Introduction
Constipation occurs when bowel movements are not as frequent and usually happens due to changes in eating habits or routine or inadequate fibre in the diet. If you have severe pain, blood in your stools, abdominal pain, or constipation that lasts longer than three weeks, it is a sign that you need a medical consultation.
What is constipation?
Infrequent bowel movements (less than three a week) and difficulty passing stools persisting for many weeks is called constipation. Dehydration, lack of dietary fibre, sedentary lifestyle, or side effects of medication are among the causes.
Causes and Symptoms of constipation
Causes for constipation include dehydration, lack of dietary fibre, sedentary lifestyle, changes in your routine, too much dairy (milk or cheese) in the diet, stress, and side effects of medication, which may lead to the colon absorbing too much water from waste (stool), which dries out the stool making it hard to push out of the body.
Medications that can cause constipation include:
- Strong pain medicines like narcotics containing codeine.
- Antacids containing calcium.
- Allergy medications such as antihistamines.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen.
- Some types of antidepressants.
- Certain blood pressure medicines, including beta-blockers.
- Seizure medications such as phenytoin.
- Anti-nausea medication like ondansetron.
Sometimes, iron tablets may lead to constipation.
Certain medical conditions may also put at risk for constipation, such as endocrine problems, like hypothyroidism, diabetes, uremia, and hypercalcemia; cancers, such as colorectal cancer; GI tract issues like irritable bowel syndrome, lazy bowel syndrome, and fistula; neurological disorders including multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease; and multiple organ diseases lupus and scleroderma. You may experience constipation during pregnancy.
What are the diagnosis and treatment options for Constipation?
You may require tests for diagnosis of constipation depending on your symptoms and medical history.
Laboratory tests include:
- Blood and urine tests for signs of hypothyroidism and diabetes.
- Stool sample checks for signs of infection and inflammation.
- Imaging tests such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.
The doctor may ask you to get a colonoscopy to test for cancer or other problems.
Colorectal transit studies may be needed to track substance movement through the intestine.
Bowel function tests, defecography (a type of X-ray), anorectal manometry, and balloon expulsion test may also be needed.
Treatment and prevention of constipation
Mild to moderate constipation can be managed at home by increasing fluid and fibre intake (adding fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to the diet), exercise, and over-the-counter supplemental fibres.
Treatment for constipation also includes mild over-the-counter stool softeners or laxatives, but you must do so only in consultation with a doctor as overuse can worsen symptoms.
Prescription medications to help with constipation include lubiprostone, prucalopride, lactulose, and linaclotide.
Surgery may be advised if constipation is caused by a colon structural problem like a blockage, intestinal obstruction or stricture, or anal fissure. Yashoda Group of Hospitals has some of the best gastroenterologists on call who can guide you on what to do.
When should you consult a doctor if you have Constipation?
When constipation lingers for three weeks or more, you experience abdominal pain, and notice blood in the stools, you need to consult a doctor. Yashoda Group of Hospitals has some of the best gastroenterologists on call who can guide you in the right direction.
Conclusion
Constipation occurs when bowel movements are not so frequent and usually happens due to changes in eating habits or routine, or inadequate fibre in the diet. Mild constipation can be managed at home by increasing fluid and fibre intake, but if there is blood in the stools or constipation lasts several weeks, you may need medical help.
