Constipation

Constipation is a symptom of having fewer bowel movements than usual with a long or hard passing of stools. The frequency of bowel movements among healthy people varies greatly, ranging from three times a day to three a week. If more than 3 days pass without a bowel movement, the intestinal contents may harden, and stool may harden and be painful to pass. Constipation can occur at any age and most often affects women, children, and adults age 65 and over. Pregnant women also complain of constipation, and it is a common problem following childbirth or surgery. Older people are more likely than younger people to have constipation. But experts agree that older people often worry too much about having a bowel movement every day. In the United States, constipation results in about 2 million annual visits to the doctor and is the most common gastrointestinal complaint. However, most people treat themselves without seeking medical help.

Fewer bowel movements than usual with a long or hard passing of stools.

Dietary and lifestyle changes will help prevent constipation. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, either cooked or raw, and more whole grain cereals and breads. Dried fruit such as apricots, prunes, and figs are especially high in fiber. For people prone to constipation, limiting foods that have little or no fiber such as ice cream, cheese, meat, and processed foods is also important. Other changes that can help treat and prevent constipation include drinking enough water and other liquids such as fruit and vegetable juices and clear soup, engaging in daily exercise, and reserving enough time to have a bowel movement.

The most common cause of constipation is a diet low in fiber found in vegetables, fruits, and high in fats found in cheese, eggs, and meats. The high-fiber diets can help prevent constipation. Eating more high-fat meats, dairy products, and eggs can cause constipation. People sometimes do not drink enough fluids, especially if they are not eating regular meals. Liquids like water and juice add fluid to the colon and bulk to stools, making bowel movements softer and easier to pass. But, other liquids, like coffee and soft drinks that contain caffeine seem to have a dehydrating effect. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common causes of constipation in the United States. Some people develop spasms of the colon that delay the speed with which the contents of the intestine move through the digestive tract, leading to constipation. Poor bowel habits can lead to constipation. Some people prefer to have their bowel movements only at home and hold a bowel movement outside. If the delay is too long, a person can initiate a cycle of constipation by ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement. After a period of time a person may stop feeling the urge. This leads to progressive constipation. Traveling long distances, which may relate to changes in lifestyle, schedule, diet, and drinking water, and pregnancy are also common cause of constipation. The reason may be due to hormonal changes during the body. Some medicines can lead to constipation. These include pain medications (especially narcotics), antacids that contain aluminum, antispasmodic drugs, antidepressant drugs, tranquilizers, iron supplements, and anti-convulsants for epilepsy. Constipation in children usually is due to poor bowel habits. Many children who develop constipation have a normal tendency to have firmer stools. Constipation may result in pain when the child has bowel movements. Cracks in the skin, called fissures, may develop in the anus. Older adults are five times more likely than younger adults to report problems with constipation. Poor diet, insufficient intake of fluids, lack of exercise, the use of certain drugs to treat other conditions, and poor bowel habits can result in constipation. In addition, loss of teeth may force older people to choose soft, processed foods, which also tend to be low in fiber.

Lack of rectal tone seen especially in the elderly. Constipation with overflow - hard motion fills rectum and won't move. Soft faeces froin above flows round it; and often leaks from rectum. Constipation due to anal irritation. Check "real" constipation. Some individuals only pass motions twice a week. They may need reassurance. Occasional and/or recent onset of constipation.

Corn syrup should not be given to infants under one year due to botulism as mentioned. In older children bulk should be added to the diet. Laxatives such as milk of magnesia, and lactulose (Cephulac), can be used. They should not be used on a regular basis; they are more appropriate in the management of acute constipation, or briefly, with chronic constipation. In cases of chronic constipation, management may involve aggressive cleanout, especially if the colon is dilated. Cleanout involves the use of enemas. Fleet enemas may not be as successful as soapsuds enemas, which cause irritation with subsequent peristalsis. Softening the stool using mineral oil enemas is useful. Retraining of the chronically dilated rectum may be accomplished by using strategies similar to the treatment of encopresis (stool softeners and laxatives coupled with sitting on the toilet for 15 minutes after meals and assisting with the egress of stool using enemas or suppositories; behavior modification sometimes is effective).

Certain fruits, including papaya and cantaloupe are very high in fiber. Popcorn is a readily acceptable and effective stool stimulant in children over five years of age. Some children may need to take mineral oil; the dose should be adjusted to produce soft stools without leakage of excess mineral oil from the rectum. Colace adds bulk to the stool.

Staying away from stress is the best consideration. Regular checkups and taking care of the system effectively by following effective guidelines is necessary.