Constipation happens when faeces are challenging to evacuate and bowel movements become less often. The most frequent causes are dietary or routine changes, a lack of appropriate fibre intake, or both. If you experience significant pain, blood in your stools, or constipation that persists for more than three weeks, you should contact your doctor.
Every age group is susceptible to constipation but it can range in intensity from person to person. While constipation is a disorder that affects many people for a brief period of time, it can also be a long-lasting (chronic) condition that impairs the quality of life and causes substantial pain and discomfort.
Why does constipation occur?
It can be challenging to pinpoint the precise reason for constipation. However, a variety of factors, such as the following are the main constipation causes:
- Eating too little fibre from fruits, veggies, and grains
- A modification to your daily routine or way of life, such as altering your food patterns
- Avoiding the desire to urinate negative effects of some drugs
- Not enough fluids consumed
- Either worry or despair
Constipation in children can be brought on by a bad diet, a fear of using the restroom, and issues with toilet training.
What Signs or Symptoms Indicate Constipation?
Constipation symptoms include:
- Urination fewer than three times each week
- Lumpy, dry and firm stool
- It hurts or is difficult for you to pass stools
- You experience cramps or a stomachache
- You get nausea and bloating
After a bowel movement, you feel as though you haven't entirely emptied your system.
Also Read: Stomach Ulcer : Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
How Common Is Constipation?
In addition to being more prevalent in older persons and during pregnancy, the constipation disease affects twice as many women as males. If you make little dietary and lifestyle adjustments, you may be able to treat constipation on your own. Visit your pharmacist if these modifications don't solve the issue and it persists. However, you should seek guidance from your doctor if you see the following constipation symptoms:
- Rectal bleeding
- Unexpected weight loss
- You feel fatigued all the time
- Constipation that has persisted for more than 14 days
How to Treat Constipation?
The first line of defence against constipation is typically dietary and lifestyle modifications.
This entails gradually increasing the amount of fibre you consume each day, making sure you drink lots of water and making an effort to move more. If none of these work, your pharmacist might suggest an oral laxative to assist you relieve constipation. Constipation can be effectively treated, although in some cases it may take months for a regular bowel pattern to return.
How to Prevent Constipation?
It can also help to lower your risk of constipation by adopting the aforementioned dietary and lifestyle modifications. Giving yourself the space and time to pass stools comfortably can also be beneficial, and you should try not to resist the impulse to use the restroom.
Can Internal Damage or Other Health Issues Result From Constipation?
If you don't have soft, frequent bowel movements, a few issues may arise. Several difficulties include:
- Veins in your rectum that are swollen and irritated (a condition called hemorrhoids)
- Your anus is torn open by the hard stool trying to get through (called anal fissures)
- An infection in pouches that can occasionally form off the colon wall as a result of trapped and contaminated stools (a condition called diverticulitis)
- Excessive amounts of waste or poop in the rectum and anus (a condition called faecal impaction)
- Urine leakage from the bladder may result in prolonged, excessive strain (a condition called stress urinary incontinence)
Your physician will assess your medications and dietary supplements in addition to self-care techniques. He can also urge you to stop taking the supplement or adjust the dosage or switch to a different medication. Never discontinue using a prescription or dietary supplement without first consulting your doctor.
Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
