What Exactly is Constipation?
Constipation stands out as the prevailing gastrointestinal concern, prompting countless visits to the doctor each year. In essence, an individual is termed as constipated when they experience less than three bowel movements per week or encounter difficulty passing stool. Approximately 16 percent of the population grapples with constipation symptoms. Despite its discomfort (and occasional distress), constipation is recognized as a symptom rather than a standalone disease.
It is crucial to understand that normal bowel patterns vary significantly from person to person. Some individuals may have several daily bowel movements, while others might only have one or two per week. Constipation becomes problematic when it causes distress or disrupts a person's daily life.
Indications and Symptoms of Constipation:
- Stools that are lumpy, dry, or hard
- Painful or challenging passage of stools
- Sensation of a blockage in the rectum hindering bowel movements
- Feeling unable to fully evacuate stool
- Needing assistance to empty the rectum, including manual pressure on the abdomen or using a finger for stool removal.
Constipation is considered chronic if two or more of these symptoms persist for three consecutive months.
What causes constipation?
The gastrointestinal tract, responsible for digestion, nutrient absorption, and waste elimination, comprises a series of hollow organs. In the lower gastrointestinal tract, the large intestine (colon and rectum) absorbs water from digested food, transforming it into solid stool. Constipation arises when digested food remains in the colon for an extended period, leading to hard, dry stool that is challenging to expel.
Various lifestyle factors can contribute to constipation, including:
- Inadequate fiber intake
- Insufficient hydration or not consuming enough liquids in general
- Lack of physical exercise
- Persistent disregard for the urge to have a bowel movement
- Overreliance on laxatives or enemas, which, when used incorrectly, can exacerbate the issue.
Additionally, certain medical conditions can be culprits for constipation, such as:
- Gastrointestinal (GI) tract problems or disorders, like irritable bowel syndrome
- Tumors or other obstructive issues
- Celiac disease
- Colon polyps
- Multiple sclerosis
- Diabetes
- Hypothyroidism
- Parkinson's disease
- Stroke
- Nerve damage
While constipation can impact anyone, the risk is heightened if you:
- Identify as a woman
- Are an older adult, particularly over 65
- Experience depression or another mental health condition
How to diagnose constipation yourself
A patient checklist of questions can also be helpful in the diagnosis, and especially to gauge the severity, duration, and appropriate options for additional tests and treatment:
- Do you experience pain during bowel movements?
- Are you finding it necessary to exert excessive effort or use manual assistance to facilitate bowel movements?
- Have you observed bright red blood accompanying your stool?
- Are there any additional worrisome or novel symptoms, such as fatigue, hair loss, or heightened sensitivity to cold?
- Have you implemented lifestyle modifications, such as increased fiber intake, warm water with lemon, Metamucil, or elevated water consumption, to address the issue?
Treatment and Medication Options for Constipation
Addressing constipation, which can be distressing and uncomfortable, involves a range of strategies encompassing lifestyle adjustments, dietary modifications, and even reconsidering specific supplements to proactively avert constipation.
Medication Alternatives:
Should lifestyle modifications prove ineffective, your healthcare provider may recommend options such as fiber supplements, stool softeners, or other medications, available either over-the-counter or through prescription, to facilitate smoother bowel movements. While laxatives are a potential choice, their regular use can potentially complicate natural bowel movements, emphasizing the importance of using them under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Alternative and Complementary Approaches:
Though limited high-quality studies exist on the efficacy of alternative therapies for treating constipation, a 2015 review revealed that practices like acupuncture and herbal treatments such as psyllium might offer relief.
Preventing Constipation:
Preventative measures include regular exercise, as physical activity promotes digestive regularity. Elevating your dietary fiber intake by incorporating high-fiber foods into your regular meals is crucial. Adequate water consumption is also emphasized. A noteworthy discovery from a 2019 study underscores the potential health benefits of a high-fiber diet, revealing a 15 to 30 percent decrease in mortality from various causes compared to those with lower fiber intake.
Attuning to Your Body:
Being attentive to your body's signals is paramount. Respond promptly when the need arises, avoiding unnecessary delay. Encouraging a stress-free approach to bathroom routines is beneficial. Adopting a calm and relaxed mindset can positively influence the overall experience.