Constipation chronically: Understanding, reasons, remedies, and further insights
Managing Chronic Constipation: A Comprehensive Guide
Chronic constipation, a condition that lasts for three months or more and disrupts a person's daily life, can be a common yet uncomfortable issue. This article aims to provide a clear understanding of the causes, prevention, and management of chronic constipation.
Causes and Risk Factors
Chronic constipation may be caused by various factors including slow movement of stool through the colon, inadequate fluid intake, lack of exercise, certain health conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, hormonal imbalances, and neurological disorders. People over the age of 65, females, particularly those who are pregnant, individuals with limited mobility, those taking certain medications, and those with mental health conditions are at an increased risk of experiencing chronic constipation.
Prevention
The best way to prevent constipation is to adopt lifestyle habits that promote good digestion. This includes eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of fluids, exercising regularly, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and going to the bathroom when the urge arises.
Long-term Management
The long-term treatment options for chronic constipation primarily focus on lifestyle modifications and, if needed, medical interventions. Key approaches include dietary changes, exercise, bowel habit training, use of laxatives and other medications, addressing underlying medical causes, and advanced interventions for severe cases.
Dietary changes involve increasing fiber intake to 25–30 grams daily from fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. Adequate hydration by drinking plenty of water is equally important. Regular physical activity stimulates intestinal motility and can relieve constipation over time. Establishing a consistent daily time to attempt bowel movements can help regulate digestive function.
If lifestyle measures are insufficient, prescribed medications like osmotic or stimulant laxatives can be considered. In severe or refractory cases, medical evaluation is necessary to rule out underlying causes and explore other treatments. For those with fecal impaction or complex constipation-related complications, imaging and specialized procedures might be required. Surgery is generally reserved for extreme, unresponsive cases.
Treatment
In cases where chronic constipation is due to neurological disorders, medications, or structural problems, targeted treatment of the primary condition is essential. The drugs Amitiza and Linzess are generally effective in treating chronic constipation when over-the-counter (OTC) laxatives and natural remedies are not.
Diagnosis
To receive a diagnosis of chronic constipation, a person must experience at least three of the following symptoms within a 3-month period: passing fewer than three stools a week, passing stools that are hard, lumpy or pebble-like, straining to empty the bowel, feeling that the rectum is not completely empty after a bowel movement, feeling as if there is a blockage in the rectum, needing help to empty the rectum, bloating, nausea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite.
Complications
Passing hard stools or constantly straining to poop can lead to complications such as anal fissures, hemorrhoids, fecal impaction, and rectal prolapse. A person may no longer experience the urge for a bowel movement if they routinely ignore their body's signals to poop, which can worsen constipation.
In very rare cases, chronic constipation may be a sign of colorectal cancer. If chronic constipation affects a person's physical or mental health, their day-to-day life, or it accompanies blood in the stool, severe pain during bowel movements, or unexplained weight loss, they should speak with their doctor.
Over-the-Counter Treatments
Some OTC medications to soften the stool or increase bowel movements include fiber supplements, stool softeners, osmotics, lubricants, stimulants, enemas, and suppositories.
In conclusion, the cornerstone of long-term management of chronic constipation is a combination of dietary fiber increase, hydration, exercise, and routine bowel habits, supplemented by medical treatment when necessary. Persistent symptoms warrant thorough medical evaluation to exclude serious conditions or to implement appropriate pharmacological or surgical therapies.
- The slow movement of stool through the colon is one cause of chronic constipation, a condition that affects health and can last for three months or more.
- Adequate fluid intake and regular exercise are crucial for preventing chronic constipation, as they promote good digestion and help maintain overall health and wellness.
- Chronic constipation is not only a digestive issue, but it can also be associated with chronic diseases such as chronic kidney disease, mental health conditions, and skin care problems due to their impact on lifestyle and habits.
- In severe cases of chronic constipation, medical interventions like CBD oil could be considered, as it has potential benefits in managing pain and inflammation in the digestive system.
- Nutrition plays a significant role in managing chronic constipation; increasing fiber intake, staying hydrated, and following a balanced diet can help alleviate symptoms and improve gut health.
- Ignoring the body's signals to poop, leading to complications such as fecal impaction, anal fissures, and hemorrhoids, can negatively impact both physical health and mental well-being.
