Constipation

Constipation is the term used to describe difficulty passing faecal matter (stool), a decreased desire to pass stool and a feeling of incomplete passing of one’s stool. It can be an extremely uncomfortable and painful experience, depending on the degree of constipation.Normal bowel movements should occur at least once a day, but many individuals pass stool as infrequently as three times a week. Constipation affects many people and some may become so constipated that they can go longer than a week between passing a stool.

There are many causes of constipation and many factors influencing the frequency of your bowel movements. The most common causes of constipation are dietary and as a result of side effects of certain medications (for example some anti-depressants and diuretics). Dietary factors influencing bowel movements include a lack of fibre and liquid intake. Liquids soften the stool making the passage of the stool through your intestines easier.

Women, elderly individuals and children are more prone to constipation. In the elderly, constipation often results from a decrease in the tone and mobility of the intestine and their muscle. Irritable bowel syndrome (see Spastic colon) may also cause recurrent bouts of constipation, usually alternated with bouts of diarrhoea. Hormonal conditions such as hypothyroidism (an under active thyroid gland) and imbalances such as hypokalemia (lack of potassium in the body) may cause constipation. Constipation may also follow a period of illness, for example a severe bout of flu. Smokers may experience symptoms of constipation after quitting smoking as nicotine has a laxative effect (see Cigarette habit).

Emotional stress and tension also affect the intestines and constipation may result. An obstruction in the intestines may prevent the movement of your stool past the obstruction and the stool therefore compacts and accumulates in the intestines. More often than not, constipation occurs with a reduced desire or feeling of needing to pass stool. However if there is still a desire to pass stool, then there may be pressure build up and injury as a result of straining. Straining to pass stool can cause pain and even tearing of the anus as the hard/large stool is forced out. Abdominal cramping (see Abdominal cramps and spasms) may also occur and bloating and a general feeling of discomfort are all very unpleasant effects of constipation on the body. In severe cases, constipation may cause haemorrhoids.

If you suffer from constipation, certain dietary and lifestyle changes can be made to attempt to correct the problem. These include chewing ones food properly, increasing water (up to two litres a day) and fibre intake. Excellent sources of fibre include bran, oats and fresh fruits and vegetables. Eating regular, small meals daily places less pressure on the intestines as there will be smaller amounts of faecal matter to move at a time. Exercise also increases circulation and helps improve muscular tone. Long term use of laxatives is not advisable as your intestines may become dependant on the laxatives and you may worsen your constipation as a result.

Constipation is often a source of embarrassment and people who suffer from it, and they may therefore be too shy to seek help. It is a very common complaint which can usually be easily corrected. If you suffer from constipation please do not feel too embarrassed to discuss it with your healthcare practitioner. Should your constipation last longer than three weeks then it is important to consult a healthcare practitioner.

Treatment

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