/ Constipation

CONSTIPATION

Constipation is a medical condition in which patient experiences infrequent bowel movements or has difficulty in passage of stools. Generally, it occurs due to insufficient intake of fibre or changes in diet. It is one of the most frequent gastro intestinal complaints.

It is best to consult a doctor if constipation lasts longer than 3 weeks or if you experience blood in your stools.

What are the Symptoms?

• Lumpy or hard stools
• Pain or strain during bowel movements
• Stomach ache
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Fewer than 3 bowel movements in a week
• Feeling of fullness even after bowel movement

What are the causes?

Causes of Constipation include:

• Lifestyle Factors:
  • Diet low in fibre
  • Dehydration
  • Lack of exercise
  • Changes in eating or sleeping routine
  • Eating too much cheese or milk
  • Stress
• Medical Conditions
  • Pregnancy
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • Neurological Disorders such as Parkinson’s disease or stroke
  • Intestinal Obstruction
  • Diabetes
  • Hypothyroidism

What are the risk factors?

• Age: Due to slower metabolism & lesser muscle contraction strength, constipation is more common in older adults
• Pregnancy: Hormonal changes that occur in the body during pregnancy can lead to constipation
• Certain Medications such as sedatives or antidepressants can cause constipation
• Misuse of laxatives

How is Diagnosed?

The doctor will check your medical history and understand your lifestyle & bowel movements routine before recommending tests. Some of the commonly recommended tests include:

• Blood & urine tests to detect thyroid, diabetes or anemia
• Stool tests to check for signs of infection or inflammation
• Imaging tests such as CT Scan & MRI
• Colonoscopy
• Sigmoidoscopy
• Colorectal transit studies
• Other bowel function tests

How is it treated?

Treatment for constipation typically starts with changes in diet & lifestyle. If these do not work, your doctor may the recommend medication or surgical intervention

Lifestyle changes include:

• Dietary changes:
  • Adding more fibre with lots of fruits & vegetables is recommended. Generally 14 grams of fibre for 1000 calories of food is considered good.
  • Avoid caffeine & alcohol
  • Drinking 4-5 additional glasses of water
• Physical activity: Try to workout for at least 5 days a week
• When you have the urge to have a bowel movement, do not ignore it

Medications recommended for constipation include:

• Fibre Supplements
• Stool softeners
• Lubricants
• Osmotics

Surgical intervention may be required when all other treatment methods have failed & constipation is the result of a blockage in colon, narrowing of the intestine, anal fissures or rectal prolapse.

How can it be prevented?

Constipation can easily be prevented by making simple changes to the diet. Some of the preventive measures include:

• Eat High fibre foods
• Drink lots of fluids
• Stay active
• Manage stress
• Create a regular schedule for bowel movements

Some of the foods that prevent constipation are:

• Flax seeds
• Beans
• Kiwi
• Apples
• Berries