Constipation is a common problem. However, it can turn serious in the absence of proper treatment. For the same reason, here are some symptoms that may indicate you need immediate medical care. These are severe pain while passing the bowel movements, symptoms of outlet dysfunction constipation, if you suddenly have defecation, unintentional weight loss, prolonged drying up of stools for more than 20 days, and blood in the faeces. Do not hide anything from your doctor. Pooping is something every person does. Therefore, you should talk with your doctor honestly and openly. Drying up the waste and becoming irregular can be normal if it happens temporarily. However, if it prolongs or comes with pain or blood, you need constipation treatment.
What are the diagnostic tests for defecation?
Talking about dry and irregular stools with a doctor may not be a pleasant consideration. However, know that your doctor is a trained healthcare professional, and you can share your problems to get accurate treatment.
Before going ahead with the treatment, your doctor may ask you about the following-
- Your medical history
- History of bowel movements
- Lifestyle and routine
Physical test
Your doctor may conduct a physical test. Under this diagnosis, he may check your body temperature, pulse rate, and blood pressure. Moreover, your doctor may also touch your abdomen to see if there is swelling, presence of lumps, or tenderness.
Other tests may also be conducted in regards to your medical history, symptoms, and overall health. If your doctor suspects another cause responsible for your problem, he may recommend the following tests before prescribing any constipation treatment.
Lab tests
Lab tests comprise of taking urine and blood as a sample to examine if you have endocrine diseases like diabetes and hyperthyroidism. Moreover, your doctor may also take a faeces sample to look for inflammation, infection, or cancer.
Imaging test
Imaging test comprises of MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CT scan (computed tomography) scan, and series of lower gastrointestinal tract tests to look for other reasons that could result in defecation.
Colonoscopy
Also known as Sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy deals with looking into the internal part of your large intestine using a scope. Your doctor may take a sample of tissue to examine it for cancer and other conditions. Moreover, experts may also remove any kind of polyps if found.
Colorectal transit studies
Under this test, your doctor may ask you to have a radioactive substance. Further, he or she may look after the way, and time it passes through your intestines. This radioactive substance can be taken in a meal or pill form.
Other bowel function diagnosis
Your doctor may also recommend other tests to examine how well your rectum and anus hold and release the faeces. Under this diagnosis, your doctor may conduct an x-ray to look for outlet dysfunction constipation. Moreover, anorectal Manometry and balloon expulsion tests may also be done.
Who is at more risk of having constipation?
People of all ages can face defecation at some point in their lives. However, some people are more likely to have the problem. They are as follows-
Gender
Women are more probable to suffer from constipation than men are. The risk increases more during pregnancy and after delivering a child. During pregnancy, the foetus in the uterus squeezes the intestines. This makes it difficult to pass the faeces.
Age
People of older age are more likely to face the problem of hard stools than young people are. During old age, the metabolism decreases, leading to reduced contraction potency.
Lack of fibre in the food
Fibre is healthy for the overall functioning of the body, including that of digestion. Not eating fiber-rich food can lead to difficult excretion. Fibre can improve symptoms and support your constipation treatment.
Health conditions
People who have psychological problems and digestive issues can face the problem of hard stools.
Can constipation lead to internal damage and other complications?
Not having regular and easy-going faeces can lead to a few complications. Some of them are briefed below-
Anal fissures
Due to stiff waste, there can be tears in the anus. This condition is called anal fissures.
Faecal impaction
When the waste becomes hard to pass out of the body, it may pile up into the anus and rectum. This piling up is called faecal impaction.
Stress urinary incontinence
In the effort to push out the hardened faeces from the body, pelvic floor muscles may suffer damage. These muscles are responsible to regulate your bladder. However, suffering hard to pass out the stiff waste from the body for a long period can lead to urine leakage. This state is called stress urinary incontinence.
Haemorrhoids
Due to defecation, the rectum veins may become inflamed and swollen. This health problem is called haemorrhoids.
Diverticulitis
Pouches present in the large intestine can be infected when people suffer to have regular and soft bowel movements.
If you are facing difficulty in passing the bowel movements, consult with your doctor for constipation treatment. An untreated condition can lead to complications.
Can waste compilation lead to infections or other diseases?
When people have constipation, the waste remains in the rectum for more time. However, the compilation does not lead to infection every time. The waste can go into the injury or existing wound in the rectum or colon, which can lead to infection.
