Constipation and Bowel movement - PART- I

 

Constipation is a common condition that makes it difficult to have a bowel movement. A bowel movement occurs when the food you eat passes through your digestive system. Your body takes the nutrients it needs from that food. What’s left over is called stool. Your stool can be soft or hard. Bowel movements usually happen on a regular basis.

Everyone has a bowel movement schedule (how often, how consistent, and what time of day it occurs). However, if your bowel movements become less frequent (based on your history), are hard (and difficult to pass), and you are physically uncomfortable, you may be constipated. People of all ages experience constipation occasionally. Usually, it goes away and is not serious. See your doctor if your constipation is chronic(frequent). It may be a problem with your diet or a health problem.

Symptoms of constipation

·        Feeling like you still need to have a bowel movement, even after you’ve had one.

·        Feeling like your intestines or rectum (bottom) are blocked.

·        Having hard, dry stool that is difficult to pass.

·        Having fewer than 3 bowel movements in a week.

·        Straining to have a bowel movement.

 

More serious symptoms include:

·        Constipation is new and unusual for you.

·        You have been constipated for 3 weeks or more despite dietary changes to help.

·        You have abdominal (stomach) pain.

·        You lose weight without trying.

·        You notice blood or white mucous in your stool.

·        You cannot pass the stool on your own.

 

Complications of chronic constipation include:

·        Anal fissure (a tear in the skin around your anus).

·        Stool impaction (when your stool becomes too large to pass on your own).

·        Hemorrhoids

·        Rectal prolapse (when a small piece of your intestine comes out of your anus from  

  straining to have a bowel movement).

 

Complications of constipation can become serious if left untreated. They may require surgery.

What causes constipation?

Constipation can be caused by your diet (too many processed foods and not enough fiber), certain medicines (opioid medicines given for pain and even too many laxatives, which usually help you have a bowel movement), dehydration (especially not enough water), too little physical activity, intestinal problems, and major life changes, such as pregnancy. Constipation becomes more common as you age. Certain diseases also can cause constipation. These include multiple sclerosis, stroke, diabetes, hypothyroidism, and lupus.

Dehydration (not enough fluids) and dietary changes are the most common causes of constipation in babies. For example, changing from breast milk to cow’s milk or from baby food to solids can cause constipation.

 

How is constipation diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and medical history. This will include asking you about any medicines you take. Your doctor also will ask you when you had your last bowel movement and how often you have them. Think about that before you see your doctor. It might be helpful to write it down for yourself or a child before your appointment. During the visit, your doctor may examine your rectum (the end of your large intestine near your anus). The doctor will insert his or her finger (while wearing rubber gloves) into your rectum to feel for blockages.

 

Your doctor may order additional tests, including a blood test and X-ray. A more thorough test is a colonoscopy. This is an invasive procedure done with anesthesia. Your doctor will examine your colon with a long, flexible scope attached to a camera.

 

Can constipation be prevented or avoided?

There are things you can do to reduce constipation. This includes:

 

·         Add more fiber to your diet. Adults should eat between 20-35 grams of fiber each

   day. Foods, such as beans, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are high in fiber.

 

·        Drink more water. Being dehydrated causes your stool to dry out. This makes

  having a bowel movement more difficult and painful.

 

·        Don’t wait. When you have the urge to have a bowel movement, don’t hold it in. This

  causes the stool to build up.

 

·        Get physical. Exercise is helpful in keeping your bowel movements regular.

 

·        Beware of medicines. Certain prescription medicines (especially pain medicines)

  can slow your digestive system. This causes constipation. Talk to your doctor about

  how to prepare for this if you need these medicines.

 

·        Talk to your Nutritionist if you are being treated for certain diseases that are related to

  constipation. He or she may have additional guidance for lowering your risks.