What is Constipation
Constipation is define as a “3 or fewer bowel movements per week, often associated with difficulties of defecation (hard stool)”.
Constipation can greatly affect the quality of life of affected person. Due to the constipation itself provide a feeling of fullness and a bloated stomach. The defecation is difficult and painful, the feces is usually hard and can be excreted only by strong pressing in small portions. The victims have a feeling of incomplete evacuation. The cause of constipation is usually harmless (Stress, shift work). Also may persist a feeling that the bowel has not completely emptied. In addition, the blockage may be accompanied by other symptoms such as bloating, nausea, abdominal pain or cramps.
Constipation is most commonly occurring gastrointestinal disease in adults. Constipation and occurs in approximately 20 to 30 percent of people especially after age of 60, every now and then on. Women are more than twice as often affected as men. In general we speak of constipation is less than three bowel movements per week. However, the nature and frequency of defecation also depend on the eating and drinking habits of each individual.
Acute constipation
Acute constipation is usually short-lived and mostly due to a change of habitual lifestyle. There may be various reasons for this. The most common are:
- Travel
- Bedridden after surgery or illness
- Bowel obstruction
- Discomfort around the anus, for example hemorrhoids
- Hormonal changes, such as onset of menopause or puberty, pregnancy
- Medications such as painkillers or cough medicine
There symptoms are similar to chronic constipation but some additional symptoms are:
- Severe pain
- Swollen belly
- Vomiting of feces (miserere)
- Shock
Chronic Constipation
Chronic constipation occurs when a blockage characterizing symptoms occurs over a period of more than three months.
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Causes Of Constipation
Constipation can have many causes, the most common are to be seen is a lack of fiber in the diet and / or a lack of physical activity. Other common causes include changes in life circumstances (eg. As pregnancy, age and travel), laxative abuse (excessive intake of laxatives), suppressing the urge chair and inadequate fluid intake. Certain chronic or acute diseases such as stroke (most common cause), irritable bowel syndrome, Idiopathic Parkinson’s disease and diabetes may also have effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Also, certain drugs can lead to constipation.
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Symptoms of Constipation
While at least 12 weeks from the last 6 months at least two of the symptoms listed below have been observed:
- Less than 3 bowel movements per week
- Lumpy or hard stools
- Feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation
- Strong pressing at the defecation
- Using the finger as the only way for emptying the rectum
- Feeling of blockage in the rectum
In addition, constipation can be accompanied by other symptoms – especially if the constipation occurs as a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome:
- Pain and cramps
- Hard belly, “bloating”
- Flatulence
- Alternate occurrence of constipation with diarrhea
- Bloating
Even loss of appetite, bleeding at the anus as a result of the strong pressing and hard stool, nausea and vomiting can be added. What symptoms actually occur and how strong they are pronounced, of course, is different from patient to patient. One thing is certain: Constipation can not only be painful but is usually accompanied by a considerable discomfort. Therefore, it makes sense to act specifically with such complaints and to take the help of an expert. Although often there is no organic cause, but with professional guidance to a more conscious diet, a healthier lifestyle and use of modern facilities for the rehabilitation of the intestinal flora which can be quickly and efficiently get to grips with complaints.
Diagnosis of Constipation
In case of constipation, in 1st step doctor take detail interview of patient. In which they ask different question related to disease. And in 2nd step doctor recommend different methodologies in light of previous interview to confirm the disease.
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Treatments of Constipation
Treatment include change in life style and diet. Different home remedies and drugs are used to cure constipation.
For detail information about treatment click here Treatment of Constipation
Prevention
Since in most cases an unhealthy lifestyle is responsible for constipation, it is useful to review the own eating habits .
- Constipation can be prevented with regular exercise and a balanced diet rich in fiber.
- Good natural remedies for constipation are prunes, peaches and apricots. These fruits help to rapid intestinal passage of food.
- Drink plenty of water or herbal tea throughout the day with an adequate intake of fluid.
- Many patients get used to the intake of fiber in the form of flaxseed or cereals from the pharmacy for constipation.
