CONSTIPATION
What Is It?
Constipation is difficulty or straining with defecation (bowel motions) and infrequent bowel movements.
If constipation lasts for more than a few days then it needs investigating to find out the cause. It is important not to over-treat constipation with laxatives in place of seeking medical advice.
What Is Normal?
It is generally assumed normal for an adult to have a soft, formed stool a minimum of every 2-3 days.
NOTE: The need for daily bowel movements is generally considered a false belief.
What Are The Symptoms ?Symptoms associated with constipation include;
What Caused It?
The most common causes of constipation include:
In some cases, constipation is caused by more serious illnesses and events, including tumours and systemic diseases.
How Is It Treated?
Most cases of constipation are successfully treated by eating a diet high in fibre, drinking more fluids and exercising daily.
Ongoing constipation always need a medical review and then underlying causes needs to be found and then treated.
What Is The Outcome?
Most causes of constipation can be treated with diet and lifestyle changes once serious causes have been ruled out.
Complications of chronic constipation include haemorrhoids, faecal impaction and rectal prolapse.
Over-the-counter laxatives are fine in the short term, but seek advice if the problem persists more than a few days.
What Is It?
Constipation is difficulty or straining with defecation (bowel motions) and infrequent bowel movements.
If constipation lasts for more than a few days then it needs investigating to find out the cause. It is important not to over-treat constipation with laxatives in place of seeking medical advice.
What Is Normal?
It is generally assumed normal for an adult to have a soft, formed stool a minimum of every 2-3 days.
NOTE: The need for daily bowel movements is generally considered a false belief.
What Are The Symptoms ?Symptoms associated with constipation include;
- Infrequent bowel actions.
- Straining to pass motions.
- Hard/dry stool.
- Bloating.
- Abdominal pain.
- Nausea.
What Caused It?
The most common causes of constipation include:
- A change in routine - especially traveling.
- Inadequate fibre in the daily diet
- Insufficient fluids.
- Lack of exercise.
- Some medications.
In some cases, constipation is caused by more serious illnesses and events, including tumours and systemic diseases.
How Is It Treated?
Most cases of constipation are successfully treated by eating a diet high in fibre, drinking more fluids and exercising daily.
Ongoing constipation always need a medical review and then underlying causes needs to be found and then treated.
What Is The Outcome?
Most causes of constipation can be treated with diet and lifestyle changes once serious causes have been ruled out.
Complications of chronic constipation include haemorrhoids, faecal impaction and rectal prolapse.
Over-the-counter laxatives are fine in the short term, but seek advice if the problem persists more than a few days.