What is constipation. What are the symptoms of constipation. What causes constipation. How can constipation be relieved.

Understanding Constipation

Constipation is a common digestive issue characterized by hard, dry bowel movements or passing stool less than three times a week. It can be caused by various factors, including diet, medications, pregnancy, or changes in routine. Constipation affects around 16 out of 100 U.S. adults, with the prevalence doubling for those over 60 years old.

Symptoms of Constipation

The primary symptoms of constipation include:

• Fewer than three bowel movements per week
• Passing lumpy, hard, or dry stools
• Straining or experiencing pain during bowel movements
• Feeling of fullness even after a bowel movement

If these symptoms persist or you notice any of the following, it’s recommended to seek medical advice:

• Rectal bleeding
• Blood in the stool
• Persistent abdominal pain
• Lower back pain
• Feeling that gas is trapped
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Unexplained weight loss
• Sudden change in bowel movements

Causes of Constipation

The colon’s primary function is to absorb water from residual food as it passes through the digestive system, creating stool. If the stool remains in the colon for too long, it can become hard and difficult to pass. Common causes of constipation include:

• Low-fiber diet, particularly diets high in meat, milk, or cheese
• Dehydration
• Low exercise levels
• Delaying the urge to have a bowel movement
• Travel or other changes in routine
• Certain medications, such as antacids, pain medications, diuretics, and some Parkinson’s disease treatments
• Pregnancy
• Older age (constipation affects around one-third of people aged 60 and over)

Underlying health conditions can also contribute to constipation, including stroke, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, intestinal obstruction, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and diverticulosis.

Treating Constipation

The easiest and fastest ways to treat and prevent constipation are to change your diet and increase your physical activity level. You can try the following techniques:

• Drink 1.5 to 2 quarts of unsweetened fluids, like water, every day to stay hydrated.
• Limit consumption of alcohol and caffeinated drinks, which can cause dehydration.
• Add fiber-rich foods to your diet, such as raw fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, prunes, or bran cereal. Your daily fiber intake should be between 20 and 35 grams.
• Reduce intake of low-fiber foods, such as meat, milk, cheese, and processed foods.
• Aim for about 150 minutes of moderate exercise every week, with a goal of 30 minutes per day at least five times per week. Try walking, swimming, or biking.
• Don’t delay when you feel the urge to have a bowel movement, as the longer you wait, the harder the stool can become.
• Ask your doctor about bowel training to get your body used to passing stool 15 to 45 minutes after breakfast each day.
• Raise your knees by putting your feet on a footstool when having a bowel movement, and allow yourself plenty of time to relax your muscles.
• Use laxatives sparingly, and only under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as prolonged use can lead to dependence.
• Discuss with your healthcare professional if any of your medications might be causing constipation.

Over-the-Counter Medications for Constipation

If home remedies do not provide relief, a healthcare professional may recommend an over-the-counter laxative, such as:

• Fiber supplements
• Osmotic agents, like Milk of Magnesia
• Stool softeners

Seeking Medical Advice

If constipation persists or you notice concerning symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice. A healthcare professional may perform tests to rule out more serious conditions, such as colorectal cancer or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Preventing Constipation

Maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and engaging in regular physical activity are key to preventing constipation. By making these lifestyle changes, you can help keep your digestive system functioning smoothly and prevent the discomfort associated with constipation.