Except perhaps in jest, people don’t talk about constipation and hemroids for the fun of it. Discussions of constipation are most likely of greatest interest to people who are suffering from this sometimes painful and always frustrating medical problem.
Although discussions of constipation may not be that plentiful almost everyone has experience with the problem at some time in their life. Chronic constipation is estimated to affect around 2% of the population of the United States. Constipation although annoying it’s not often considered to be a particularly serious medical problem.
Constipation defined
Constipation is defined as something that isn’t happening or that is happening less frequently or with greater difficulty than what is considered to be normal. That something is a bowel movement. Frequency of bowel movements varies widely among the population. Some people move their bowels as many as three times a day. Other people move their bowels only about two or three times a week. If you go without a bowel movement for more than three days most people who are familiar with constipation will conclude that you are constipated. The stool becomes harder and more difficult to pass if it remains in the intestine or rectum for longer than three days.
If the pattern of your bowel movements partakes of the following symptoms for a period of around three months you’ll are considered to be constipated in a medical sense.
• Straining during a bowel movement more than 25% of the time
• You have two or fewer bowel movements in a week’s time
• The stools you produce are hard more than 25% of the time.
• You experience incomplete evacuation more than 25% of the time
Constipation causes
Most often constipation relates to the way the bowels function rather than the way they are structured. The most common causes of constipation include the following:
• Excessive consumption of dairy products
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Failure to drink enough water
• Failure to include enough fiber and one’s diet
• Stress or depression
• Excessive use of laxatives or stool softeners
• Disruptions of regular routine — often related to traveling
• Hemorrhoids or other conditions that cause avoidance of bowel movements
• The use of antacid medications
• Eating disorders
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Colorectal cancer
• Pregnancy
• Eating disorders such as bulimia
• Diseases of the nervous system such as ALS, Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis
• The use of narcotics antidepressants and pain relievers
Conditions that interfere with the function of nerves and muscles in the bowel may also contribute to, or cause, constipation. Over time excessive use of laxatives or stool softener’s may actually weaken muscles used in bowel movements.
Preventing constipation
Constipation is one medical condition that responds well to self-care strategies and lifestyle changes. These include the following:
• A diet that includes plenty of fiber, fruits and vegetables, the games, as well as whole-grain baked goods and cereals can prove helpful
• Drinking as much as 2 quarts of water a day or including an equivalent amount of other fluids and drinks is also helpful. Avoiding caffeinated drinks and alcohol is advisable because they tend to ultimately lead to dehydration. You may need to cut back on dairy products as well
• Regular exercise can improve health including the health issues that relate to bowel movements
• Try to overcome any hesitancy to move your bowels when you feel as if you should
Quick Constipation Treatments
• Besides drinking a lot of water try drinking warm water, especially in the morning
• Prunes and bran do actually live up to their reputation as natural laxatives
• Add more fruits and vegetables to your diet
• Occasional use of mild stool softener is in laxatives is acceptable
When Should You Call the Doctor?
• If you detect blood in your stool
• If you are constipated for longer than two weeks
• If you experience considerable pain when you move your bowels
• If you’ve never been constipated before and are constipated now
• If you’re losing weight without dieting