Constipation
Definition of Constipation:
Constipation is defined as having less than three bowel movements per week or experiencing significant difficulty in passing stool.
Symptoms:
- Having fewer than three bowel movements per week.
- Passing hard, dry stools with great difficulty.
- Passing hard, dry stools with great difficulty.
- Feeling of incomplete evacuation.
- Feeling of a blockage in the rectum.
When to See a Specialist?
- If symptoms persist for more than three weeks.
- If daily activities are affected by severe symptoms.
- If there is blood in the stool or the stool is black.
- If there is abdominal pain.
- If there is unintentional weight loss.
Causes of Constipation:
Lifestyle-related causes:
- Not drinking enough water.
- Not consuming enough dietary fiber.
- Lack of regular exercise.
- Ignoring the urge to defecate.
Medication-related causes:
- Pain relievers.
- Blood pressure medications.
- Antidepressants.
- Allergy medications.
- Medications for nervous system disorders.
- Weak pelvic muscles.
- Blockage in the colon or rectum due to tumors.
Other causes:
- Diabetes.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
- Multiple sclerosis.
- Hyperthyroidism.
- Parkinson’s disease.
- Pregnancy.
Complications of Constipation:
- Hemorrhoids.
- Anal fissures.
- Fecal impaction.
- Rectal prolapse.
Prevention of Constipation:
- Eat fiber-rich foods like fruits and vegetables.
- Drink plenty of water and fluids.
- Exercise regularly.
- Do not ignore the urge to defecate.
Diagnosis:
- Physical examination: Pressing on the abdomen to check for pain or unusual masses.
- Visual examination: Inspection of the anal tissues.
- Rectal examination: Checking the rectum and anal muscles.
- Colonoscopy: Examination of the rectum and entire colon.
Treatment:
1- Lifestyle changes:
- Eat a high-fiber diet.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Exercise regularly.
- Follow proper bowel habits.
- Eat prunes.
2- Laxatives:
- Fiber supplements: Help stools retain fluid and ease passage.
- Osmotic laxatives: Help move stool through the colon (e.g., lactulose).
- Stimulants: Cause bowel contractions to move stool.
- Lubricants: Such as mineral oils, ease stool movement.
3- Enemas
4- Colon training
5- Surgery:
- Surgery may be necessary to correct damage to the tissues and nerves of the colon and rectum.
Doctor’s Instructions for Constipation Patients:
- Follow a high-fiber diet (e.g., fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole-grain bread, and rice).
- Drink plenty of water and non-caffeinated beverages.
- Establish a regular bowel routine, especially after meals.
- Do not ignore the urge to defecate.
- Eat prunes (dried plums).
