Constipation
Introduction/Overview
Constipation is a condition where a person has trouble eliminating solid waste from his or her body. Stools are dry and infrequent and there is straining during bowel movements. Bowel movements vary but if you are constipated, you may have no more than three bowel movements in a week.
Symptoms & Diagnosis
Symptoms of constipation include straining, having stools which are hard, only passing three or fewer stools in a week, feeling like you haven’t had complete stool elimination, using special maneuvers to have a bowel movement, and having a blockage in the rectum. You may need to see a doctor if constipation is prolonged, your stools are bloody, you have pain in your rectum or abdomen, or you are losing weight.
Your doctor may run a series of tests–an x-ray using barium enema, a sigmoidoscopy or examination of the rectum with a lighted probe, and a colonoscopy or examation of the colon with a tube-mounted camera. You could also have studies done using markers which show up in x-rays or anorectal manometry, which involves inserting a tube into your rectum, inflating a balloon on the end of the tube and pulling it out.
Known Causes
Constipation is caused by stools which pass so slowly through the colon that they are not mixed with enough water and salt to pass out of the body by muscle contraction. You could also suffer from pelvic floor dysfunction which is caused by improperly coordinated bowels. Other causes of constipation include not eating enough fiber, dehydration, aging, certain diseases, medications, hormones, or not being physically active.
Treatments / Procedures
Constipation can be treated in several ways. Changing your diet to one high in fiber can regulate bowel movements. Other constipation remedies include exercising frequently, drinking lots of fluids, and taking laxatives. Laxatives should be a last resort as a healthy diet and exercise should give constipation relief. Severe chronic constipation that can’t be treated otherwise could involve surgery to remove part of the colon.
Prevention / Vaccination
Constipation can be prevented by eating a high fiber diet–at least twenty to thirty-five grams of fiber every day. Drink lots of fluids and exercise.
Prognosis / Management
Constipation can be successfully managed with a nutritious diet, high in fiber. You can limit drinks containing caffeine and stay well-hydrated. You can also take fiber supplements if you dislike foods high in fiber. Plus, don’t put off having a bowel movement. The more time that passes, the harder it will be to defecate without straining.
Alternative Treatments & Products
There are numerous alternative treatments for constipation. It depends on your body as to which will work for you and which will not. There are many herbs which can be used as laxatives. Bryonia is one such herb that is recommended to soften stools. Other people have had success with massage and acupuncture.