What to know about constipation

What to know about constipation

Constipation is a condition of the digestive system where an individual has hard feces that are difficult to expel. In most cases, this occurs because the colon has absorbed too much water from the food that is in the colon.

The slower the food moves through the digestive tract, the more water the colon will absorb from it. Consequently, the feces become dry and hard.
When this happens, emptying the bowels can become very painful.
This article will cover the main causes of constipation and how it can be treated and prevented.

Fast facts on constipationHere are some key points about constipation. More detail and supporting information is in the main article.

• Constipation generally occurs because too much water is absorbed from food
• Causes of constipation include physical inactivity, certain medications, and aging
• Some cases of constipation can be relieved by lifestyle changes
• Laxatives should only be used as a last resort

Symptoms

A diet that contains a good quantity of fiber helps prevent constipation.

The main symptoms of constipation are increased difficulty and straining when passing stools.
Passing fewer stools than usual can be a sign of constipation.
Other symptoms include:

• stomach ache
• stomach cramps
• feeling bloated and nauseous
• losing appetite

Causes

Constipation happens when the colon absorbs too much water. This can occur if the muscles in the colon are contracting slowly or poorly, causing the stool to move too slowly and lose more water.
These are the most common causes of constipation:
1) Lack of fiber in the diet
People whose diets include a good quantity of fiber are significantly less likely to suffer from constipation.

It is important to consume foods rich in fiber such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Fiber promotes bowel movements and prevents constipation.
Foods that are low in fiber include high-fat foods, such as cheese, meat, and eggs.
2) Physical inactivity
Constipation can occur if someone becomes too physically inactive. This is especially the case in older adults.
For individuals who have been bedridden for a long time, perhaps for several days or weeks, their risk of having constipation is significantly increased. Experts are not sure why. Some believe that physical activity keeps the metabolism high, making the processes in the body happen more rapidly.
Older adults tend to have a more sedentary life compared with younger people and are therefore at higher risk of constipation. Physically active people are much less likely to become constipated than inactive people.
3) Medications
The most common medications to cause constipation are:

• narcotic (opioid) pain drugs including codeine (Tylenol), oxycodone (Percocet), and hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
• antidepressants including amitriptyline (Elavil) and imipramine (Tofranil)
• anticonvulsants including phenytoin (Dilantin) and carbamazepine (Tegretol) iron supplements
• calcium channel blocking drugs including diltiazem (Cardizem) and nifedipine (Procardia)
• aluminum-containing antacids including Amphojel and Basaljel
• diuretics including chlorothiazide (Diuril)

4) Milk
Some people become constipated when they consume milk and dairy products.
5) Irritable bowel syndrome
People who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) get constipation much more frequently, compared with the rest of the population.
6) Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings about hormonal changes that can make a woman more susceptible to constipation. Also, the uterus may compress the intestine, slowing down the passage of food.
7) Aging
As a person gets older, the metabolism slows down, resulting in less intestinal activity. The muscles in the digestive tract do not work as well as they used to.
8) Changes in routine

When a person travels, their normal routine changes. This can affect the digestive system, which sometimes results in constipation. Meals are eaten at different times, or a person might go to bed, get up, and go to the toilet at different times. All these changes can raise the risk of constipation.
9) Overuse of laxatives
Some people believe a person should go to the toilet at least once a day - this is not true. However, to make sure this happens, some people self-medicate with laxatives.
Laxatives are effective at helping bowel movements. However, using them regularly allows the body to get used to their action and gradually the dose needs to increase to get the same effect.
Laxatives can be habit-forming. When a person becomes dependent on them, there is a significant risk of constipation when they are stopped.
10) Not going to the toilet when needed
If individuals ignore the urge to have a bowel movement, the urge can gradually go away until the individual no longer feels the need to go. The longer it is delayed, the drier and harder the stool will become.
11) Not drinking enough water
If constipation is already present, drinking more liquids might not relieve it. However, regularly drinking plenty of water reduces the risk of constipation.
Many sodas and drinks contain caffeine which can cause dehydration and worsen constipation. Alcohol also dehydrates the body and should be avoided by individuals who are constipated or very susceptible to constipation.
12) Problems with the colon or rectum
Tumors can compress or restrict the passages and cause constipation. Also, scar tissue, diverticulosis, and abnormal narrowing of the colon or rectum, known as colorectal stricture.
People with Hirschsprung disease are susceptible to constipation (a birth defect in which some nerve cells are absent in the large intestine).
13) Some diseases and conditions
Diseases that tend to slow down the movement of feces through the colon, rectum, or anus can cause constipation.
These include the following:

• Neurological disorders: Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease, stroke, spinal cord injuries, and chronic idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction can lead to constipation.
• Endocrine and metabolic conditions: Uremia, diabetes, hypercalcemia, poor glycemic control, and hypothyroidism.
• Systemic diseases: These are diseases that affect a number of organs and tissues, or affect the body as a whole, they include lupus, scleroderma, amyloidosis.
• Cancer: Constipation occurs in people with cancer, mainly due to pain medications and chemotherapy. Also, if a tumor blocks or squeezes the digestive system.

Treatment

In the majority of cases, constipation resolves itself without any treatment or risk to health.
The treatment of recurring constipation can include lifestyle changes such as doing more exercise, eating more fiber, and drinking more water.
Usually, laxatives will successfully treat most cases of constipation - but should be used with care and only when necessary. In more difficult cases, the person may need a prescription medication.

                                                                      



                                                                             

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