Constipation

Alternative Names

Constipation

What is Constipation

Constipation is a painful condition in which you have difficulties with bowel movements. It is the most common problem for all people. Constipation can be caused by nutritional deficiencies, stress, pregnancy, cancer or depression.

Signs and symptoms

The common symptoms of constipation are:

• Hard, compacted stools that are difficult or painful to pass
• Straining during bowel movements
• No bowel movements in 3 days for adults, 4 days for children
• Stomachaches that are relieved by bowel movements
• Bloody stools due to tearing of hemorrhoids and anal fissures
• Leaks of wet, almost diarrhea-like stool between regular bowel movements

Possible complications

As a rule, constipation causes no serious complications, but you may have:

• Hemorrhoids or cracks (fissures) in your anus may result when hard stool stretches the sphincter muscle.
• Fecal impaction occurs when you accumulate a mass of hardened stool that cannot be eliminated by a normal bowel movement.
• Rectal prolapse occurs when a small amount of rectal tissue pushes out through the anus leading to a secretion of mucus from the anus.
• Lazy bowel syndrome can develop due to the intake of laxatives, making your bowels to become dependent on them for proper function.

What causes

The main cause of constipation is an intense absorption of water, so the intestines's muscle contractions become slow that make the stool to move through the intestines too slowly.

Other possible causes of constipation are:

• Poor diet
• Lack of exercise
• Not enough fiber in diet
• Not enough liquids
• Medications
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Changes in life or routine such as pregnancy, older age and travel
• Abuse of laxatives
• Poor Bowel Habits
• Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement
• Hormonal Changes
• Specific diseases such as multiple sclerosisParkinson's disease, stroke and lupus
• Fissures and Hemorrhoids
• Problems with the intestines and rectum
• Problems with intestinal function

Prevention

You can easily prevent constipation by taking the following steps:

• Eat more fruits, vegetables and grains which are high in fiber
• Drink plenty of water and other liquids
• Get enough exercise
• Take time to have a bowel movement when you need to
• Use laxatives only if you need it
• Ask your doctor if medicines you take may cause constipation

Treatment

Diet

You doctor nay recommend you a diet with enough fiber (20-35 grams each day) that helps the body form soft, bulky stool. High-fiber foods are beans, whole grains and bran cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables such as asparagus, brussels sprouts, cabbage and carrots.

Lifestyle Changes

You should consume enough water and other liquids such as fruit and vegetable juices and clear soups, so as not to become dehydrated.

Laxatives

Most people who have a mild constipation do not need laxatives. But those who have made diet and lifestyle changes and are still suffering from constipation, a doctor may recommend laxatives or enemas for a limited time. These treatments work to retrain a chronically sluggish bowel.

There is a list of some laxatives:

• Bulk-forming laxatives are the safest, taken with water. They absorb water in the intestine and make the stool softer. (Metamucil, Fiberall, Citrucel, Konsyl, and Serutan)
• Stimulants trigger rhythmic muscle contractions in the intestines. (Correctol, Dulcolax, Purge and Senokot)
• Osmotics such as Cephulac, Sorbitol and Miralax cause fluids to flow in a special way through the colon resulting in bowel distention.
• Stool softeners such as Colace and Surfak moisten the stool and prevent dehydration.
• Lubricants (Mineral oil, Fleet and Zymenol) grease the stool enabling it to move through the intestine more easily.
• Saline laxatives such as Milk of Magnesia and Haley's M-O act like a sponge to draw water into the colon for easier passage of stool.
• Chloride channel activators such as Amitiza increase intestinal fluid and motility to help stool pass, so decreasing the symptoms of constipation.