How to Relieve Constipation

Posted by Healthfitline On Sunday, December 30, 2012
Constipation is defined as having an infrequent or irregular pattern of defecation or bowel movement, usually associated with passage of hard stools, a decrease in stool volume or retention of feces in the rectum for a longer period.  Constipation is believed to occur due to an underlying problem that interferes with the normal functions of the colon and the defecation process.
 
Constipation Risk Factors
  • People taking certain medications. Such as tranquilizers (anti-anxiety drugs), antidepressants, anti-hypertensive, opiods etc.
  • Anal or rectal disorders (hemorrhoids).
  • Bowel tumors that leads to obstruction.
  • Endocrine disorders. Such as patients with hypothyroidism or tumor of adrenal gland.
  • Neurological and neuromuscular disorders. Such as Parkinson, Multiple Sclerosis and Diabetes.
  • Lead poisoning.
  • Patients suffering from Diverticular Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
  • Conditions that results in inability to increase the abdominal pressure needed for stool passage. Such as lung diseases.
  • Poor dietary habits - Lack of fiber in the diet and inadequate consumption of fluid.
  • Individuals who ignore the urge to pass stool or those who do not spare time to defecate.
 
Constipation Symptoms
  • Passage of stool for less than three times in a week.
  • Frequent abdominal distention.
  • Passage of small, lumpy, hard stool.
  • Pain and pressure during defecation.
  • A feeling of fatigue and indigestion.
  • Decrease in appetite.
  • Straining during defecation.
  • Headache
  • A feeling of incomplete evacuation of stool after defecation.
 
Constipation Treatment
Treatment of constipation is geared towards identifying the underlying cause and treating it. If the cause of constipation has something to do with colon malfunction, medications such as cholinergic agents may be prescribed to enhance colonic transit.  Laxatives may also be prescribed if needed.
 
Other way to manage constipation is through health education, bowel habit training, increase of fiber and fluid in the diet.
 
Constipation Complication
Possible complications associated with constipation are;
  • Increase in blood pressure (hypertension).
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Fecal impaction - can lead to appendicitis and ulcer formation.
  • Formation of fissures (as result of tearing of the anal lining due to the hardened stool).
  • Colon enlargement (Megacolon).
 
How to Relieve Constipation
If constipation is not secondary to another medical condition or the cause is idiopathic (unknown), the best way to relieve it is by establishing a regular defecation pattern. The following are some of the preventive measures that you can take to help in relieving and preventing constipation;
 
  • Do not delay in emptying the bowel or make sure you respond to the urge to defecate immediately.
  • Establish a regular defecation pattern (eg every day after breakfast) - This help in initiating relfex that is needed for elimination.
  • Eat food high in fiber and high residue (bran is a good source of fiber, especially in elderly).
  • Increase fluid intake.
  • Remain active and exercise - walking and abdominal muscle toning exercises help in increasing muscle strength and movement of colon contents.
  • Use of proper position during defecation (semi squatting) - semi squatting position helps in utilizing the abdominal muscles properly and force of the gravity.
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