katyzzzConstipation and treatment
October 23rd 2006 13:48
Constipation and treatment :
Irregularity is one of those things that no one likes to talk about. It's personal and, well, a little embarrassing. It might be tempting to chuckle at some of the commercials for laxatives that promise regularity. But if you've ever experienced the bloating, straining, pressure, and discomfort of constipation, you know it's not funny when it's happening to you.
Most doctors define constipation as unusually difficult and infrequent bowel movements. Many factors come together to cause this often misunderstood and often incorrectly treated condition. In this article, we will provide an overview of constipation and then offer some alternative treatments for the condition.
What's Normal?
The first thing to realize when you're talking about constipation is that "regularity" is a relative term. Everyone has his or her own natural rhythm. Ask four people to define regularity, and you'll likely get at least four different definitions. Normal bowel habits can span anywhere from three bowel movements a day to three a week. If you usually have days without bowel movements and no other symptoms of constipation, you're not constipated; that's just your natural rhythm. However, if you have fewer than three bowel movements a week or if you experience a marked decrease in your normal bowel patterns, you are probably constipated.
Misunderstanding the wide range that is considered normal is probably the most frequent reason for laxative abuse. Overuse of laxatives leads to dependence, increasing dosages, and ultimately, failure of the intestine to function properly on its own.
People who are constipated often strain a lot in the bathroom, produce unusually hard stools, and feel gassy, bloated, and distended. If you are not experiencing any of these problems, you are most likely "normal."
Constipation Causes :
Common contributors to constipation include a diet low in fiber, inadequate fluid intake, lack of exercise, and overuse of laxatives. Moreover, drugs such as antidepressants, antacids, antihistamines, diuretics, tranquilizers, iron supplements, anticonvulsants (for seizures), and anti-Parkinson's drugs can cause constipation or make it worse.
During pregnancy, constipation is a common side effect caused by changes in hormones and unfamiliar pressure on the bowel from the developing fetus. In older people, a poor diet may be made worse by decreased interest in food, slower metabolism, and difficulties in chewing due to dentures. In most cases, a higher-fiber diet, increased fluid intake, and exercise are your best tools for both preventing and treating constipation.
When to See a Doctor :
Constipation can be extremely uncomfortable, even though it's often harmless. However, it can also signal a more serious underlying problem. Constipation that does not respond to an increase in fiber may signal potential problems that range from colon polyps to a malignancy and should be reported to your doctor.
Likewise, if you notice spots of blood or have to strain uncomfortably with each bowel movement and you go less than two times per week, see your doctor. Other possible causes of chronic constipation may include a habit of ignoring the urge to defecate, hemorrhoids, lupus, Parkinson's disease, stroke, and neurological or muscular diseases, such as multiple sclerosis.
Here is a simple list of constipation symptoms that should be treated by a doctor:
A major change in your bowel pattern.
Constipation lasting for several weeks or longer.
Blood in your stool.
Severe pain during bowel movements.
Unusual stomach distention
However, if you only have a mild case of constipation, there a plenty of treatments you can try at home to get back to normal. In the next section we will look at some dietary remedies for constipation.
Irregularity is one of those things that no one likes to talk about. It's personal and, well, a little embarrassing. It might be tempting to chuckle at some of the commercials for laxatives that promise regularity. But if you've ever experienced the bloating, straining, pressure, and discomfort of constipation, you know it's not funny when it's happening to you.
Most doctors define constipation as unusually difficult and infrequent bowel movements. Many factors come together to cause this often misunderstood and often incorrectly treated condition. In this article, we will provide an overview of constipation and then offer some alternative treatments for the condition.
What's Normal?
The first thing to realize when you're talking about constipation is that "regularity" is a relative term. Everyone has his or her own natural rhythm. Ask four people to define regularity, and you'll likely get at least four different definitions. Normal bowel habits can span anywhere from three bowel movements a day to three a week. If you usually have days without bowel movements and no other symptoms of constipation, you're not constipated; that's just your natural rhythm. However, if you have fewer than three bowel movements a week or if you experience a marked decrease in your normal bowel patterns, you are probably constipated.
Misunderstanding the wide range that is considered normal is probably the most frequent reason for laxative abuse. Overuse of laxatives leads to dependence, increasing dosages, and ultimately, failure of the intestine to function properly on its own.
People who are constipated often strain a lot in the bathroom, produce unusually hard stools, and feel gassy, bloated, and distended. If you are not experiencing any of these problems, you are most likely "normal."
Constipation Causes :
Common contributors to constipation include a diet low in fiber, inadequate fluid intake, lack of exercise, and overuse of laxatives. Moreover, drugs such as antidepressants, antacids, antihistamines, diuretics, tranquilizers, iron supplements, anticonvulsants (for seizures), and anti-Parkinson's drugs can cause constipation or make it worse.
During pregnancy, constipation is a common side effect caused by changes in hormones and unfamiliar pressure on the bowel from the developing fetus. In older people, a poor diet may be made worse by decreased interest in food, slower metabolism, and difficulties in chewing due to dentures. In most cases, a higher-fiber diet, increased fluid intake, and exercise are your best tools for both preventing and treating constipation.
When to See a Doctor :
Constipation can be extremely uncomfortable, even though it's often harmless. However, it can also signal a more serious underlying problem. Constipation that does not respond to an increase in fiber may signal potential problems that range from colon polyps to a malignancy and should be reported to your doctor.
Likewise, if you notice spots of blood or have to strain uncomfortably with each bowel movement and you go less than two times per week, see your doctor. Other possible causes of chronic constipation may include a habit of ignoring the urge to defecate, hemorrhoids, lupus, Parkinson's disease, stroke, and neurological or muscular diseases, such as multiple sclerosis.
Here is a simple list of constipation symptoms that should be treated by a doctor:
A major change in your bowel pattern.
Constipation lasting for several weeks or longer.
Blood in your stool.
Severe pain during bowel movements.
Unusual stomach distention
However, if you only have a mild case of constipation, there a plenty of treatments you can try at home to get back to normal. In the next section we will look at some dietary remedies for constipation.
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