How To Treat Constipation: Symptoms, Causes and Prevention

Ah, dreaded constipation! Almost everyone has experienced it once or more in their lifetime. And we can guarantee no one has fond memories of it. According to a survey, approximately 22% of Indian adults experience constipation. This is a significant number! Constipation isn’t limited to adults; it is a widespread issue that impacts individuals of all ages, including infants, children, and the elderly. Faecal impaction is often caused by a low-fibre diet and can typically be managed with laxatives or dietary adjustments. Continue reading to discover the causes of constipation, its symptoms, and effective treatment methods.

What is Constipation?

Constipation is a gastrointestinal disorder. Constipation is often described as having fewer than three bowel movements per week. It is quite common; it can affect adults and is particularly prevalent among children and senior citizens.

When a person is constipated, they experience dry, hard, and infrequent bowel movements, often finding it difficult to pass stool. A worse situation might include severe pain, gas, stomach discomfort or blood in the stools.

That’s to say that occasional constipation is rarely serious. If someone is experiencing persistent constipation, lasting typically more than three weeks, it’s important to consult a gastroenterologist promptly.

Symptoms of Constipation

Constipation can often be attributed to several factors, such as:

• Hard, dry bowel movements
• Feeling the urge to use the bathroom more frequently than usual
• Straining to move your bowels
• Feeling like your rectum is blocked
• Passing hard or lumpy stools
• Feeling the need to pass stool, but experiencing difficulty or inability to do so
• Feeling those bowels are not fully emptied

Causes of Constipation

There are various factors that may cause constipation. Some of the most common causes of constipation are:

• Inadequate dietary fibre intake
• Delaying bowel movements deliberately
• Lack of water in the diet
• Lack or inadequate exercise
• Dehydration
• Abrupt changes in the routine or travel

• Certain medications can contribute to constipation, such as opioid pain relievers, diuretics, antidepressants, and antacids.
• Low level of physical activity
• Underlying health conditions, such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, and certain neurological disorders, can contribute to constipation
• Stress
• Changes in sleeping pattern
• Eating large quantities of cheese or milk

Ageing, pregnancy, posture (sitting for long periods), and illness are other causes of constipation. Various health conditions that can cause constipation include:

• Hormonal imbalances
• Weakened pelvic muscles
• Diverticular disease
• Neurological conditions like stroke, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, and multiple sclerosis can also contribute to constipation.
• Lazy bowel syndrome
• Multiple organ diseases such as scleroderma and lupus can contribute to constipation.
• Blockages in the rectum or colon
• Anal fissure
• Dyssynergia refers to the inability to coordinate the contraction and relaxation of pelvic muscles correctly, which can contribute to constipation.

Treatment & Prevention for Constipation

There are several ways to treat constipation. Prevention is often more effective than treatment, as many individuals can alleviate or avoid constipation symptoms through dietary and lifestyle adjustments.

Some of the ways to prevent or get relief from it are listed below:

• Increase your water intake to stay hydrated—aim for six glasses a day to promote healthy bowel function!
• Regular exercise, such as outdoor activities or home workouts like sit-ups, can help stimulate bowel movements.
• Incorporate these foods into your morning routine before breakfast or in the evening before bedtime. Consider adding more whole grains such as oats or brown rice, paired with beans or lentils, to boost your fiber intake.
• Consider incorporating these foods into your morning or bedtime routine: whole grains such as oats or brown rice paired with beans or lentils, which are rich in fiber.
• To prevent constipation, limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol, which can cause dehydration. Avoid using your phone or other devices while trying to pass stool. Additionally, minimize consumption of low-fiber foods such as milk, processed foods, meat, and cheese.
• Don’t delay the urge to pass stool.
• Visit the toilet regularly.
• Try to limit stressful thoughts.
• Alter your sitting position on the toilet seat. Squatting, raising your knees, leaning back or raising your feet can facilitate better bowel movements.

By following these simple steps, you can promote a healthier gut that enhances your body’s ability to absorb nutrients efficiently from food.

However, if your symptoms persist despite self-care measures, there are various other treatment options available.

Over-the-Counter Medicines

Your doctor may prescribe medications to treat constipation. If you have constipation that has lasted more than two weeks, you can start taking a laxative ( with a doctor’s prescription, of course!) that is over-the-counter (OTC).

In rare cases where over-the-counter treatments are ineffective after several days, your doctor may prescribe stronger medication if another underlying cause of constipation is suspected. Laxatives might include:

• Osmotic agents
• Lubricants, e.g. mineral oil
• Fibre supplements
• Stool softeners
• Suppositories & enemas
• Stimulants, and more.

However, if your symptoms persist or worsen, it’s advisable to seek advice from a gastroenterologist for other treatment options.

Other Constipation Treatment Alternatives

Other options that can help treat constipation are:

• Procedure to remove faeces manually.
• Surgery – It is rarely required. However, in cases of severe blockage, a doctor may recommend surgery as a treatment option.
• Biofeedback therapy.

Constipation Side Effects and Complications

Chronic constipation can lead to various complications. Some of these include:

• Torn skin in the anus
• Protruding intestine from the anus – rectal prolapse
• Swollen veins in the anus – haemorrhoids
• Faecal impaction refers to stool that becomes stuck in the intestines.

Moreover, this gastrointestinal condition can lead to rectal ulcers and potentially to colon or rectal cancer. Often overlooked, faecal impaction can significantly impact the patient’s mental health.

Amandeep Hospital: Your Trusted Destination for Comprehensive Gastrointestinal Care

As you can see, constipation is a common issue that can be effectively treated and prevented. It is generally caused by not getting enough fibre, drinking too much alcohol or caffeine, being stressed or having a low fluid intake.

Nevertheless, ignoring its signs and letting it persist will do more harm than good. Getting in touch with a Gastro Doctor is an ideal option in such cases. In case you are on the lookout for constipation treatment, Amandeep Hospital has some of the Best Gastrologist in India. Our Department of Gastroenterology & Nutrition is jam-packed with the latest facilities to treat even the most complex ailments related to the digestive system, pancreas, liver, etc.

A highly trained team of Surgeons and Doctors offer apt diagnosis and treatment for chronic constipation, fatty liver, gastritis, obesity, alcohol dependence, and much more.

Give your gut a gift of health. Speak with one of our representatives, visit our hospital or book an appointment today!