Constipation is a bothersome or rare condition in a person's stools. Constipation usually occurs when passing a small amount of hard, dry stool during bowel movements, usually less than three times per week. However, bowel movements consist of three bowel movements a day or three times a week.
In the United States, approximately 4 million people suffer from chronic constipation. Constipation is the most common problem, leading to 2.5 million doctor visits each year. Today we will discuss the causes, Symptoms, and some effective solutions for constipation.
What causes constipation?
As the stool passes through the colon, the stool hardens due to excessive water absorption in the colon. When food passes through our large intestine, the colon absorbs water to turn the food into waste products. The slower the colon muscle contractions, the slower the stool moves through the colon. It absorbs more water and hardens the stool.
Constipation can be due to the following reasons :
- Those who are dependent on excessive amounts of drugs
- Those who spend idle time or reduce physical activity
- Those who don't drink enough water
- Those who eat more non-fiber food
- Busy people who ignore the urge to defecate due to their busy schedule
- Those who have digestive problems
- Pregnancy and old age are common causes of constipation
Symptoms of Constipation
Below are the most common symptoms of constipation. However, symptoms may appear differently in each person. Symptoms include:
How to Diagnose Constipation
Depending on the patient's physical condition, age, and how long constipation has been occurring, a doctor diagnoses constipation through the following methods.
- Medical History of Patient. When a patient goes to the doctor, the doctor tries to understand the cause of constipation by asking about the symptoms, duration, and type. He also asks if the patient has any other physical problems.
- Rectal Examination. This is a test where the doctor inserts a gloved lubricated finger into the patient's anus and tries to understand how rough or loose the patient's anus is. Besides, they also try to understand whether there is a tumor or other obstruction in the rectum that is preventing bowel movement.
- Abdominal X-ray. Through this test, the internal structure of the stomach i.e. whether there are any blockages, obstacles, or other problems inside the stomach is determined.
- Colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is a procedure in which the doctor observes the entire colon length, often to help detect abnormal growths, inflamed tissue, ulcers, and bleeding. In this process, a long and flexible colonoscope passes from the rectum to the colon. A colonoscopy allows the doctor to see the type of colon, remove tissue for examination, and treat any problems found.
- Sigmoidoscopy. In this procedure, the doctor examines the inside portion of the large intestine and identifies the causes of constipation. A sigmoidoscope (short and flexible tube) passes from the rectum to the intestine. This scope helps to see the inside of the intestine better.
- Colorectal transitions. This test measures the speed at which food moves through the colon. The patient swallows a tiny marked capsule which can be seen on X-ray. During this test, the patient has to eat a lot of high-fiber food. Movement of the marked capsule is monitored by X-ray.
Solutions for Constipation
In most cases, this problem can be solved through diet plans and lifestyle changes. The following methods can protect us from constipation.
Diet Plan. Fiber helps to form soft stools. So add enough fiber to your diet. Vegetables (green peas, butternut squash, beets, spinach, potato with skin, avocado, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, corn, green beans), fruits (mangos, nectarines, oranges, pears, kiwis, strawberries, apples with peel, dates, papayas, raspberries, blackberries) and bread (granola bread, Whole wheat bread) are the good sources of fiber. You should avoid meat, cheese, and processed foods that contain no fiber. You can add peanut butter and nuts to your diet as meat substitutes.
Laxative. If diet and lifestyle have no effect, laxatives can be used.
Medications. Certain medications are responsible for constipation. For example, due to calcium and vitamin supplements, sometimes the stool becomes hard. Therefore, any medicine that causes constipation should be changed in consultation with the doctor.
Drink water. Drink enough water every day. An adult should drink 10 to 12 glasses of water every day.
Biofeedback. It is a treatment that reactivates the muscles of the rectum to facilitate bowel movements.
Chia seeds. We know that dietary fiber is very important to relieve constipation. Chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber. Constipation is eliminated in many cases by eating chia seeds regularly.
Psyllium Husk. It works very well to prevent constipation. Those who have the problem of constipation will get a lot of benefits by mixing one teaspoon of Psyllium Husk in a glass of water every night.
In addition to the above methods, regular exercise and drinking enough liquid can prevent constipation.
How to Sit on The Toilet
- Lean forward while sitting on the toilet.
- Place your feet on a footstool so that your hips are below your knees.
- Make sure your feet are on the floor (or on a chair).
- Breathe through your mouth to fill your lungs.
- Relax your joints and loosen the stool.
- Breathe deeply, increase the pressure in your abdomen, and press towards the anus.
- Keep the spine straight while leaning forward.
Change Your Toilet Habits
- Don't delay going to the bathroom when needed; delaying bowel movements can lead to constipation.
- Take plenty of time to sit on the toilet. A good time to do this is after breakfast or lunch when your intestines are most active.
- Make sure you are seated correctly on the toilet.
Constipation can cause a variety of physical problems. Hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and rectal bleeding are the diseases caused by constipation. Therefore, if constipation does not go away with home treatment, you should consult a doctor.