Constipation refers to infrequent bowel movements and difficulty passing stools. It is characterized by having fewer than three bowel movements per week, though individual frequencies vary. It typically arises from dietary or routine changes or insufficient fiber intake. Seeking medical attention is advisable if you experience severe pain, blood in stool, or constipation lasting over three weeks.
Symptoms
The common symptoms of constipation are
- Stool dryness and hardness
- Painful bowel movements
- Sensation of incomplete evacuation of stool
- Feeling the need to manually assist stool passage
How prevalent is Constipation?
If you’re experiencing constipation, you’re not alone. One of the most common gastrointestinal issues in the US is constipation. Reviews has shown that constipation causes at least 2.5 million people to visit their doctor annually.
How does Constipation Happen?
Scientific and medical researchers has proved that the reason behind constipation is the overabsorption of water by your colon, or large intestine. Your feces get harder and more difficult to expel from your body as a result of this drying it out.
Be reminded that your intestines absorb nutrients gradually as food passes through your digestive system. Your feces are the partially digested food particles (waste) that go from your small to big intestines. This waste is solidified in your intestines as a result of absorbing water. A constipated person may find that food passes through their digestive system too slowly. This gives your colon more time — too much time — to absorb water from the waste making the stool to become too dry, hard and difficult to push out.
What Causes Constipation?
Numerous factors contribute to constipation, including lifestyle choices and medical issues.
Lifestyle factors
Typical lifestyle contributors to constipation are:
- Inadequate fiber intake
- Insufficient water consumption (dehydration)
- Stress
- Suppressing the urge to defecate
- Lack of physical activity ( Check out: Exercise | Basics and How to get Started)
- Alterations in regular routines, like travel, meal timing, or sleep patterns
- Consumption of excessive dairy products
Medical conditions
Various medical conditions can lead to constipation, including:
- Endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, uremia, and hypercalcemia
- Lazy bowel syndrome, marked by poor colon contraction and fecal retention
- Intestinal obstruction
- Colorectal cancer
- Obstructed defecation syndrome, which involves complex or unexplained factors hindering normal bowel movements
- Intestinal pseudo-obstruction, where temporary paralysis of the colon’s motor system occurs, as seen in paralytic ileus or Ogilvie syndrome
- Neurological disorders like spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Diverticulitis
- Structural abnormalities in the digestive tract such as fistula, colonic atresia, volvulus, intussusception, imperforate anus, or malrotation
- Systemic diseases affecting multiple organs, including amyloidosis, lupus, and scleroderma
- Pregnancy
- Outlet dysfunction constipation, characterized by pelvic floor muscle coordination issues necessary for bowel movement
Who is at risk of having Constipation?
This is a commonly asked question, however individuals of any age can experience occasional constipation, but certain risk factors predispose some to develop chronic constipation.
These factors include:
- Inadequate intake of high-fiber foods, as fiber aids in the smooth movement of food through the digestive system.
- Age: Individuals over 65 often experience reduced activity levels, slower metabolism, and diminished muscle strength along the digestive tract compared to their younger counterparts.
- Use of certain medications.
- Assigned female at birth, particularly experiencing constipation during pregnancy and postpartum. Hormonal changes during these periods may increase susceptibility to constipation, and the pressure from the growing fetus can impede stool passage.
- Presence of specific neurological (conditions affecting the brain and spinal cord) and digestive disorders.
Complications related to Constipation
People are always curious to know if constipation can cause internal damage or lead to other health problems? Yes, studies has shown that failure to maintain soft, regular bowel movements can lead to several complications, including:
- Anal fissures: Tears in the anus lining due to hardened stool passage.
- Diverticulitis: Infection in pouches formed on the colon wall from trapped and infected stool.
- Hemorrhoids: Swollen and inflamed veins in the rectum.
- Fecal impaction: Accumulation of excessive stool in the rectum and anus.
- Pelvic floor muscle damage: Resulting from prolonged straining during bowel movements, potentially leading to urinary incontinence due to weakened bladder control.
How to Manage Constipation
To alleviate constipation, you can employ various self-care strategies at home. Here are some recommendations for immediate relief:
- Increase water intake by consuming two to four extra glasses of water per day.
- Avoid beverages containing caffeine and alcohol, as they can contribute to dehydration, and limit intake of juice and sweetened drinks.
- Opt for lean meats such as poultry and low-fat dairy products. Incorporate fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other high-fiber foods into your daily meals, while reducing consumption of high-fat foods like meat, eggs, and cheese.
- Include high-fiber fruits like prunes, oranges, pineapples, berries, mangos, avocados, and papaya, as well as bran cereal in your diet.
- Modify your diet by avoiding processed meats, fried foods, and refined carbohydrates like white bread, pasta, and potatoes.
- Avoid distractions like reading or using electronic devices while attempting to have a bowel movement.
- Do not suppress the urge to defecate, as doing so can hinder the signal from your colon to your brain, preventing relaxation of the anal sphincter and impeding stool passage.
- Maintain a food diary to identify foods that may contribute to constipation.
- Engage in regular physical activity to promote bowel movements.
- Adjust your toilet posture, such as by raising your feet or leaning back, to facilitate easier defecation.
- Consider using over-the-counter supplemental fiber products starting with a gradual increase in intake (Consult your doctor).
- If necessary, use a mild over-the-counter stool softener or laxative like docusate. Mineral oil enemas and stimulant laxatives are alternative options, but consult your pharmacist or healthcare provider for guidance on appropriate use, and refrain from using laxatives for more than two weeks without consulting a healthcare professional, as overuse can exacerbate symptoms.
Related: 15 Prevention Tips for Bloated Stomach
When do I see a Doctor?
It is necessary to seek medical attention if:
- You’re experiencing constipation for the first time.
- There is blood in your stool.
- Unintentional weight loss occurs.
- You’re experiencing severe pain during bowel movements.
- Constipation persists for more than three weeks.
- You exhibit symptoms of outlet dysfunction constipation.
Questions to ask your healthcare provider may include:
- What is causing my constipation?
- What immediate relief options are available?
- What home remedies do you suggest for constipation?
- What dietary and fluid intake changes can help prevent constipation?
Medication and Supplement Review
Your healthcare provider will also assess your medications and supplements for potential constipation-inducing effects. Adjustments may include modifying dosage, switching medications, or discontinuing supplements. However, always consult your provider before discontinuing any medications or supplements.
Outlook
Having regular bowel movements is essential for good health. Constipation can be a transient inconvenience, a persistent problem, or an indicator of an underlying medical issue. Prioritize your well-being and consult your healthcare provider, particularly if you’ve observed alterations in your bowel habits or if your daily activities are significantly affected by constipation.