The National Library of Medicine states that we have all suffered from occasional constipation from time to time. But, when this disorder becomes chronic, symptoms begin to appear that make it difficult for the person to perform their daily tasks well. This problem appears mainly in adults and is usually painful .
In this article we will be talking more about constipation, its symptoms, the diagnosis and the most recommended treatment for each case.
What is constipation?
Constipation is the difficulty in evacuating feces. In general, it happens that these become hard and dry, and do not flow properly through the intestine. Chronic constipation is when a person has a bowel movement two or three times in a week, causing stool to build up for a couple of days, further clogging the intestine.
A person with constipation can exert force to try to evacuate, this is usually painful and even dangerous, in some cases . Constipation does not have a specific cause, but there are factors that must be avoided to make the problem worse. The good thing is that there are many treatments available to avoid, or lessen, the discomfort caused by this problem.
symptoms of constipation
The symptoms are quite characteristic, so it is easy to associate them with constipation. Let’s see what the most common symptoms are.
- sporadic evacuations. Just two or three times in a week.
- Hard and dry stools. This makes it even more difficult to dispose of them.
- Force to defecate. This can cause physical damage.
- pressure. There is a feeling of a blockage in the rectum or colon that is pressed or full, even after going to the bathroom.
There are some symptoms that leave clear alarm signals. It is recommended to consult a doctor if any of the following symptoms occur.
- Upset stomach. They include vomiting, swelling in the abdomen, or stiffness in this area.
- Weight loss. The loss is notorious, which can occur in a short space of time.
- Alterations in the evacuations. These can be bloody. And, in other cases, you can go up to a week without being able to defecate even once.
There are those who resort to laxatives or enemas to help the intestine, however, a bowel movement will not disappear all the symptoms of chronic constipation. In addition, this condition can continue for months or even years, so it is better to have a doctor follow up and, in this way, get the best treatment.
How is constipation diagnosed?
The doctor performs a review of the patient’s medical history and a physical assessment. Sometimes this is enough to identify the cause. It can be caused by drugs or masses, so it is not necessary to proceed with other tests. Diagnosis is important to find the source of the problem and treat it directly.
When treatment doesn’t have the expected effect, or if a physical examination doesn’t find a cause, your doctor may suggest a blood test, abdominal x-ray, or CT scan. With these tests you can see if the person suffers from hypothyroidism , problems with calcium levels or if there is any intestinal obstruction.
Another procedure to follow may be the internal study of the intestines and the functioning of the anal sphincter muscle. Among the evaluations that can be carried out we find, Sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, anorectal manometry, etc.
These tests show the function of the intestine, colon and rectum, allowing to determine if the problem has an underlying cause. By knowing the origin of the problem, it is easier to indicate an efficient treatment.
Causes of constipation
The cause of constipation is usually the slow passage of feces through the intestine . A blockage can also prevent stool from being passed, causing it to harden and clump up. Other causes may be related to neurological and hormonal problems.
Among the most common causes, the National Library of Medicine indicates dehydration, intestinal obstruction or constriction, cancer in the abdomen, colon or rectum, pregnancy and many others.
It is important to find the cause of constipation and have a treatment that improves the symptoms. Above all, because chronic constipation can present other complications over time . Straining to try to defecate when the stool is hard can cause hemorrhoids , rectal prolapse, fecal impaction, and ruptures in the anal walls.
constipation treatment
The treatment for constipation will depend on the origin of the problem and its severity. Generally, it focuses on three stages.
First stage
The first involves a healthy diet and lifestyle changes . Diet and exercise greatly influence intestinal transit. It is advisable to follow a diet rich in fiber. You should consume 15 to 20 g of fiber daily. This is achieved in vegetables, fruits and bran. For the treatment to have a quick effect, it must be accompanied by the consumption of abundant water.
It is also important to dedicate time to a calm evacuation, preferably 15 to 45 minutes after breakfast, since food activates intestinal transit.
Second stage
For the second stage, laxatives can be used . Fiber supplements, stimulants, lubricants, stool softeners, enemas, and suppositories all work excellently to ease bowel movements. It is essential to take into account that not all patients can take laxatives, hence the importance of first making a safe diagnosis.
If the patient has other intestinal problems, laxatives can make the case worse. These can be for prolonged use or for eventualities. You have to know how to differentiate them and use them well.
third stage
The last option is usually surgery . For those who constipation is due to obstruction or constriction, which does not improve with a treatment of those mentioned, surgery may be necessary. This consists of the surgical removal of part of the colon if the movement of stool through the intestine is too slow. Rarely is removal of the entire colon necessary.
The best recommendation for patients with constipation is to take into account the aforementioned suggestions, to know how to act and get the relief they so badly need.
