Here’s Everything You Should Know About Constipation

Here’s Everything You Should Know About Constipation

Constipation is a common ailment, but it can also lead to complications. The main complication of constipation is intense straining to pass stools. This can result in hemorrhoids, diverticular disease, and bright red streaks in the stool. Other symptoms of constipation include abdominal pain and bloating.

Symptoms:

Constipation can occur in people of all ages and genders. The frequency and type of bowel movements vary from person to person. Some people may have several bowel movements daily, while others may have only a few once or twice a week. But the main symptom of constipation is a hard, lumpy stool that is difficult to pass. About 15 to 30 percent of people in Canada suffer from chronic constipation. This condition is more common in females than in men.

Causes:

Constipation is a common problem, and the causes are varied. Some are preventable, such as changing your diet and drinking more water, while others are due to diseases or physiological problems. For example, pregnancy may cause constipation because of sex hormones that affect the digestive process and cause a decreased bowel movement.

Acute constipation usually occurs suddenly and is more noticeable, while chronic constipation may be more gradual, lasting months or even years. In either case, you should consult a doctor for treatment.

Treatments:

Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints in Canada and other Western countries. It accounts for 2.5 million annual doctor visits, and hundreds of millions of dollars are spent on laxatives. The cause of constipation is unknown, but several risk factors may contribute to the problem.

One risk factor is dehydration, which can cause hard stool. To alleviate this problem, patients should use stool softeners to pull water from the intestines. Stool softeners also soften the stool, so it can easily pass out of the body. Another treatment for constipation is enemas, which soften the stool and use liquid to push it out of the rectum. Various enemas are available in stores and online. In addition, rectal suppositories can be found at your local pharmacy.

Home remedies:

Acupuncture may also help your body move food through your digestive tract faster. Regular exercise can help your digestive system work well and be more efficient. Drinking prune juice regularly can help you relieve constipation. This fruit is rich in fiber and can trigger contractions in the intestinal walls, improving bowel movement.