How To Treat Constipation: Symptoms, Causes & 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. As per a survey, around 22% of Indian adults suffer from constipation. That’s a lot if you think about it! Not just adults, constipation is a common problem that affects people of all ages, including babies, children and the elderly. It’s mostly caused by a lack of fibre in your diet and can be treated with laxatives or dietary changes.Read on to learn more about what are the causes of constipation, its symptoms, and how to treat constipation.

What is Constipation?

Constipation is a gastrointestinal disorder. Typically, constipation is the condition of having one or more bowel movements less than three times a week. It is pretty common, though – It can trouble adults and is especially common in children and senior citizens.

When someone’s constipated, they have dry, hard and irregular bowel movements. Plus, they find 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. However, if someone’s struggling with persistent constipation (usually lasting more than three weeks), they must consult a Gastro Doctor right away.

Symptoms of Constipation

Some of the most evident constipation symptoms are as follows:

• Hard, dry bowel movements
• Feeling like you have to go more often than usual
• Straining to move your bowels
• Feeling like your rectum is blocked
• Passing hard or lumpy stools
• Feeling like you have to go, but nothing comes out
• 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 include:

• 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, including opioid pain relievers, diuretics, antidepressants, antacids, etc.
• Low level of physical activity
• Some underlying health problems, such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, etc.
• 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-related issues that may cause constipation include:

• Hormonal imbalances
• Weakened pelvic muscles
• Diverticular disease
• Neurologic conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis
• Lazy bowel syndrome
• Multiple organ diseases, such as scleroderma, lupus, etc.
• Blockages in the rectum or colon
• Anal fissure
• Dyssynergia (inability to coordinate contraction and relaxation of pelvic muscles correctly)

Treatment & Prevention for Constipation

There are several ways to treat constipation. Nonetheless, as they say: Prevention is always better than cure. Most people can relieve their symptoms or prevent constipation with changes to their diet and lifestyle.

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

• Drink more water than usual – six glasses a day will help keep your bowels healthy!
• Exercise regularly – running around outside or doing some sit-ups at home could help get things moving again!
• Eat high-fibre foods – Many different fruits and vegetables are great sources of fibre—bananas, raspberries, oranges, avocados, and leafy greens like spinach and kale are some good ones to try!
• Try adding these foods to your diet in the morning (before you eat breakfast) or at night (before going to sleep). You can also try consuming more whole grains like oats or brown rice with beans or lentils for extra fibre.
• Limit the intake of caffeine, alcohol and any such thing that causes dehydration.
• Do not use your phone or other devices while trying to pass stool.
• Avoid eating low-fibre, such as milk, processed foods, meat, cheese, etc.
• 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.

If you follow these easy steps, you will likely have a healthier gut that will allow your body to absorb nutrients efficiently from food.

However, if you have symptoms that do not go away with self-care measures, there are several other treatment methods.

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).

Your doctor may prescribe something stronger if this doesn’t work after several days of treatment with OTCs—this should only happen in rare cases where there is another cause of constipation not related directly. Laxatives might include:

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

However, if your symptoms do not go away or become worse, you can get advice on other treatment options from a Gastro Doctor.

Other Constipation Treatment Alternatives

Other options that can help treat constipation are:

• Procedure to remove faeces manually.
• Surgery – It is rarely required. But, a doctor might recommend surgery if there is a severe blockage.
• 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
• Stool that gets stuck in the intestines – faecal impaction

Moreover, this gastro condition can cause rectal ulcers and colon or rectal cancer. And often overlooked, it does have a considerable negative effect on the patient’s mental health.

Amandeep Hospital: A Place to Get Relief From All Gastrointestinal Disorders

As you might observe, constipation is a common problem that can be easily cured 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!