Constipation: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Dr.Sharad Malhotra, 4 mins read

There will be days when your morning starts with an irritated mood because of constipation. The condition is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements a week or having difficulty passing stool or passing hard stools.  

Constipation can be uncomfortable and painful, especially if prolonged. It is a common digestive issue but if it turns chronic, it can influence your overall well-being. While most people occasionally experience this problem, certain people, especially those in older age groups, pregnant women or who have lethargic lifestyles and poor dietary choices, are more likely to suffer from chronic constipation.

Symptoms

• Decrease in total number of stools/per week
• Abdominal bloating (belly feels full, gaseous and tight)
• A lumpy, hard, dry or small stool
• Difficulty or straining excessively to have a bowel movement
• A feeling of having a blockage in the rectum that prevents the bowel movement
• A feeling that the rectum is not completely empty, even after having a bowel movement

Causes

Stool is generated after the digestion of food takes place and is generated in large intestine also called as colon. The colon’s main job is to absorb water from the residual food and then finally create a stool.

But sometimes the stool stays longer than usual in the colon, which makes it hard and difficult to move out. This usually happens when your diet doesn’t involve adequate fibre and water, which are necessary to keep the stools soft. Or the person concerned may be on some medications, or suffering from an illness that reduces motility of the intestine.

Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement, changes in daily routine, stress, certain medications and some underlying health conditions that affect colon functioning can also lead to constipation if not corrected in time.

Exams & Tests

If the problem is frequently happening to you, always seek medical help. The treating doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms, medical history and any medications you’re taking. He may conduct a physical exam, including a rectal exam, in which the doctor inserts the lubricated, gloved finger into the anus to check for any abnormality or retention of stools.

The doctor may also suggest some blood tests to check your blood count, electrolytes and thyroid function. He may recommend some other tests, like X-ray, anorectal manometry, barium enema X-ray and colonoscopy, to know the cause of your symptoms.

Complications of Constipation:

1. Bleeding from rectum
2. Piles / Anal fissure
3. Fecal impaction
4. Colonic diverticulosis
5. Chronic pain abdomen

Prevention & Remedies

• Daily drink at least 2 litres of water. Consider drinking warm water in the morning.
• Add fibre-rich fruits, vegetables and whole grains to your diet.
• Limit intake of caffeinated drinks and alcohol as they can cause dehydration.
• Cut down on processed food and a low-fibre diet.
• Consider aerobic exercises, like running, swimming, jogging or even brisk walking will help.
• Don’t delay the urge to have a bowel movement. The longer you wait, the harder the stool can become. Passing stools in afternoon or evening is normal and natural and is neither unhealthy nor a indicator of disease.
• Allow yourself plenty of time while sitting in the washroom to relax your muscles.You can also use Indian style to
• Use laxatives only after the doctor’s prescription.
• Add probiotics to your diet.
• Seek medical help. The doctor will evaluate your condition and based on that advise you on a treatment.

Also, Read: Health Effects of Overweight and Obesity