Constipation refers to a condition where the person is having a hard and dry bowel movement or having problems in passing stool. Constipation can occur due to poor diet, pregnancy, medication, or any change in diet. This is one of the most common problems and people over 60 can get constipation from time to time.
Common symptoms of constipation
Every person can have different bowel movements. Some people pass stool twice a day whereas some people go 3-4 times a week. If you always have less bowel movement then your body may process that way. But if a person is constipated he may experience fewer bowel movements than regular. Common symptoms of constipation are:
Fewer than 3 bowel movements a week
Dry and hard stool
Straining or pain while passing the stool
Feeling like the bowel is not passed completely
A person can get some other symptoms of constipation. But these symptoms may appear due to some other conditions. Some uncommon symptoms of constipation are:
Blood in your stool
Bleeding from the rectum
Vomiting
Pain in the lower back
Abdominal pain
Sudden weight loss
If you are facing these kinds of symptoms with constipation then you should visit a doctor. These can be symptoms of some serious conditions.
Common causes behind constipation
The colon absorbs water from residual food and then passes it to the digestive system to create stool. The colon muscles propel the waste to the rectum which can be eliminated, But if the stool remains on the colon for a long time then it becomes difficult to pass. This problem mainly appears due to constipation. You need good fiber and water intake to keep your stool soft. Along with poor diet, there can be various other reasons that can cause constipation such as:
Dehydration
Travel or any change in routine
Low exercise
Pregnancy
Resisting the bowel movement
Age
Common medications that can cause constipation
Any kind of pain medication like narcotics, hydromorphone, etc can cause constipation.
Antidepressants including SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants can cause constipation.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen
Iron pills
Allergy medicines
Blood pressure medicines like calcium channel blockers, verapamil, nifedipine, etc
Psychiatric medicines like olanzapine
Medical conditions that can cause constipation
Colorectal cancer
Diverticular disease
Endocrine conditions like uremia, diabetes, etc
Outlet dysfunction constipation
Parkinson’s disease
Intestinal obstruction
Pregnancy
Structural defects in your digestive tract
Multiple organ disease
Lazy bowel syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Your stress can be one of the biggest causes of constipation. When a person is stressed, his body and diet get affected. A person who is facing work stress may get constipation.
Treatment options for constipation
OTC medicines
You can take OTC medicines to manage your constipation. If you are constipated for about a week then walk out to a drug store and you can easily find OTC medicines. You can use OTC laxatives like fiber supplements, stimulants, stool softeners, osmotic agents, lubricants, etc.
Prescribed medicines
If OTC medicines are not working with your condition then you should go for prescribed medicines. Visit a doctor and he will prescribe certain medicines to you that can help to maintain your bowel movement. Healthcare professionals often prescribe lubiprostone, linaclotide, or prucalopride to manage bowel conditions.
Homeopathy
If you often get constipation then you should try dynamic medication. Homeopathic remedy constipation can manage the condition and also reduce its symptoms. If you get a proper homeopathic treatment for constipation then it will fix the cause behind the condition and you may not face constipation issues for a long time.
Natural remedies to treat constipation
Drink a good amount of water
If a person is dehydrated, he often gets constipated. To prevent this condition, you must drink a good amount of water and keep the body hydrated. When you feel constipated, try drinking carbonated water as the carbonated water can rehydrate it and get it moving again. Drinking sparkling water is better than tap water to manage constipation. But having carbonated drinks like soda can cause harmful health effects. People with IBS conditions should not drink carbonated drinks as it can worsen the condition.
Eat a good fiber diet
If you have constipation then your doctor will advise you to increase your dietary fiber intake. Fiber intake will increase the consistency of bowel movements and make them easier to pass. It also manages the digestive system. To prevent constipation issues, you should consume a mix of soluble and insoluble fiber. You can also eat prebiotic food items like chicory, garlic, bananas, leeks, etc.
Do regular exercises
Some research shows that doing regular exercises can help in improving bowel conditions. Poor lifestyle can also cause constipation. If you often get constipation then you should start doing regular exercises. You can also try Yoga as certain poses can help in maintaining bowel movement. A regular 30-minute session of exercise and Yoga can keep your body and bowel movement healthy.
Drink caffeinated coffee
Drinking coffee can stimulate the digestive system muscles and increase the urge to go to the washroom. Caffeinated coffee can stimulate the gut similar to the meal as the coffee may contain some amount of soluble fibers.
Take herbal laxative
You can try herbal laxatives like Senna to treat constipation. It contains a compound known as glycosides that can stimulate nerves in the gut and increase bowel movements. Taking Senna for a short period is good but if your condition is getting better then you should visit a doctor. Doctors do not suggest Senna to pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Take probiotics foods
Probiotics are helpful to prevent chronic constipation issues. These are live bacteria that naturally occur in the gut and you can increase their level by eating probiotic foods. You can buy probiotic supplements from drug stores or can buy them online. Some food items also contain probiotics like kimchi, yogurt, and sauerkraut, etc.
Avoid dairy products
People who are intolerant to dairy often get constipation. In kids, you can see intolerant to cow’s milk protein whereas in adults you can see lactose intolerance. If you are highly lactose intolerant then you should visit a doctor.
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