Healthy Line: Constipation Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

 

Constipation: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

 

Introduction

Constipation is a usual gastrointestinal problem affecting people of all ages. It is manifested by rare bowel movements, or even a feeling of incomplete stool passing. Although periodic constipation is normal, recurrent constipation will cause discomfort, pain, and other complications.

This article discusses constipation in detail looking at causes, symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and preventive measures.

 

What is Constipation?

Constipation is when bowel movements slow down or become hard dry and harder to pass. Normal rates of bowel movements are individual—some people have them three times a day while others have them once in three days. But if the bowel movement is less than three times a week, it is usually constipation.

 

Key Characteristics of Constipation:

·        Less than three bowel movements per week

·        Hard, lumpy, or dry stools

·        Straining during bowel movements

·        Blocked up feeling in the rectum

·        A sensation of incomplete evacuation

·        Requiring manual help (including digital evacuation) to pass stool

 

Causes of Constipation

Constipation may be caused by a number of factors including, lifestyle habits, medical conditions, medications, and body changes.

1. Dietary Factors

·        Low Fiber Intake: Fiber increases stools bulk and makes them pass smoothly. A low-fruits and vegetables, and whole grains diet causes constipation.

·        Inadequate Fluid Intake: Dehydration makes stools hard thus difficult to pass.

·        High Fat and Low Fiber Foods. Cheese, processed foods and eating too much meat can slow digestion.

2. Lifestyle Factors

·        Lack of Physical Activity: Sedentary behavior slows intestinal motility.

·        Ignoring the Urge to Defecate: Postponing bowel movement can cause hardening of stool in the colon.

·        Stress and Anxiety: These may interfere with normal digestion.

 

3. Medical Conditions

·        Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Chronic constipation is caused by IBS-C (constipation-predominant IBS).

·        Hypothyroidism: Slows metabolic processes, including digestion.

·        Diabetes: May lead to nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy) responsible for bowel movement.

·        Neurological Disorders: Bowel function may be affected by Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injuries.

·        Colorectal Issues: Constipation may be brought about by tumors, strictures or blockages in colon or rectum.

4. Medications

·        Opioids: Strong painkillers slow intestinal movement.

·        Antidepressants: Some (such as tricyclics) depress gut motility.

·        Antacids with Aluminum or Calcium: Can cause constipation.

·        Iron Supplements: Often lead to hard stools.

·        Diuretics and Blood Pressure Medications: May lead to dehydration, which leads to constipation.

5. Hormonal Changes

·        Pregnancy: High levels of progesterone cause slowing of digestion and the expanding uterus puts pressure on the intestines.

·        Menstruation: Fluctuations of hormones can cause problems with bowel movement.

6. Aging

·        Older adults’ constipation is caused by weakened pelvic muscles and slower metabolism.

 

Symptoms of Constipation

Although infrequent bowel movements are the main symptom, others include:

·        Hard, dry, or lumpy stools.

·        Straining or pain when passing bowels.

·        Feeling bloated or uncomfortably full.

·        Abdominal cramps.

·        Rectal bleeding (resulting from straining or hemorrhoids).

·        Nausea in severe cases.

 

When to See a Doctor

Consult a doctor if you have constipation with:

·        Severe pain or bleeding.

·        Unexplained weight loss.

·        Persistent constipation despite lifestyle changes.

·        Symptoms of bowel obstruction (vomiting, gas can’t be passed).

 

Diagnosis of Constipation

The following ways may be used by a healthcare provider for diagnosing constipation:

1. Medical History & Physical Examination

·        Questions regarding bowel habits, diet, medication and lifestyle.

·        A digital rectal examination in order to rule out blockages or stool impaction.

2. Blood Tests

·        To exclude hypothyroidism, diabetes or electrolyte imbalances.

3. Imaging Tests

·        X-rays: To check for stool build up or blockage.

·        Colonoscopy: To exclude structural abnormalities of the form of tumors or strictures.

4. Motility Tests

·        Anorectal Manometry: Measures function of the muscles in the rectum and anus.

·        Colonic Transit Study: Tracks food progress in the colon.

 

Treatment Options for Constipation

Treatment relies on the underlying cause, and severity. Options include:

1. Dietary Changes

·        Increase Fiber Intake (25-30g/day): Whole grains, fruits (pears, apples), vegetables (broccoli, carrots), legumes (beans, lentils).

·        Stay Hydrated: Drink lots of water, herbal tea and clear soup.

·        Prunes and Kiwi: Natural laxatives that will make one have bowel movements.

2. Lifestyle Modifications

·        Regular Exercise: Digestion improves after walking or through yoga or abdominal exercises.

·        Establish a Routine: Make attempts to have bowel movements at the same time each day.

·        Proper Toilet Posture: Squatting or the use of a footstool may relieve stool passage.

3. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Laxatives

·        Bulk-forming (Psyllium, Methylcellulose): Add fiber to stools.

·        Osmotic (Polyethylene Glycol, Lactulose): Draw water into the intestines.

·        Stimulant (Senna, Bisacodyl): Cause intestinal contractions (to be used only in the short-term).

·        Stool Softeners (Docusate Sodium): Help moisten hard stools.

4. Prescription Medications

·        Lubiprostone (Amitiza): Stimulates the increase of fluid secretion in the intestines.

·        Linaclotide (Linzess): Eases chronic constipation and IBS-C.

·        Prucalopride (Motegrity): Stimulates colon contractions.

5. Biofeedback Therapy

·        For patients of pelvic floor dysfunction, biofeedback enables retraining muscles for the proper functioning of the bowels.

6. Surgery (Rare Cases)

·        Severe obstruction, rectal prolapse or slow- transit constipation resistant to other treatment.

 

Complications of Chronic Constipation

Constipation when not treated may cause:

·        Hemorrhoids: Swollen veins from straining.

·        Anal Fissures: Small anus tears that produce pain and bleeding.

·        Fecal Impaction: Intractable hard stool impacted in the rectum that must be removed manually.

·        Rectal Prolapse: A part of the intestine is sticking out the anus.

·        Diverticulosis: Pouches develop in colon because of chronic straining.

 

Prevention of Constipation

To maintain regular bowel movements:

            ✔ Have a high fiber diet (whole grains, fruits and vegetables).

            ✔ Drink lots of fluids (water and herbal tea).

            ✔ Exercise regularly (even walking helps – light one).

            ✔ Don’t suppress the desire to pass stool.

            ✔ Handle stress using relaxation.

 

Conclusion

Constipation is a fairly common condition that can be controlled. Although intermittent constipation can be cured by dietary and lifestyle changes, long term cases may need medical attention. Knowledge of causes, symptoms, and treatment alternatives can help people to keep their digestion in proper shape and avoid complications. If constipation does not go away by self-care, it is important to visit a healthcare provider to exclude serious underlining conditions.

Most people can have regular and comfortable bowel movements with the adoption of a fiber rich diet, proper hydration, exercise and proper bowel habits.