Constipation refers to a condition of the digestive system in which there are infrequent bowel movements. The stool is often dry and hard to pass. The most common cause of constipation is the excess absorption of water from the food content. As the passage of food from the digestive tract is slow, the colon keeps absorbing water from the food henceforth, making the bowel painful.<\/p>\n
Constipation is generally described as having less than three bowel movements in a week. The main symptom of constipation is increased anxiety and straining when passing stools. Other symptoms of constipation include:
\n\u2022 Passing less than three stools in a week
\n\u2022 Dry, lumpy or hard stools
\n\u2022 Straining to have bowel movements
\n\u2022 A sense of blockage in the rectum that prevents bowel movements
\n\u2022 Abdominal pain
\n\u2022 Stomach cramps
\n\u2022 Bloating
\n\u2022 Nausea
\n\u2022 Losing appetite
\n\u2022 Frequent urge for a bowel movement<\/p>\n
The condition of improper bowel movement occurs when the movement of waste or stool is extremely slow through the digestive tract. This causes the colon to absorb water from the food making the feces hard, dry and difficult to expel. Generally, constipation resolves itself with or without self-care and any medical treatment. The following simple and safety measures can help induce rapid bowel movement: What is Constipation? Constipation refers to a condition of the digestive system in which there are infrequent bowel movements. The stool is often dry and hard to pass. The most common cause of constipation is the excess absorption of water from the food content. As the passage of food from the digestive tract is slow, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1279,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1278","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","entry","has-media"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
\nThe common causes of constipation are as follows:
\n\u2022 Insufficient intake of water:<\/b>\u00a0Lack of water in the body is the basic cause of constipation.
\n\u2022 Avoiding nature’s call:<\/b>\u00a0Constipation can occur if the urge to have a bowel movement is ignored again and again.
\n\u2022 Lack of fiber in the diet:<\/b>\u00a0People who consume high-fat food such as cheese, meat, and eggs are more likely to suffer from the problem of constipation. Fiber promotes bowel movements and prevents constipation. It is important to include fiber-rich foods in daily food such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
\n\u2022 Physical Inactivity:<\/b>\u00a0Physical activity keeps the metabolism of the body high making the flow of processes smooth and rapid. In the case of old people, the physical activity is comparatively less and so, higher chances of having constipation.
\n\u2022 Medications:<\/b>\u00a0The underlying are certain medicines that cause constipation
\n1. Antidepressants<\/span>
\n2. Narcotic(opioid) pain drugs<\/span>
\n3. Anticonvulsants<\/span>
\n4. Calcium channel blocking drugs<\/span>
\n5. containing antacid<\/span>
\n6. Diuretics<\/span>
\n\u2022 Milk:<\/b>\u00a0Some people are intolerant to milk or other dairy products. Consumption of these products leads to constipation in such cases.
\n\u2022 Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS)<\/b>: People who suffer from abdominal pain or have infrequent bowel movement usually face the problem of constipation.
\n\u2022 Pregnancy:<\/b>\u00a0During pregnancy, women experience hormonal changes. Also, the uterus compresses the intestine which leads to slow passage of food through the tract. These factors might cause constipation.
\n\u2022 Change in routine:<\/b>\u00a0The change in timings of meals and sleep patterns due to any reason, for example, travelling affects the digestive system. In such cases, the constipation problem is common.
\n\u2022 Aging:<\/b>\u00a0With increasing age, the metabolism slows down. Also, the muscle movement of the digestive tract as well as the intestines is not that strong.
\n\u2022 Excess use of laxatives:<\/b>\u00a0Laxatives are medicines, food or drinks to aid easier bowel movement. However, laxatives can be habit-forming and may increase a high risk of constipation when discontinued.
\n\u2022 Colon or rectum related problems:<\/b>\u00a0Colorectal stricture, tumours, scar tissues, diverticulosis compress and restrict the passages causing constipation.
\n\u2022 Diseases:<\/b>\u00a0There are certain diseases which slow down the movement of through colon, rectum or anus and cause constipation. They are as follows:
\n1. Neurological Disorders<\/span>
\n2. Endocrine and metabolic conditions related to diseases<\/span>
\n3. Systemic diseases<\/span>
\n4. Cancer<\/span><\/p>\nHow to Get Rid of Constipation?<\/h2>\n
\n\u2022 Add more fiber to your diet with fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, beans, and whole grains.
\n\u2022 Exercise, jog, walk, bike ride, swim or do anything to maintain proper circulation in the body and also to keep the bowel healthy.
\n\u2022 Consume plenty of liquids
\n\u2022 Manage your stress
\n\u2022 Never hold your stool
\nHowever, constipation may be chronic if any of the symptoms listed last for more than three to four months. Recurring constipation can be due to an underlying illness.
\nIn this scenario, it is important to see a doctor, precisely a gastroenterologist.
\nDr.Piyush Ranjan, the top gastroenterologist in Delhi is an expert in this field. The gastroenterologist and his team study the patient’s history, thereafter, digging in the possible causes for the problem. Chronic constipation might be due to an underlying illness or a condition and needs to be treated:
\n\u2022 OTC laxatives:<\/b>\u00a0The intake of laxatives is the ultimate solution to get rid of constipation. They are:
\n1. Stimulants: They cause the intestinal muscles to contract smoothly.<\/span>
\n2. Lubricants: Help the stool move down the colon more easily. It includes mineral oil and fleet.<\/span>
\n3. Stool softeners: It moistens the stool including Colace and Surfak.<\/span>
\n4. Fiber Supplements: These are safe and should be taken with plenty of water.<\/span>
\n5. Osmotics: These smoothen the movement of fluids through colon.<\/span>
\n6. Saline laxatives: These draw water into the colon and include milk of magnesia.<\/span>
\n7. 5-HT-4 agonists: These increase the secretion of fluid in intestines and smoothens liquid flow through the tract.<\/span>
\n\u2022 Biofeedback Training:<\/b>\u00a0The therapist uses devices to help you learn to relax and tighten muscles in your pelvis. Relaxation of pelvic floor muscles at the right time during defecation can aid in easier bowel movement.
\n\u2022 Surgery:<\/b>\u00a0In extreme cases, a gastroenterologist recommends surgery. This happens if the person has an abnormal and slow bowel movement even after all treatments are done. In such cases, the surgical removal of a part of the colon may be an option. Entire colon removal is rare.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"