Constipation is the passing of hard, dry bowel motions (stools) that may be infrequent or difficult to pass. The most common causes of constipation include a change in routine, not enough fibre in the daily diet, not enough fluids and lack of exercise. See your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Risk factors
Being dehydrated. Eating a diet that's low in fiber. Getting little or no physical activity. Taking certain medications, including sedatives, opioid pain medications, some antidepressants or medications to lower blood pressure.
When constipation lingers for 3 weeks or more, get a checkup just to make sure a medical condition isn't causing the problem. Also see your doctor if: You've never been constipated before now. You have stomach pain.
You may think that cutting back on food will help “clear out” your colon. That's not the case. Do this: Eating, especially healthy whole foods that contain fiber, helps your body move stool.
A number of prescription medications are available to treat chronic constipation. Lubiprostone (Amitiza), linaclotide (Linzess) and plecanatide (Trulance) work by drawing water into your intestines and speeding up the movement of stool. Serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine 4 receptors.
Constipation should not be ignored. If it is left untreated, serious complications may arise such as hemorrhoids, anal fissure, fecal impaction and rectal prolapse as well as other related diseases that affect to general health in a long run.
When constipation lingers for three weeks or more, get a check-up just to make sure a medical condition isn't causing the problem. Also see your doctor if: You've never been constipated before now. You have stomach pain.
Obstipation is a severe form of constipation, where a person cannot pass stool or gas.
Primary (idiopathic) constipation can be conceptually categorized into three main types: normal-transit, slow-transit and pelvic floor dysfunction.
Chronic constipation can be subclassified into four categories: normal transit, slow transit, dyssynergic defecation (DD) and slow transit-dyssynergic combination (6,7).
Stress can cause changes in the release and action of the neurotransmitters in the bowel. These stress-related changes can directly affect your bowel function. This can result in constipation or loose stools.
Insoluble fiber is the most beneficial for softening stools. It does not dissolve in water and helps food pass more quickly from the stomach to the intestines. Wholewheat flour, nuts, beans, and vegetables, such as cauliflower, green beans, and potatoes all contain insoluble fiber.
Constipation is a symptom, not a disease, and can be caused by many factors. The most common are poor diet and lack of exercise. Other causes include irritable bowel syndrome, pregnancy, laxative abuse, travel, specific diseases, hormonal disturbances, loss of body salts and nerve damage.
In general, bulk-forming laxatives, also referred to as fiber supplements, are the gentlest on your body and safest to use long term. Metamucil and Citrucel fall into this category.
On top of drinking plenty of regular water — about eight 8-ounce servings each day — try sipping on lemon water too. The citrus may help stimulate your colon. And some studies show that drinking warm water in the morning can help break down foods.
Key points. The prevalence of constipation increases dramatically with age, affecting almost 1 in 2 adults over 80 years of age. In older people, the predominant symptom of constipation is more frequently straining than decreased stool frequency.
“The BRAT diet ― bananas, rice, applesauce and toast ― is one we recommend for a range of digestive issues, and it can help with both constipation and diarrhea.
Foods that help ease constipation
Consider adding some the following fibre-rich foods to your diet to help ease constipation: High fibre cereals such as: bran flakes, Weetabix, porridge, muesli and shredded wheat.