
people in the United States say they are constipated most of the time. But keep in mind that constipation, at least for some, is a subject best left a secret; so the number could be much higher. Those reporting constipation most often are women, children, and adults age 65 and over. Pregnant women often become constipated, and it is a common concern following surgery or childbirth. Constipation is the most common gastrointestinal complaint in the United States, resulting in about 2 million annual visits to the doctor. However, the majority of people treat themselves without seeking medical help, as is evident from the 1billion dollars Americans spend on laxatives annually. Infrequent or irregular bowel movements in which feces are hard and dry is an accurate overview of this condition. Although most people have one to three bowel movement a day as few as three bowel movements a week could be considered normal. Although most experts would consider only three a week well short of what is required to achieve optimal digestive health. Regularity and ease of defecation are more important than frequency. Doctors recommend that anyone who experiences constipation after years of regularity seek medical attention. This is particularly true when constipation is accompanied by other symptoms, such as weight loss, abdominal pain, or rectal bleeding. Constipation occurs when colon muscles fail to contract and propel stools forward as usual. The colon continues to absorb water from stools, making them hard and dry and more difficult to pass. Diagnosis and Treatment Diagnostic tests to determine the cause of constipation include a lower gastrointestinal (GI) series and sigmoidoscopy (examinations of the colon using flexible viewing tubes passed through the anus). Blood tests may be helpful in identifying an electrolyte deficiency that may impair colonic function. Treatment depends on the cause. Doctors generally suggest adding fiber rich vegetables, fruits, and bran to the diet, drinking adequate fluids, and responding promptly to the urge to defecate. Because constipation is a side effect of man medications, the doctor will review all medications that a person is taking and adjust them as necessary. Laxatives should be used cautiously and infrequently, since long term use may damage the colon. An enema is used to treat severe constipation, but should not be used regularly. Painful conditions, such as hemorrhoids, may cause some people to avoid defecation, which worsens both the constipation and the hemorrhoid. When the cause is an underlying problem, such as hemorrhoids or irritable bowel syndrome, the person should see a doctor. Breaking Down Some Of The Causes of Constipation
works is very important. As food moves through it, the colon absorbs water while forming waste products, or stool. Muscle contractions in the colon push the stool toward the rectum. By the time stool reaches the rectum, it is solid because most of the water has been absorbed. The hard and dry stools of constipation occur when the colon absorbs too much water. This happens because the colon’s muscle contractions are slow or sluggish, causing the stool to move through the colon too slowly.
fruits, and whole grains) and high fats (found in cheese, eggs, and meats). People who eat plenty of high fiber foods are less likely to become constipated. *Fiber – soluble and insoluble – is the part of fruits, vegetables, and grains that the body cannot digest. Soluble fiber dissolves easily in the water and takes on a soft, gel like texture in the intestines. Soluble fiber also binds cholesterol and is thought to improve overall cholesterol levels. Insoluble fiber passes almost unchanged through the intestines. The bulk and soft texture of fiber help prevent hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass. The average Americans diet is often deficient in fiber ingesting anywhere from a meager 5 to 20 grams of fiber daily, well short of the 35 grams recommended by the American Dietetic Association. Both children and adults eat too many refined and processed foods, from which the natural fiber has been removed. A low fiber diet plays a key role in constipation among older adults. They often lack the desire and/or motivation to eat and may opt for less than ideal fast and/or easy, low fiber choices. In addition, loss of teeth may force older people to eat soft foods that are processed and low in fiber. *Not enough liquids: Liquids like water and juice add fluid to the colon and bulk to stools, making bowel movements softer an easier to pass. People who have problems with constipation should drink enough of these liquids every day, about 8 eight ounce glasses. Other liquids, like coffee and soft drinks that contain caffeine, seem to have a dehydrating effect and should be consumed less often if constipation is a major problem. *Lack of exercise/inactivity: The lack of exercise is linked with many different health concerns including constipation. As to the reason why lack of exercise causes constipation has not been firmly established, but what we do know is that constipation often occurs after an accident or during an illness when one must stay in bed and cannot exercise. *Medications: Many of us have watched friends and family accumulate a list of medications to help with specific health concerns only to create others along the way. This is sometimes the case with medications and constipation. Pain relieving medications (especially narcotics), antacids that contain aluminum, antispasmodics, antidepressants, iron supplements, diuretics, and anticonvulsants for epilepsy can slow passage of bowel movements. *IBS: Some of those suffering with IBS, also known as spastic colon, have spasms in the colon that affect bowel movements. Constipation and diarrhea often alternate, and abdominal cramping, gassiness, and bloating are other common complaints. While IBS is not life threatening it can produce lifelong symptoms and can become worse with stress, but there is no specific cause or anything unusual that the doctor can see. *Changes in routine: During pregnancy, women may be constipated because of hormonal changes or because the heavy uterus compresses the intestine. Aging may also affect bowel regularity because a slower metabolism results in less intestinal activity and muscle tone. In addition, people often become constipated when they are traveling because their normal diet and daily routines are disrupted. In summary, the causes of constipation are wide ranging and may vary from person to person. A few additional common causes of constipation worth noting are: ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement, specific diseases (endocrine disorders), problems with the colon and rectum, overuse of laxatives, and problems with intestinal function.
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