Constipation is a condition in which a person either has 3 or fewer bowel movements per week or has bowel movements that are hard or difficult to pass. We all deal with occasional constipation. However, when the symptoms last for months or years rather than days, it becomes what’s called Chronic Constipation.
About
Constipation covers a wide range of symptoms. For some people, it simply means infrequent bowel movements. However, for others it can mean hard or difficult to pass stools, or the nagging feeling that they bowels have not been emptied after a bowel movement.
Constipation can be caused by medications, poor bowel habits, low fiber diets, abuse of laxatives, hormonal disorders and other diseases that also affect the colon.
FYI
Occasional vs Chronic Constipation
| Occasional Constipation | Chronic Constipation |
| Short-term problem | Long-term problem |
| Symptoms resolve in a relatively short time, usually no more than a few days. | Symptoms last three or more months may persist for years. |
| May be caused by poor diet, lack of exercise, illness, or certain medications. | In addition to poor diet, lack of exercise, illness, or medication, may also be caused by physical problems. |
| May be relieved by change in diet, exercise, and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. | Requires medical attention and possibly prescription medication. |
Causes and Risk Factors
- Not eating enough fiber
- Eating too much dairy
- Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement
- Not drinking enough water or liquids
- Lack of physical activity
- Medications (especially those for pain) and antacids that contain aluminum and calcium
- Life changes or daily routine changes
- Eating disorders
- Overuse of laxatives and/or stool softeners
Symptoms
- Infrequent bowel movements and/or difficulty having bowel movements
- Swollen abdomen or abdominal pain
- Strained during bowel movements
Prevention
If you suffer from constipation or other digestive disorders, you know how disruptive they can be to daily life. Fortunately, these diseases are often manageable — and sometimes even preventative — through diet and lifestyle. Here are some tips that will help your intestines and digestive system healthy.
- Get regular on your bowel movements
- Listen to your body, and don’t ignore the urge to go
- Relax, and don’t stress
- Drink plenty of liquids
- Increase the amount of fiber in your diet
Diagnosis
If you suffer from chronic constipation your healthcare provider will decide how to treat it depending on what’s causing your symptoms, how severe they are and how long you’ve had them.
Questions to Ask Your Health Care Provider
…about Your GI Condition
- What is the name of my condition?
- How severe is my condition? Is my condition considered chronic (long-lasting)?
- Is it hereditary or related to my environment or lifestyle?
- What complications might I experience?
- Does my condition increase my risk for developing any other medical problems?
…about Diagnosing Your Conditions
- What tests are available to diagnose my condition?
- Which of them do you recommend and why?
- What does the test involve?
- What are the side effects of each test?
- How should I prepare for this diagnostic test?
- How long will the test take?
- Will I be able to drive myself home immediately following the test?
- How long will it take to get the results of the test? Should I call for the results, or will someone contact me?
- If my test finds a problem, what will our next steps be?
…about Your Treatment
- Is there a cure for my condition?
- What are my treatment options and which do you recommend?
- What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of this treatment?
- What are the common side effects of the recommended treatment?
- What should I do if I experience severe side effects?
- Should I take any over-the-counter medications (e.g., antacids, aspirin) during treatment?
- How long should it take for the treatment to work?
- Are there any medications that I am already taking or am likely to take that can interact with the medications you are prescribing?
- What types of lifestyle and dietary changes may be helpful to manage my condition during and after treatment?
- Should I schedule appointments with a nutritionist, dietician, or other health care specialist? How often should I be seen for follow-up appointments?
- Are there any clinical trials available for my condition?
Treatments
Treatment typically includes one or more of the following:
- Changing your diet—specifically, eat more fiber, less dairy, and drink more water.
- Getting more exercise and/or make other lifestyle changes.
- Taking prescribed medication, possibly including laxatives, enemas, and/or stool softeners, and/or approved IBS agents.
- Surgery. This will be used as a last resort by your healthcare provider.