Difficulty Having a Bowel Movement: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

08.08.202310.06.2023 by alexxlab

What are the common symptoms of bowel movement difficulties. How can constipation be diagnosed and treated. What are the potential complications of chronic constipation. When should you see a doctor about bowel movement problems. What lifestyle changes can help improve bowel regularity.

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Understanding Bowel Movement Difficulties

Difficulty having a bowel movement is a common issue that affects people of all ages. It can range from occasional discomfort to chronic constipation that significantly impacts quality of life. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and available treatments is crucial for managing this condition effectively.

Common Symptoms of Bowel Movement Difficulties

How do you know if you’re experiencing bowel movement difficulties? Some key symptoms include:

Straining during bowel movements
Hard or lumpy stools
Feeling of incomplete evacuation
Infrequent bowel movements (less than 3 times per week)
Abdominal discomfort or bloating
Need for manual maneuvers to facilitate defecation

If you consistently experience these symptoms, it may indicate an underlying issue with your digestive system or bowel function.

Causes of Constipation and Bowel Movement Problems

What factors contribute to difficulty having bowel movements? The causes can be diverse and multifaceted:

Dietary factors (low fiber intake, dehydration)
Lack of physical activity
Medications (e.g., opioids, antidepressants)
Medical conditions (e.g., hypothyroidism, diabetes)
Neurological disorders
Structural abnormalities in the digestive tract
Psychological factors (stress, anxiety)

Understanding the underlying cause is crucial for effective treatment and management of bowel movement difficulties.

Diagnostic Tests for Bowel Movement Issues

How do healthcare providers diagnose the cause of bowel movement difficulties? Several diagnostic tests may be employed:

Physical examination and medical history review
Stool analysis
Blood tests to check for underlying conditions
Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy
Anorectal manometry to assess muscle function
Defecography to evaluate the process of evacuation
Transit time studies to measure bowel movement speed

These tests help healthcare providers determine the root cause of the problem and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment Options for Constipation and Bowel Movement Difficulties

What treatments are available for those struggling with bowel movement difficulties? The approach typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, and medical interventions:

Lifestyle and Dietary Changes

Increasing fiber intake through diet or supplements
Staying adequately hydrated
Regular physical exercise
Establishing a consistent toilet routine
Avoiding prolonged toilet sitting

Medications and Medical Interventions

Over-the-counter laxatives (bulk-forming, osmotic, stimulant)
Prescription medications (e.g., linaclotide, plecanatide)
Enemas or suppositories for acute relief
Biofeedback therapy for pelvic floor dysfunction
Surgery for structural abnormalities (in severe cases)

The choice of treatment depends on the severity of symptoms, underlying causes, and individual patient factors.

Preventing Bowel Movement Difficulties

How can one prevent the onset of bowel movement problems? Adopting healthy habits is key:

Maintain a high-fiber diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
Engage in regular physical activity
Avoid ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement
Manage stress through relaxation techniques
Limit intake of processed foods and those low in fiber
Be cautious with medications known to cause constipation

By incorporating these practices into daily life, many individuals can maintain regular bowel function and prevent difficulties.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Bowel Movement Problems

At what point should someone consult a healthcare provider about bowel movement difficulties? It’s important to seek medical attention if:

Constipation lasts for more than three weeks
There’s blood in the stool
Unexplained weight loss occurs
Severe abdominal pain accompanies constipation
There’s a sudden change in bowel habits
Constipation alternates with diarrhea

These symptoms may indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires prompt medical evaluation.

Impact of Bowel Movement Difficulties on Quality of Life

How do bowel movement problems affect daily life? The impact can be significant:

Physical discomfort and pain
Emotional distress and anxiety
Reduced productivity at work or school
Social isolation due to embarrassment
Sleep disturbances
Nutritional deficiencies from altered eating habits

Addressing bowel movement difficulties is crucial not only for physical health but also for overall well-being and quality of life.

Special Considerations for Different Age Groups

Do bowel movement difficulties affect all age groups similarly? While constipation can occur at any age, certain groups may have unique considerations:

Children and Infants

Constipation in children may be related to:
– Toilet training issues
– Dietary changes
– Psychological factors (e.g., school anxiety)
– Underlying medical conditions

Treatment often involves a combination of dietary changes, behavioral modifications, and occasionally medication under medical supervision.

Elderly Individuals

Older adults may experience constipation due to:
– Reduced mobility
– Medications
– Chronic health conditions
– Weakened pelvic floor muscles

Management typically involves addressing underlying causes, ensuring adequate hydration and fiber intake, and sometimes using gentle laxatives as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Pregnant Women

Pregnancy can increase the risk of constipation due to:
– Hormonal changes
– Pressure from the growing uterus
– Iron supplementation

Safe management during pregnancy often includes dietary modifications, increased water intake, and gentle exercise as approved by an obstetrician.

Complications of Chronic Constipation

What are the potential consequences of long-term bowel movement difficulties? Chronic constipation can lead to several complications:

Hemorrhoids
Anal fissures
Rectal prolapse
Fecal impaction
Bowel obstruction (in severe cases)
Urinary incontinence or retention

Recognizing and addressing constipation early can help prevent these potentially serious complications.

Emerging Research and Future Treatments

What new developments are on the horizon for managing bowel movement difficulties? Ongoing research is exploring several promising areas:

Microbiome-based therapies
Novel pharmacological agents targeting specific receptors in the gut
Advanced biofeedback techniques
Personalized medicine approaches based on genetic factors
Minimally invasive surgical techniques for severe cases

These advancements may offer new hope for individuals who struggle with chronic constipation and other bowel movement difficulties.

Psychological Aspects of Bowel Movement Difficulties

How does mental health intersect with bowel function? The connection between the brain and gut is complex:

Stress and anxiety can exacerbate constipation
Chronic bowel issues may lead to depression or social anxiety
Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be beneficial in managing symptoms
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques may improve bowel regularity

Addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of bowel movement difficulties is often crucial for comprehensive management.

Dietary Strategies for Improving Bowel Function

What specific dietary changes can help alleviate bowel movement difficulties? Consider the following strategies:

Gradually increase fiber intake to 25-30 grams per day
Choose whole grains over refined carbohydrates
Incorporate probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and kefir
Experiment with fiber-rich foods to find what works best
Stay hydrated with water and herbal teas
Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption
Consider natural laxatives like prunes or flaxseed

Remember to introduce dietary changes gradually to allow your digestive system to adjust and minimize discomfort.

Exercise and Physical Activity for Bowel Health

How does physical activity impact bowel function? Regular exercise can significantly improve bowel regularity:

Stimulates intestinal contractions
Reduces transit time of stool through the colon
Helps maintain a healthy body weight
Reduces stress, which can contribute to constipation
Strengthens abdominal and pelvic floor muscles

Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week. Activities like walking, swimming, or yoga can be particularly beneficial for bowel health.

The Role of Hydration in Bowel Movement Regularity

Why is proper hydration crucial for healthy bowel function? Adequate fluid intake:

Softens stool, making it easier to pass
Helps fiber work more effectively in the intestines
Prevents dehydration, which can lead to constipation
Supports overall digestive health

Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day, adjusting based on activity level, climate, and individual needs. Herbal teas and water-rich fruits and vegetables can also contribute to your daily fluid intake.

Alternative and Complementary Approaches to Bowel Health

What alternative therapies might help with bowel movement difficulties? Some individuals find relief through:

Acupuncture
Herbal remedies (e.g., senna, cascara)
Abdominal massage
Yoga and specific postures targeting digestion
Aromatherapy with essential oils like peppermint or ginger

While some of these approaches may offer benefits, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before trying alternative treatments, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.

Understanding Different Types of Laxatives

How do various laxatives work to alleviate constipation? There are several categories:

Bulk-forming laxatives: Add volume to stool
Osmotic laxatives: Draw water into the intestines
Stimulant laxatives: Increase intestinal contractions
Stool softeners: Moisten and soften stool
Lubricant laxatives: Coat the stool to ease passage

Each type of laxative has its own benefits and potential side effects. It’s crucial to use laxatives as directed and not rely on them long-term without medical supervision.

The Gut Microbiome and Bowel Health

How does the gut microbiome influence bowel function? The trillions of microorganisms in your digestive tract play a crucial role:

Help break down food and absorb nutrients
Produce compounds that support gut motility
Influence the immune system and overall health
May impact stool consistency and frequency

Supporting a healthy gut microbiome through diet, probiotics, and prebiotics may help improve bowel regularity and overall digestive health.

Difficulty having a bowel movement is a common yet often overlooked health issue that can significantly impact quality of life. By understanding the symptoms, causes, and available treatments, individuals can take proactive steps to maintain healthy bowel function. Remember that while occasional constipation is normal, persistent problems warrant medical attention. With proper care, lifestyle adjustments, and appropriate treatment, most people can achieve regular, comfortable bowel movements and improve their overall well-being.

Bowel Problems, Conditions & Symptoms

Bowel Category

The first and most important point to remember is that everyone with a bowel problem can be helped and many can be completely cured.

If you have been diagnosed with bowel (faecal) incontinence, IBS, Colitis, Crohns, constipation or other bowel problems you can search the down menus below to find out more information about your specific condition or problem. If you have not been diagnosed by a health professional, the following questions about your symptoms should help you find the information you are looking for.

Do you find it difficult to have a bowel movement or have a bowel movement less than 3 times a week and have to strain
Excessively or do not feel completely empty? You may be constipated.
Do you pass watery or very loose stools more than 3 times in a day? You may have diarrhoea.
Do you have abdominal pain (in the lower left part of the abdomen) and a change in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhoea or alternating between both), with a mild fever and nausea and vomiting? These are symptoms of diverticular disease.
If you have diarrhoea, weight loss and abdominal pain, these could be signs of Crohn’s Disease.
Do you have bloody diarrhoea or diarrhoea containing mucus and the constant urge to go to the toilet even though nothing comes out, with or without abdominal pain? These are symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis.
Do you leak faeces without being aware of it? This could be bowel or faecal incontinence.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you must see your GP as soon as possible:

bleeding from your back passage
blood in your stools (faeces), which can make them look bright red, dark red, or black
a change in normal bowel habits lasting three weeks or more
unexplained weight loss and tiredness
an unexplained pain or lump in your tummy

Once you have a clearer idea of what your problem may be or if you have been diagnosed you can visit our treatment section to see what your options are for managing your symptoms or condition. Information dealing with the more practical and emotional side of coping with bowel problems can be found by visiting the support section.

How to approach your GP about your bowel problems

It is never too late to get help with your bowel problems. If you would like some advice on how to approach your GP regarding your bowel problem you may find our Advice Sheet helpful. It also includes information on tests that your GP may recommend you have done. To download, please click on this link Bowel Advice Sheet.

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Straining to Poop: Causes and When to See a Doctor

Pooping is a natural and essential bodily function. Everybody poops—no matter your location, socioeconomic status, or delicate sensibilities. Unfortunately, something that is supposed to be second nature can also sometimes be super difficult. So if you’ve ever found yourself straining to poop, you are definitely not alone.

“Almost everyone experiences the feeling of having a hard time having a bowel movement,” Alex Sherman, MD, board-certified gastroenterologist at Vanguard Gastroenterology and a clinical professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, tells SELF.

While that piece of information won’t exactly make you feel better when you’re stuck on the toilet, it should reassure you that straining to poop isn’t necessarily concerning. In fact, if it happens every once in a while, you’re likely okay and things can often be resolved with something as simple as increasing the fiber intake in your diet.

But if you find yourself straining to poop frequently, that could potentially signal an underlying issue that needs your attention, Dr. Sherman says. Want to find out why it hurts to poop—and what to do about it? We turned to top docs for the answers to all your poop questions.

Straining to poop causes | What happens if you strain too hard while pooping? | What to do if you’re straining to poop | When to see your doctor

First, let’s talk about why you’re straining to poop.

“Someone sits down and they are trying to push, push, push—that’s really what straining is,” Felice Schnoll-Sussman, MD, professor of clinical medicine and director of the Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health at Weill Cornell Medicine, tells SELF.

People can strain to poop for all sorts of reasons, but constipation is really the main cause of this. By definition, constipation symptoms include passing hard, dry stools, having fewer than three bowel movements a week, or feeling like you haven’t really gotten everything out (if you know what we mean), according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

It’s important to understand that people poop at different frequencies, so pooping less than three times a week doesn’t always mean you’re constipated. For example, one person may poop twice a week for as long as they can remember and feel completely fine. “There is no rulebook for how often someone should go to the bathroom,” Dr. Schnoll-Sussman says. “The only time we are concerned is when there is a significant change for you.” If you’re frustrated because it feels impossible to poop and nothing comes out, then that’s also a problem.

So, then, what causes constipation? A number of things, but dietary habits are a big contributor to this particular problem, Shilpa Ravella, MD, assistant professor of medicine at Columbia University Medical Center, tells SELF. “I see a lot of patients coming in who have way too little fiber in their diets. That can lead to hard stools and constipation that can cause people to strain a lot when they go to the bathroom,” Dr. Ravella says.

That’s why constipation treatment typically includes eating more fiber-rich food, which adds weight to your stool and helps it stay soft, making it easier to pass. Drinking more fluids than you’re currently getting and increasing your physical activity can also help move stool through your digestive tract, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Some medications, including things like blood pressure drugs, opioids, antacids, and antidepressants, can also cause constipation, according to Dr. Ravella. And finally, constipation can be a symptom of certain medical conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and celiac disease.

Your body mechanics might also explain why you’re straining to poop. There are two sphincter muscles in the rectum (the inner and the outer sphincter) that assist with bowel movements.¹ The inner sphincter is controlled involuntarily, meaning your brain tells that muscle it’s time to relax (so you can poop) when your rectum is full. Your outer sphincter is a muscle that you knowingly control. And some people may not have good control over the outer sphincter, so they tense their muscles, holding poop in when they should really be relaxing that muscle to let poop out.² This can make you feel like you’ve never really emptied everything in your bowels.

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What happens if you strain too hard while pooping?

Not only is straining to poop super uncomfortable on its own, but it can cause a number of health issues that can make you feel worse. Here are some common problems that may arise if you’re frequently having a hard time going:

Hemorrhoids

Straining to poop is one of the prime causes of hemorrhoids, which are piles of bulging veins that can be internal (nestled inside the rectum) or external (under the skin around your anus), according to the Mayo Clinic. When you strain to poop, the veins in your butt can swell and bulge, kind of like how a bodybuilder’s veins bulge when they’re lifting weights, Dr. Schnoll-Sussman says. “Bodybuilders push up the weights and you see the veins popping out in their necks or temples—that is exactly what can happen in our anus, resulting in hemorrhoids,” she says. If those hemorrhoidal veins get really big and you start to pass hard bowel movements, your poop can nick a blood vessel, resulting in some bleeding, according to Dr. Schnoll-Sussman. Pregnancy is another common hemorrhoid cause, partially because being pregnant can cause constipation, and partially because your growing uterus can lead to more pressure in your lower body, including your anus. Voilà, hemorrhoids.

So how do you know if you have hemorrhoids? Hemorrhoids can be asymptomatic, meaning you might not know. Other times, hemorrhoids can cause symptoms like itching, discomfort, anal swelling, and bleeding, which can make it hard to poop, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Anal fissures

These are little wounds that can feel like paper cuts on your butt (*cringe*). Anal fissures typically arise when you have to work too hard to pass large, hard stools. They can also happen due to chronic diarrhea or conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis since spending what feels like ages on the toilet can irritate your anal mucosa, especially if you’re using rough toilet paper or one that has a fragrance.

Anal fissures can be painful, itch, bleed, or feel irritated, according to the Mayo Clinic. Luckily, they tend to heal on their own, but if it hurts to poop for a few weeks, you might need to seek medical treatment. Your doctor can prescribe a cream with lidocaine or another anesthetic to relieve the pain until the tiny tear heals. And if you have chronic anal fissures, you may need to discuss other treatment options like nitroglycerin creams to increase blood flow and speed healing or even surgery in severe cases.

Rectal prolapse

In some cases, straining to poop can lead to a condition called rectal prolapse.³ This happens when you push so hard that your rectum drops through your anus, Dr. Schnoll-Sussman says. If this happens, you may have pain in your anus or rectum, feel a bulge in your anal area, notice blood in your stool, or have trouble controlling your bowel movements, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Generally, surgery is necessary to repair the prolapse.

Vasovagal syncope

There’s a very small possibility you could pass out on the pot. Losing consciousness while straining to poop is called defecation syncope, which is a kind of fainting that happens when your body overreacts to certain stimuli, according to the Mayo Clinic. “Basically, your blood pressure drops, and you can’t maintain the blood pressure to your brain, and you can pass out on the toilet,” Dr. Schnoll-Sussman says. Some people lose consciousness while other people only feel like they might pass out, David Poppers, MD, PhD, gastroenterologist and clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health, tells SELF. Before you panic, know two things: This is less likely to happen in otherwise healthy young people than in older people, and even if it does happen, it doesn’t automatically mean something foreboding about your health.

What to do if you’re straining to poop

If you have chronic constipation that’s not related to medications you take or medical conditions that you’re aware of, then reviewing your fiber intake is a good place to start. People assigned female at birth between the ages of 19 and 30 should aim for at least 28 grams of fiber per day, according to the United States Department of Agriculture’s Dietary Guidelines.⁴ That number drops to 25 grams per day for people assigned female at birth who are between the ages of 31 to 50. Some good sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, according to the Mayo Clinic.

As you increase your fiber intake, be sure to stay hydrated, Dr. Poppers says. Going all-in on fiber without sufficient hydration can lead to issues like bloating, gas, diarrhea, and the very constipation you might be trying to fix.

If you’re straining to poop, Dr. Schnoll-Sussman recommends keeping a stool diary (yes, for real) to better understand your bowel movements. This also comes in handy so you can talk to your doctor about your symptoms if you decide to seek treatment. She recommends tracking your answers to a few key questions each day if you can:

How often do I go to the bathroom?
What do my bowel movements look like?
How do I feel when I don’t have a bowel movement?
What am I eating?
How much water am I drinking each day?
How much am I exercising?

You may notice that you’re not really eating as much fiber as you think. Or you could find that you go to the bathroom more frequently when you exercise regularly. If changing your habits doesn’t do the trick, then it might be time to schedule a doctor’s appointment to see if there’s something else going on, such as IBS, IBD, or even a food allergy or intolerance. Or if you take prescription medications that can cause constipation, you’ll want to talk to your doctor about the best way to deal with that.

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When to see a doctor if you’re frequently straining to poop

When lifestyle changes don’t help, it may be time to see your primary care doctor or a gastroenterologist to help determine the cause of your constipation. Depending on your particular situation, your doctor might run a few tests to determine if you have an underlying medical condition, causing your gastrointestinal distress. For example, you might take a blood test to rule out a food-related condition like celiac disease. Or if your doctor suspects you have trouble controlling your outer sphincter muscle, then you might have an anorectal manometry test, which involves inserting a tube into your anus to test that muscle, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

If you have any straining-related complications that don’t heal on their own, like rectal prolapse, it’s really important to get checked out by a doctor so you can get treatment and avoid possible complications.

Generally, it’s safest to see your doctor if you are having any form of consistent rectal bleeding, according to Dr. Poppers. “It’s always a good idea to contact your doctor if you have any unexpected change in bowel habits and certainly any rectal bleeding—even a small volume—if that’s not typical for you or otherwise explained by a prior diagnostic workup,” he says.

Intestinal evacuation: which laxatives should not be taken for constipation

Health

This delicate problem happened to everyone. Therefore, you need to know very well – what is considered constipation, why it occurs, what symptoms are dangerous, how laxatives work and what to do if nothing helps. “Doctor Peter” was answered by the expert.

April 3, 2022

Source:: Getty Images

Constipation is considered a “symptom of civilization” because over the past century it has plagued people many times more often. The reason for this is the development of technology, sedentary work, reduced physical activity, an abundance of processed carbohydrate foods, and so on.

– Constipation is when stools are difficult or occur less frequently than with normal emptying, explains physician Olga Kotelnikova. “This is an unpleasant condition that can seriously impair the quality of life of any person. Usually the time interval between bowel movements depends on lifestyle, health status, nutrition. Some people pass several stools a day, while others only pass once every few days. However, as a rule, the absence of stool for more than three days brings discomfort, pain, as the stool becomes hard and bowel movements are difficult.

What happens in the intestines during constipation

During normal digestion, the intestines “pull” liquid and nutrients from the cells, while the contents of the intestines thicken, feces are formed and then removed from the rectum.

– With constipation, the flow of fluid into the intestinal cavity decreases, the movements that move the feces to the exit into the rectum weaken, says Olga Kotelnikova.

What symptoms occur

Poor bowel movements, straining.
Hard chair.
Feeling that not everything worked out.
Bloating.

With age, the tendency to constipation increases, because metabolic disorders, systemic chronic diseases appear, body functions gradually slow down.

May cause constipation and drugs.

– If you have trouble passing a bowel movement, it is important to let your doctor know as soon as possible so that we can discuss treatment and resolution of the problem. When taking medications regularly, consult your doctor to find an alternative treatment with fewer side effects, the expert explains.

Symptoms of chronic constipation

– Constipation may be accompanied by abdominal pain, bloating. Many are familiar with the difficulty with emptying that occurs with changes in nutrition, drinking regimen and sleep, possibly lack of activity, says Olga Kotelnikova. – When establishing the usual regimen , the problem usually disappears on its own after a few days. This type of constipation does not cause much harm in principle, although it does bring discomfort. Chronic constipation occurs when several symptoms appear regularly or repeatedly over a long period of time (more than 3 months):

severe pressure during bowel movements,
hard stools, intestines per week.

If you don’t have a bowel movement every day, it’s not a sign of constipation.

How to help with constipation

If you are suffering from constipation, it is important to follow a few simple rules to improve digestion.

Eat small meals 5-6 times a day.
Try to eat in a calm environment, without haste, chewing food thoroughly.
Drink one and a half to two liters of water daily according to your age, weight, diet to maintain water balance.
Eat foods high in fiber. It is found mainly in plant foods. Fiber absorbs a relatively large amount of water in the intestines, which softens the stool and increases its volume, stimulating bowel movements. It is recommended to consume at least 30 grams of fiber daily.

– It is important to analyze and adjust nutrition, Olga Kotelnikova recommends. – If you haven’t been eating fiber-rich foods, gradually increase their amount in your diet. Also, remember to drink enough fluids so that the fiber can fully show its positive effect. This facilitates digestion and avoids possible unpleasant symptoms such as abdominal pain and flatulence. Fresh vegetables and fruits, bran, whole grain bread are also rich in dietary fiber.

It’s important to stay active. Exercise whenever possible. Physical activity significantly helps to stimulate bowel movements, strengthening the muscles of the abdominal wall and increases the tone of the whole body.
Choose the correct posture when defecation, use a support under your feet.

– The squatting position is the most physiological for bowel movements, because in this position the hips and pelvis create an angle of approximately 35 degrees, without creating any pressure on the rectum. Thanks to the stand, the legs rise at the right angle, the expert recommends.

Set aside enough time to go to the bathroom.
Keep a bowel movement diary—even if you don’t have difficulty and don’t have any bothersome symptoms. It is important to pay attention to the shape and consistency of the stool, as these characteristics can determine and prevent bowel problems.

What to do with constipation when advice does not help

– Be sure to consult your doctor, do not use laxatives on your own on the recommendation of friends. Be careful not to harm your health, discuss with your doctor the form, dosage and frequency of taking the drug, explains Olga Kotelnikova.

How laxatives work

There are two large groups of laxatives:

– These drugs include senna-based drugs that are addictive and cause pain during bowel movements. Efficient emptying requires a constant dose increase. Therefore, drugs of this type cannot be constantly taken without control and prescription of a doctor, – the physician explained.

– They attract water from the cells, due to which the volume of the intestinal contents increases, the contraction of its walls increases, the consistency of the stool softens. All this leads to faster and painless emptying, says Olga Kotelnikova. – At the same time, modern laxatives do not cause gas formation and flatulence.

When constipation becomes dangerous

Constipation causes discomfort, lowers mood, and also directly affects the human psyche, the expert believes.

– Stress, fear, anxiety affect the functioning of the intestines through the peripheral nervous system, says Olga Kotelnikova.

And the most dangerous thing is when constipation leads to more serious diseases.

– Prolonged retention of feces in the colon leads to the processes of decay and fermentation, and they provoke the formation of gases and cause pain in the abdomen, a feeling of heaviness and fullness, – warns the doctor. – And an excess of toxins can even cause nausea, headaches, weakness, plaque formation in the oral cavity.

Persistent constipation and the need to push hard to have a bowel movement increase the risk of developing hemorrhoids or tumors.

— If there is no stool for more than three days, you need to take action and visit a doctor for a consultation, — advises the expert.

Text author:Anna Mayskaya

Constipation in children – causes, symptoms, signs and treatment of children’s constipation in the “SM-Clinic” for children and adolescents

The pediatrician deals with the treatment of this disease

general information
Classification: types of constipation in children
Symptoms of constipation in children
Complications of constipation in children
Causes of constipation in children
Diagnostics
constipation treatment
Expert opinion of a doctor
Prevention of constipation in children
Question answer

General information

Constipation is a condition in which the interval between bowel movements is prolonged and/or the bowels are not emptied systematically. This condition can be triggered by malnutrition, psychological factors or organic pathology. Single rare episodes are not dangerous, but a systematically occurring problem requires examination. The doctors of the children’s department of the SM-Clinic in Moscow diagnose the causes of chronic constipation in children and adolescents and prescribe the appropriate treatment for the situation.

Constipation (constipation) is not an independent disease. The problem is characteristic of a violation of the function of the intestine, the result of which is the impossibility of its adequate release from feces. In a child, the stool becomes rarer (usually less than 1 time in 2 days) or stops completely.

In children, constipation occurs quite often, especially at the stage when the child is just starting to go to kindergarten (psychological etiology of constipation). It is important to recognize it early and start appropriate treatment.

Classification: types of constipation in children

Constipation is most often the result of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). At the heart of the problem lies a violation of peristalsis. Depending on the nature of this dysfunction, constipation can be:

spastic (hypertonic), when there is too much contraction of the intestinal muscles with the impossibility of further movement of the stool outward;
atonic (hypotonic) when the intestinal wall is completely relaxed and cannot contract to remove food debris from the body.

Depending on the origin, the following forms of constipation are distinguished:

primary: associated with congenital pathologies of intestinal development;
secondary: occurs against the background of diseases, injuries, toxins, etc.;
idiopathic: associated with malnutrition and other external causes.

Features of the course allow us to distinguish between acute and chronic constipation (the condition lasts 3 months or more).

There is also a division of children’s constipation according to the degree of compensation, which is very important for prescribing the correct treatment:

compensation: the intestines are emptied once every 2-3 days, pain and other symptoms are absent; with the correction of nutrition, the problem disappears;
subcompensation: defecation occurs every 3-7 days and only while taking laxatives; accompanied by abdominal pain, bloating;
decompensation: bowel movements occur less than once a week, the condition is accompanied by pain, bloating, intoxication; constipation can only be eliminated with an enema.

Symptoms of constipation in children

Constipation itself is an isolated symptom that can accompany a variety of gastrointestinal disorders. Depending on the etiology, the accompanying clinical picture may change.

The key characteristics of constipation is the reduction in the number of bowel movements to 2 times a week or their complete absence, a feeling of incomplete emptying of the intestine.

Additional signs are:

pain in the abdomen – the nature depends on the type of intestinal wall damage, while the child may feel both constant aching pain and short cramping attacks;
nausea, flatulence, vomiting;
loss of appetite, weight loss;
slight increase in body temperature.

If the cause of constipation in a child is a surgical pathology, then the clinical picture may also include fever, general weakness, fatigue, and sharp pain in the anterior abdominal wall.

If there are signs of constipation, parents should consult the child’s doctor. If constipation becomes chronic, then children become irritable, sleep poorly, act up, and suffer from appetite. Against the background of impaired intestinal functionality, a deterioration in the quality of hair, skin and nails may join.

Complications of constipation in children

Prolonged constipation without treatment can adversely affect the condition of the intestines and the body as a whole. Retention of feces, as well as straining when trying to defecate, contribute to the development of:

hemorrhoids;
colitis;
paraproctitis;
rectal prolapse;
general intoxication of the organism.

Causes of constipation in children

The pathogenic basis for the development of constipation is a violation of the function of the muscular membrane of the intestine with a deterioration in its peristalsis. The causes can be both infectious diseases provoked by a certain pathogen, and exacerbation of pathologies of other organs and systems, as well as other external and internal factors.

Poor diet. If the baby from the first days receives heavy food containing a lot of protein, then there is every chance for the rapid development of constipation. For infants, in order to prevent stool disorders, it is very important to try to maintain breastfeeding. Artificial mixtures increase the risk of constipation.
Lack of water in the body. If the child drinks little, then the feces in the intestines become hard and are difficult to be excreted from the body.
A side effect of certain medications. Antibiotics can adversely affect the intestinal microflora.
Psychological aspects. Sometimes in children, against the background of psycho-emotional stress, intestinal peristalsis slows down and there is a conscious suppression of the act of defecation. So, not every child goes to the toilet at a party, cafe or kindergarten.
Anomalies in the development of the digestive tract. With congenital malformations, even a newborn may experience constipation associated with a primary violation of bowel function.

Chronic diseases of other organs and systems also provoke a slowdown or acceleration of peristalsis.

Diagnostics

SM-Clinic is an advanced medical center specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. Modern equipment and highly qualified staff contribute to diagnosing the causes and mechanism of constipation in a child as quickly as possible.

The presence of defecation disorders for a particular age, the specialist establishes at the stage of conversation with the patient or parents. To confirm the diagnosis, the following examinations may be prescribed:

general blood and urine analysis;
biochemical blood test;
feces for helminth eggs;
Ultrasound of the abdominal organs;
irrigography – an x-ray method that is used if there is a suspicion of intestinal obstruction;
colonoscopy;
CT/MRI of the abdominal organs.

If necessary, the doctor refers the child to consultations with related specialists. This approach allows you to comprehensively solve the problem of constipation and prevent its occurrence in the future.

Treatment of constipation

Treatment of constipation in children of all ages is aimed at improving intestinal motility and facilitating its release from feces. To achieve these goals, at the first stage, non-drug methods are used, namely lifestyle modification:

normalization of nutrition with an increase in the amount of vegetables and fruits in the daily diet;
increased fluid intake;
rejection of “heavy” food (fast food, large amounts of meat, sweets).

Laxatives are not recommended for children. On the one hand, this is associated with the risk of side effects, and on the other hand, there is a possibility of addiction. Therefore, it is so important to identify the cause of constipation and act on it. However, there are groups of drugs that are used at the first stage to normalize the passage of feces through the intestines. These are means that increase the volume of feces – they act after about 24 hours; and “rapid response” preparations (for example, glycerin suppositories), which accelerate peristalsis, the action develops after 10-15 minutes.

Doctor’s Expert Opinion

It is important to understand that trying to force a constipated child to sit on the potty or toilet and try to force him to have a bowel movement can only exacerbate the problem, especially when it comes to a baby. Psychological fear of bowel movements will contribute to the progression of the disease.

Guryanova Elena Mikhailovna

Pediatrician, pediatric gastroenterologist, Ph.D.

Prevention of constipation in children

Prevention of constipation is based on rational nutrition, adequate fluid intake and timely treatment of other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

At SM-Clinic, every child with constipation is provided with a full range of services for the identification and treatment of primary pathology of any origin. Our own laboratory, modern equipment and highly qualified personnel will help to solve this problem. Turn to professionals so that your baby feels the ease of release!

Q&A

It is necessary to exclude pear, persimmon, rice from the diet, and also minimize flour and meat dishes.

You can start by visiting a gastroenterologist or pediatrician. If necessary, you will be referred for a consultation with related specialists.

Sources

Children’s diseases: textbook / ed. A. A. Baranova. – Moscow: GEOTAR-Media, 2007.

Kornienko E.A. Treatment of chronic constipation in children // Questions of modern pediatrics. – 2010. – No. 9. – S. 136-140.

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