Constipation

Constipation means the bowel does not move quickly or frequently.  This may mean using a bowel movement fewer than every three times, and the stools (bowel motion) may be difficult and hard to pass. Some folks that are constipated find it painful to have a bowel movement and often experience distress, bloating the sensation of a full gut or feeling that the bowels aren't empty.  Many people today believe they are constipated if they don't have a bowel movement daily.  But, regular bowel movements can change from three times a day to once every three times, depending on the person. Almost everyone encounters constipation at any time in their life.  It's more common in women and adults ages 65 and older.  Pregnant women may have an illness as the gut slows down in pregnancy, and it's a frequent problem following childbirth or surgery.  Most constipation is temporary and not severe.

 The goodness and nutrition from food will have been consumed higher in the gut, mostly in the small intestine, until the food moves into the colon.  As food moves through the colon, the colon absorbs water in the meals and forms it into feces.  Mass waves of muscular contractions in the colon happen at intervals throughout the day and push the stool toward the rectum.  By the time stool reaches the rectum, the majority of the water was consumed, and it ought to be shaped and sausage-shaped, so it's not hard to pass.   This usually means the stool moves through the colon too slowly, so seats can become dry and hard.

  Intermittent foods and not enough fiber in the diet lack of physical activity (Particularly in the elderly)drugs e.g. pain medications (especially narcotics), antacids that contain aluminum and calcium, some blood pressure medications (calcium channel blockers), anti-Parkinson Medications, antispasmodics, antidepressants, iron supplements, diuretics, anticonvulsantsirritable bowel syndrome changes in life or routine such as pregnancy, aging, and traveling issue of laxativesignoring the urge to have a bowel movement dehydration specific diseases or conditions, such as stroke (most common)problems with the colon and anus issues with intestinal function (chronic idiopathic constipation) Your Physician may also use the presence of any two of the following symptoms for at least 12 weeks (not always consecutive) from the past 12 months as a guide:Fewer than three bowel movements. 

Each Week straining during bowel movements lumpy or hard stool sensation of incomplete emptying of your gut sensation of anorectal blockage/obstruction most people a medical history and physical exam may be all that's needed for identification and treatment.  

You ought to mention any medications you regularly take since some medicines can lead to constipation.  You may need a rectal examination as part of a physical exam.  A rectal exam involves adding a gloved, lubricated finger in the rectum to feel for lumps or abnormalities.  It can also check for blood in the feces. Most people with constipation don't require extensive testing.  The tests your doctor works depend on the length and severity of illness, your age, presence of blood in the stools, recent changes in bowel habits, weight loss, or a family history of colon cancer.  

Testing may include blood tests, x-rays, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, or more specialized tests (barium enema, defecography, colorectal transit study, anorectal function evaluations ).  Your doctor will describe a test if you need one, but you can also see the glossary of terms at the end of this leaflet. Many people treat constipation at home without seeing a healthcare provider.  Self-treatment of constipation with over-the-counter laxatives is by far the most common aid.  Around $725 million is spent on laxative products each year in America.

You must talk with your doctor if the issue: Is fresh (i.e., a change in your typical pattern).  Lasts longer than three weeks.  Is intense.  Is connected with any other regarding features such as blood on the toilet paper, weight loss, fever, or weakness.  Lifestyle changes bowels are most active after foods, particularly after breakfast.   Go to the toilet when you get the first sensation you need to open your intestines; don't wait.  If you ignore the body's signs to have a bowel movement, the signals become weaker and weaker over time.  

Pay careful attention to such signs and allow yourself sufficient time to have a bowel motion.  A hot drink, e.g., tea or coffee, in the daytime may stimulate the contractions of the gut and promote a bowel movement, as does routine daily exercise. You are sitting correctly in the bathroom. The way that you sit on the toilet may make a big difference to the ease by which your gut drains.  

The right position will enhance the angle of the anus (back passage), help your muscles to work effectively, and prevent straining.  It would help if you aimed to get a'squatting' type place in the bathroom using the following technique: Sit on the toilet with your legs over hip-width apart.

Place your feet flat on a footstool approximately 20cm high.   Relax and breathe normally; you should not hold your breath.  Make your waist wide by bulging your abdominal muscles outwards.

Relax your anus.  Use your abdominal muscles as a pump to push lightly but firmly backward and downwards towards your anus.  Don't sit for more than ten minutes.  

Medical Treatment Treatment for constipation depends upon the cause, severity, and duration of the problem.

In most cases, dietary and lifestyle changes will help relieve symptoms and prevent them from recurring.  If these simple changes do not reduce your constipation, you might try the following remedies. Bulk-forming fibers are usually regarded as the safest, but they can interfere with the absorption of some medications.  They include natural and commercial fiber preparations.  They absorb water in the intestine and make the stool softer.

Brand names include Metamucil, Fiberall, Citrucel, Konsyl, and Sultan.  They must be taken with plenty of water, or else they can lead to obstruction.

You ought to increase the dose of fiber supplements slowly to stop gas, bloating, and cramping.LaxativesGenerally, laxative use ought to be for intermittent use only.  Long term use of laxatives, especially the stimulant laxatives, can lead to the bowel becoming less responsive.  

People that are dependent on laxatives will need to quit using them gradually.  For many people, quitting antidepressants restores the colon's natural ability to deal with it.  Many antidepressants can be found for treating constipation.  The option is based upon how they operate, how safe the treatment is, and your doctor's preferences.  In general, laxatives can be categorized into the following categories: These cause involuntary muscle contractions in the intestines.   

Avoid overusing stimulant laxatives as taking them frequently or in massive amounts can cause unwanted side effects.   These cause fluids to flow uniquely through the colon and are particularly useful for individuals with no underlying cause for their constipation (idiopathic constipation).   Polyethylene glycol is usually preferred because, unlike lactulose and sorbitol, it does not cause gas or bloating.  Sorbitol works in addition to lactulose and is much less expensive.  People with diabetes ought to be monitored carefully.   Examples include magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia) and magnesium citrate (Evac-Q-Mag).

Saline laxatives are utilized to treat acute constipation if there's absolutely no evidence of bowel obstruction.  Suppositories and enemas: Apart from oral preparations (liquid, pill, powder, and granule), laxatives are also readily available as suppositories or enemas that you insert into the rectum.  A lot of individuals don't like using them, but they do, generally speaking, work more quickly than oral laxatives.  When inserted into the anus, they soften the stool and then induce the walls of the anus to contract.  Used in precisely the same time of day, they might also encourage a more regular bowel pattern.  Sometimes off-the-shelf enema kits containing sodium phosphate/biphosphate (Fleet) might be recommended in case you haven't responded to other therapies.  These aren't recommended if you have problems with your heart or kidneys unless directed by your doctor.