Although it is not a popular topic of dinner conversation, constipation is a popular disorder. Almost everyone will experience constipation at some point in their lives, due to diet, dehydration, anxiety, or a multitude of other reasons.
Slightly more common in women than men, constipation also becomes more frequent with age. Everyone follows different patterns of waste elimination and some are more regular than others, but in some cases constipation is clearly a problem.
What is constipation?
Constipation refers primarily to a person’s difficulty in passing stools, and to the hardness of their consistency. It is possible to pass stools every day, but if this action is completed with difficulty or they come out in a hard pellet form, that is still constipation. This is a colon disorder, stemming from problems in the digestive process.
Signs and Symptoms
- Three or fewer bowel movements per week
- Abdominal pain or tenderness
- Hard stool consistency
- Difficult defecation, requiring muscle strain
If experiencing one or more of these symptoms, constipation is the likely suspect. The symptoms may vary according to what is causing them.
Causes of Constipation
There is a multitude of causes behind this problem. Psychologically speaking, high levels of anxiety or discomfort in new surroundings can lead to constipation, making this a frequent occurrence on vacation or during the moving process.
Diet also plays a very large role in the smooth movements of the digestive system. Insufficient intake of high-fiber foods, dehydration, and medications that act as diuretics (such as codeine or morphine) can all lead to hard stools.
In addition, there are several diseases or other conditions which can cause constipation.
- Lead poisoning
- Anal injury
- Lactose intolerance
- Abdominal surgery
- Overuse of laxatives
The first step in treating identified constipation is to figure out the root of the problem, to find a way out from under this uncomfortable condition.
For the patient experiencing discomfort due to constipation, there are a number of treatment options available to offer relief. These range from the most basic lifestyle changes to more complex treatments for especially stubborn cases of constipation.
- Dietary Changes – An increase in foods high in fiber and water consumption will help hydrate the body and lead to regular bowel movements.
- Laxatives – Herbs or medications with a laxative effect can be taken to soften stools and ease their release. They can lead to dependence if overused, however.
- Colon Cleansing – Techniques such as enemas or colonic irrigation help flush out stubborn waste build-up from the colon, refreshing the digestive system. This can be done alone or with the help of a professional colon therapist.
- Manual Methods – In extreme cases, a doctor can remove the backed up fecal matter manually, in a surgical setting. Sedatives are employed to loosen the sphincter muscles.
The easiest way to avoid constipation is to follow preventive measures, such as exercising, eating foods high in fiber such as whole grains and fresh vegetables, and finally by making sure to drink an adequate amount of water daily.