Causes, symptoms and treatments of chronic constipation
Constipation is a state when your faeces harden and you face discomfort in its excretion. People usually feel shy and don’t accept that they are facing the problem of constipation. Such topics are rarely shared or spoken in public. This leads to lack of awareness about the symptoms, causes, and treatment of chronic constipation.
Though constipation is not a major disease, it may lead to some major kidney and intestinal diseases. Approx 42 million Americans are facing chronic constipation, and an individual will have to look for suitable treatment to get rid of the same. Constipation is defined as having hard, dry or less than 3 bowel expulsions in a week. If a person faces this problem for a month or two, the constipation is said to be chronic and necessary treatment has to be started.
Causes of Chronic Constipation
When food is present in the large intestine (colon), it absorbs the water molecules present in it before digesting. It secretes mucus to moist the passage of faeces and muscles contraction pushes it outward. If this doesn’t happen in a smooth way, the person is said to be suffering from constipation. Some of the causes of chronic constipation are:
- If faeces remain in colon for longer time, all the moisture present in it gets absorbed, making it dry and hard
- Malfunctioning of large intestine
- Blockage in colon or rectum due to anal fissure, colon cancer or rectal cancer
- Spinal injury or any kind of stroke in nerves around colon
- Inability or weakening of pelvic muscles
- Any kind of change in hormonal condition, such as diabetes, pregnancy or thyroid disorder
Symptoms of Constipation
- Passing less than three faeces in a week
- Not feeling completely empty, even after excretion
- Straining while excreting
- Sensation of rectum blockage
- Hard and lumpy stool
- Bloating near rectum muscles
Treatment of chronic constipation
The easiest and simplest way to cure constipation is by changing the food habits. By including some eatables and excluding the others, you can get rid of constipation. It involves,
- Increase the intake of soluble fibers
Fibers are of two types, soluble and insoluble fibers. Soluble fibers are those that dissolve in liquid and are found in nuts, oats and in fruits, whereas insoluble fibers are found in skin and seeds of fruits and vegetables. Insoluble fibers are not digestible; hence it can worsen constipation. So, taking soluble fiber is quite beneficial and even safe.
- Drink More Liquid
Water keeps you hydrated, smoothens the excretion process and even helps in softening the faeces. In some cases, carbonated water, that is the soda water has also been beneficial in treating constipation. About 7-8 glasses of water per day keep the body hydrated. Doctors suggest the intake of fluid especially water for treatment as well as prevention of chronic constipation.
- Use probiotic food or supplements
People suffer from constipation even due to lack of some useful bacteria. These bacteria produce lactic and fatty acid which improves stomach problems. Probiotic food or their supplements helps in generation of such bacteria in the body thus leading to treatment of chronic constipation. Some of the probiotic foods are yoghurt, kimichi and other doctor’s recommended supplements that can be taken for better results.
- Low FODMAP Diet
FODMAP stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols in simple words, FODMAP is the short chain of carbohydrates found in some fruits and veggies. They are not digestible in the small intestine and ferment when they reach the bowel causing IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and chronic constipation. This is an effective treatment in case of chronic constipation.
- Meditation and exercise
Stress affects the digestive system. So researchers have led to the conclusion that meditation and regular physical exercises are beneficial for an IBS patient and cure chronic constipation. Exercises such as cycling, swimming, walking and even stomach massage is beneficial. You need to make sure you at least spend a few minutes to exercise every day.
When you should contact your doctor:
- If you find any blood in your stool
- If you are losing weight drastically
- Every time you pass stool, you experience terrible pain or if you have pain during bowel movements.
- If you have constipation for more than one week or if there is a dramatic increase in size and shape of your stools.
Constipation though common is a very irritable disease. If not treated on time may lead to other problems in the body. You must discuss it with your doctor to discover its real cause in your body. Whether acute or chronic, constipation can be treated. But in case of some serious reason, it needs immediate and proper treatment.
