Constipation is a condition when a person cannot defecate in a normal way. The time between the bowel movement is hard and uncomfortable or requires much effort to pass stool from the rectum. It can be diagnosed when a person does not have a bowel movement in three days, despite trying hard. However, the medical term for constipation is defecation. You should reach out to your doctor for constipation treatment if you experience the following symptoms-
- Feeling bloated
- Having stomach pains
- Feeling gassy
- Having abdominal discomfort
- Infrequent bowel movements
- Difficulty eliminating even after straining
Why does constipation happen?
The condition takes place when the colon soaks up too much water from the faeces. It makes it dry. Moreover, the soaking up of water by the colon results in irregularity and difficulty pushing out the waste from your body.
In general, the food and water go through the digestive tract, where the nutrients are absorbed. The unabsorbed or partially absorbed food remains in the small intestine, which passes through the large intestine, also called the colon. Here, it soaks up the water and makes it a dry waste, which is known as stool.
When people have defecation, the food moves into the digestive tract leisurely. It gives more time to the colon to soak up water from the trash. Eventually, this makes the waste much dry.
What results in causing constipation?
There are many causes, which can result in making the bowel movement parched and irregular. As soon as your doctor rules out the cause, he or she may recommend suitable constipation treatment. Nevertheless, some of the frequent culprits are as follows-
Medications
Using certain medications can cause a digestive problem and ultimately lead to defecation. Nevertheless, such medications are-
- Antidepressants like tricyclic antidepressants and selective service serotonin reuptake inhibitors
- Anti-allergic medications like Diphenhydramine and antihistamines
- Medications for mental health issues such as olanzapine and clozapine
- Painkillers such as hydromorphone and narcotics containing oxycodone and codeine
- Antacids comprising aluminium and calcium
- Medications used for blood pressure such as nifedipine, calcium channel blockers, and beta-blockers
- Anti-seizure drugs, like Gabapentin and phenytoin
- Pills used for iron
This is not the complete list of medications that can lead to dry stools. For the same reason, it is advisable to consult with your doctor before using any drug.
Lifestyle habits
Certain lifestyle habits can lead to difficult excretion. However, some of these habits are as follows-
- Not having regular or enough exercises
- Eating too much cheese
- Drinking too much amount of milk
- Drinking an inadequate proportion of water
- Changes in routine such as drinking and sleeping at different times or traveling
- Restraining the need to go for bowel movements
- Changing and improving lifestyle habits can support constipation treatment.
Heath conditions
If you have some health condition, you may be prone to have dehydrated and irregular stools. Some of these health problems are-
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, spinal cord injury, and Parkinson’s disease
- Pregnancy
- Structural deformities in the digestive tract such as colonic atresia, imperforate anus, fistula, volvulus, malrotation, intussusception
- Endocrine diseases like diabetes, hypercalcemia, uraemia, and hyperthyroidism
- Colorectal cancer
- Intestinal obstruction
- A fault in the coordination of pelvic floor muscles, called outlet dysfunction constipation
- Lazy bow syndrome
- Diverticular disease
What is the best constipation treatment?
The best treatment for stiff and irregular stools depends upon your condition and the cause resulting in the condition. Nevertheless, some successful treatment options are as follows-
Medications
Your doctor may prescribe some medications to get over the irritating condition. It is advisable not to take or stop the use of any drugs without consulting your healthcare provider. However, some of the medications used are-
- Prucalopride
- Plecanatide
- Linaclotide
- Lubiprostone
- Lactulose
These are prescription medications.
Manevac Granules – 400g
Dulcolax 5mg – 100 tablets
Self-care
Self-care is an important aspect of your well-being. Even if you are well and do not have any disease, taking care of yourself is crucial. Most cases of difficulty passing out the faeces can be treated by eating the right food and having the right drinks. Nevertheless, in the case of defecation, the following steps of self-care can help improve the condition.
- Add fibre-rich food to your diet. Moreover, enhance it with fruits and vegetables. Moreover, keep the proportion of meat, cheese, and eggs less
- Do regular exercises
- Add OTC fibre supplements to your diet. However, consult with your doctor before using any drug
- Do not use mobile or read newspapers or magazines while flushing out the faeces from your body
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat prunes and bran cereals
- Look at how you sit in the washroom. Leaning back, raising your feet, or squatting may make the passing easier
If required, take an OTC laxative or stool softeners. There are multiple options of laxatives available. Therefore, consult with your doctor before using any using any medication. Ask for proper dosage and do not use it for more than 15 days. Doing so can make your symptoms more critical.
- Evade caffeinated drinks and alcohol as they cause lack of moisture
- Maintain a journal to write the foods you eat. Avoid the ones that constipate you
Surgery
Surgery is rarely recommended for constipation treatment. However, if there is a structural deformity in your colon, surgery may be the only option. Down below are the instances of such problems-
- Narrowness in the intestine
- The crumple of a rectum part in the vagina
- Blockage in the large intestine
- Tear in the anus
In addition, other causes which require surgery are-
- Rectum, anal, or colon cancer
- Outlet dysfunction constipation
How can you prevent defecation?
Using the at-home treatments can help ease the condition and prevent it from taking place again. However, some of the preventive measures are-
Drink plenty of water
Water is vital for the accurate working of your body. Two litres of water is appropriate every day. However, people with constipation should drink two to three glasses more than it. Water can keep you hydrated. Additionally, it will make it easy to pass out the faeces.
Supplements
Using supplements for magnesium can help prevent the drying and irregularity of bowel movements. However, you should consult with your doctor before using any drug or supplement. Not all supplements may suit your health.
Do not restrain
Do not ignore the need to go to pass out the faeces. It may lead to an irritating condition.
Add helpful foods to your diet
People who have bowel movements problem should have 18 to 30 grams of fibre each day. Moreover, everyone should eat fibre-rich foods. They are good for overall well-being. Moreover, add fruits and vegetables to your plate to support your constipation treatment.
Do regular exercises
Doing regular exercises can help prevent the drying up of the waste. People with lazy or inactive lifestyles are prone to have the condition. On the other hand, doing exercises like jogging, walking, cycling, or swimming can help put off the risk of defecation.
Probiotics
Probiotics can help impede the possibility of chronic constipation. They are beneficial and live bacteria that reside in our gut. Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus are those probiotics.
People can increase the level of probiotics by taking supplements are foods containing bacteria. However, people with difficulty passing out the bowel movements are found to have less proportion of these bacteria. Therefore, maintaining the probiotics balance can help regularize and soften the stools. You can eat yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut for probiotics.
Avoid dairy products
Dairy products can lead to the symptoms of constipation. Therefore, if you are undergoing the treatment or even if not, limit the consumption of dairy products if they constipate you.
