of an individual and also keep constipation at bay.
- Lastly, the urge for a bowel movement should never be ignored. It is important to take time as and when required without feeling rushed.
Use of certain laxatives can also relieve constipation. The points mentioned below are some of the best treatments:
- Fiber supplements such as Metamucil and Fibercon are highly beneficial in causing easier passage of stool
- Stimulants like Dulcolax are also helpful
- Lubricants like mineral oil can help to ease the passage of stool from the colon
- Amitiza is a medicine that absorbs water into the intestine; this will help in smoother movement of stool
- Training the pelvic muscles is another remedy that can be followed regularly to ensure proper bowel movements every day
- Sometimes, surgery is also an option
