What does Constipation mean : Causes Diagnosis & Treatment || Health Fettle ||

What does Constipation mean

What is Constipation?

Constipation is the passage of small amounts of hard, dry bowel movements, usually fewer than three times per week. Constipation can cause difficult and/or painful bowel movements. Constipation can also make a person feel bloated, uncomfortable, or sluggish. Generally, constipation is temporary and not serious.

What does Constipation mean : Causes & Treatment || Health Fettle ||

What Causes Constipation?

Common causes of constipation include:

• Not enough fiber in your diet: Many people who experience constipation do not eat enough fiber, which is found in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
• Not drinking enough liquids: Liquids add fluid to the colon and bulk to the stools, making bowel movements softer and easier to pass. It is recommended that you drink eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid (preferably water) per day. Avoid beverages with caffeine, as these seem to have a dehydrating effect.
• Lack of exercise
• Medications: Pain medications, antacids containing aluminum, antispasmodics, antidepressants, iron supplements, diuretics, and anticonvulsants for epilepsy can all slow the passage of bowel movements.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS): Also known as “spastic colon,” irritable bowel syndrome causes spasms in the colon that affect bowel movements. Constipation, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, gassiness, and bloating are all common complaints associated with irritable bowel syndrome. Although irritating, this condition is not life-threatening.
• Changes in life or routine: Changes in daily life or routines, such as pregnancy, aging, and traveling, can all lead to constipation.
• Abuse of laxatives: Taking laxatives too often can damage nerve cells in the colon and interfere with the colon’s natural ability to contract.
• Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement (one of the most common causes)
• Specific Diseases: Neurological disorders, metabolic and endocrine disorders, and systematic conditions that affect organ systems can all slow the movement of stool through the colon, rectum, or anus.
• Problems with the colon and rectum: Intestinal obstruction, scar tissue, diverticulosis, tumors, colorectal structure, Hirschsprung’s disease, or cancer can compress, squeeze, or narrow the intestine and rectum, causing constipation.
• Problems with Intestinal Function: Chronic idiopathic constipation (also known as functional constipation) is rare; however, some people are chronically constipated and do not respond to standard treatment. This could be related to multiple problems with hormonal control or with nerves and muscles in the colon, rectum, or anus.

Constipation Diagnosis

Most people who experience constipation do not need extensive testing and can be treated with changes in diet and/or exercise. More extensive testing is generally reserved for people with severe symptoms, for those with abrupt changes in the number and consistency of bowel movements, for those with blood in their stool, and for older adults. Testing may also be needed in young children to rule out megacolon (Hirschsprung's disease).

The following tests may be used in order for the doctor to rule out a diagnosis of colorectal cancer:

• Barium enema x-ray: This procedure involves an injection of barium into the rectum, colon, and the lower part of the small intestine in order to make these areas more visible on x-ray. Once the barium has coated the organs, abdominal x-rays are taken to reveal the shape and condition of these areas.
• Sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy: A sigmoidoscopy involves an examination of the rectum and lower colon; a colonoscopy involves an examination of the rectum and the entire colon. These tests ensure that there are no abnormalities in the colorectal area.
• Colorectal transit study: This test is for those who suffer from chronic constipation and shows how well food moves through the colon.
• Anorectal Function Tests: These tests diagnose constipation caused by abnormal function of the anus or rectum.

How to Treat Constipation?

In most cases, changes in diet and lifestyle will help relieve constipation and prevent further attacks. A diet with sufficient fiber (20 to 35 grams per day) helps to form soft, bulky stool. High-fiber foods include whole grains and bran, fresh fruits and vegetables, and beans. 

             Changes in lifestyle, such as drinking more water and fruit and vegetable juice, exercising daily, and reserving enough time to have a bowel movement, can also help relieve and prevent constipation.

If diet and lifestyle changes do not work, laxatives may need to be used for a short time to relieve constipation. Consult your doctor about whether to use a laxative and what kind to use.

Other treatments may be directed at a specific cause. For example, a doctor may recommend discontinuing medication or performing surgery to correct an anorectal or colorectal problem. People who suffer from chronic constipation may use biofeedback to retrain the muscles that control the release of bowel movements. 

          Surgical removal of the colon is also an option for those who suffer from chronic constipation; however, the benefits of this surgery need to be weighed against possible complications, such as abdominal pain and/or diarrhea.