The symptoms of constipation are fairly simple to describe. In a real sense, constipation involves one overriding symptom: the inability of the bowels to function normally. Constipation might just as well be called bowel dysfunction.
Bowel movement frequency can vary from person to person. If more than three days pass without a bowel movement, constipation is considered to be occurring. Difficulty and pain in passing a stool is often described as constipation as well. Excessive straining or feelings of incomplete emptying are also considered to be correctly described as constipation.
Constipation can more correctly be described as a symptom of many different diseases instead of as a disease in and of itself. Aside from the inability to have a bold movement the following symbol symptoms may accompany that inability: abdominal bloating cramping are paying; decrease in appetite or overall feelings of lethargy and fatigue. The following symptoms may accompany more serious cases of constipation.
• A swollen abdomen or abdominal pain
• Pain in other areas close to the bowel
• Vomiting
• Extreme nausea
Symptoms and Symptoms
It may be more useful to discuss what constipation is a symptom of as opposed to what the symptoms of constipation are. The following list can get us started in that direction.
Constipation can indicate that the following serious medical and psychological conditions need to be investigated as its causes:
• Stress
• Hemorrhoids
• Hypothyroidism
• Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis
• Depression
• Eating disorders
• Irritable colon
• Pregnancy
• Colon cancer
Each of the items that make up the list above may need to be diagnosed and treated separately from the constipation that they are associated with. It is true that a relatively small number of patients with constipation actually have serious medical problems that need to be addressed in addition to the problem of constipation.
Diagnostic techniques associated with constipation can include the following:
Is a hormonal imbalance is suspected blood tests may need to be performed
But barium-based studies may be required if obstructions of the colon is suspected
A colonoscopy can also be used to look for obstructions in the colon
Controlling the symptoms associated with concentration can be relatively easy and performed by persons suffering from the condition itself. These include:
Drinking plenty of fluids, especially warm water early in the day
Consuming fruits and vegetables on a regular basis
Adding fiber in the form of bran or prunes to the diet
Mild stool softener as are appropriate if not used excessively
Laxatives may be of benefit if used in a judicious manner
Contraindications
If constipation is chronic and fails to respond to treatment in a timely manner the following medications may need to be curtailed or substituted for:
• Narcotics used to treat pain and other medications used for pain
• Antacids that contain aluminum
• Anti-depressant drugs
• Iron supplements
• Anti-spasmodic drugs
• Antihypertensive calcium channel blockers
If you are suffering from constipation, you should make an appointment to see your doctor before halting the use of any of the medications mentioned in the list above.