Constipation is a symptom,not a disease.It is stoppage,irregular or incomplete emptying of the bowel. The intestinal contents are propelled on-wards by rhythmic muscular contractions of the bowel. The National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases , believes that a person is constipated when they produce less than three bowel movements per week, or have hard, dry, small bowel movements that are painful or difficult to get through the rectum.It is simply, uncomfortable feeling of staying too long without going to the bathroom is common to people of all ages.
Temporary constipation, may be due to some inter-current general illness or a change of food habit. Chronic constipation, usually starts from neglect regularly to evacuate the bowel when this is indicated. This leads to overloading and overstretching of the lower bowel, and, in turn, to a loss of tone or contractile strength of the musculature of the bowel wall. A vicious circle is thus set up.
How Does Constipation Develop?
When we feed, food goes through the digestive system to the intestine, which moves to push the food bolus and extract nutrients. If these movements subside, the body absorbs excess water, making the stool dry. This is what causes pain.
Main Causes Of Constipation
Several factors influence to cause constipation. The most common are:
- Low fiber consumption
- Low fluid consumption
- Lack of physical exercise
- Ignore the urge to go to the bathroom
- Stress and anxiety
- Change in routine, such as travel
- Side effects of medications.
Symptoms Of Constipation
The most common symptoms include:
- Produce fewer bowel movements than normal. Keep in mind that “less than normal” will be different from person to person. The key is to pay attention to your habits;
- Difficulty or pain when evacuating . You may feel pain in your abdomen when you go to the bathroom;
- Swelling in the abdomen;
- Excess gases.
Intestinal Constipation Treatment
To avoid cases of constipation, it is necessary to maintain some regular habits, such as:
- Consume more liquids;
- Consume more fibrous foods;
- Reduce daily stress;
- Chew the food properly and calmly;
- Make meals at fixed times, avoiding the lack of control of the “biological clock”;
- Exercise regularly.
Other Practices That Prevent Constipation
1-Exercise
Physical activity increases muscle activity in your intestines. Mild exercises can also improve bowel function, including stretching, walking, jogging, yoga, swimming or dancing.
Managing And Reducing Stress
Would you believe that 75% to 90% of all doctor’s office visits are related to conditions caused by stress? Stress manifests itself in the body in several ways, increasing muscle tension, increasing blood sugar levels, altering the appetite and affecting the way the thyroid gland and hormones work.
When To Consult The Doctor?
Constipation is not really a disease, but a symptom of various diseases; It is therefore important to understand what the cause is, by analyzing life habits and any new clinical signs (blood in the stool, colic, etc.).
The doctor should be consulted if constipation persists despite the increase in fiber intake, changes in life habits and laxatives for 2-3 days. In addition, medical consultation is recommended when constipation arises in a short time and is associated with weight loss and / or abdominal pain.It is always recommended to visit a specialized gastroenterologist, who will assess their actual need.
