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| Do You Have Constipation Problems? |
Gastrointestinal Disorders – Constipation
If your bowel movements have decreased significantly
and you are uncomfortable, you are likely to be constipated.
Some people will experience difficulty passing stools. A constipated
stool is hard to pass because it is made up of less water than
normal. Constipation is not a disease; it is a symptom of a
disorder.
Generally, constipation varies from person to person.
While constipated, bowel movement frequency varies greatly.
Someone can have 3 movements each day, while someone else may
have up to 3 per week. Intestinal contents can harden and there
can be difficulty or even pain during defecation.
The most common causes of constipation are:
Eating foods rich in animal fats such as dairy
products, meats, and eggs or refined sugar can cause constipation.
Also, eating low fiber such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
can cause constipation.
Ignoring prompts to have bowel movements can provoke constipation.
A variety of medications can cause constipation.
o Antacids - Those containing aluminum hydroxide
and calcium carbonate
o Antidepressants
o Iron tablets
o Anticonvulsant drugs
Drugs that contain Narcotics can interfere with bowel functions.
Lifestyle changes, low fluid intake, (especially water) and
eating junk food may cause constipation.
An irritable bowel or spastic colon is one of the most common
causes of constipation. The bowel function changes and symptoms
such as cramps, excessive gas, bloating, and constipation are
common.
Excessive use of laxatives, over time, will produce dependency
on them and will cause the bowel function to change.
Laxative use can cause the bowel to be insensitive to laxatives
and fail to open.
Constipation during pregnancy is very common. A number of factors
can cause severe pain on defecation; this in turn will trigger
a reflex spasm of the anal sphincter muscle. The spasm then
will delay bowel movement and decrease the desire for bowel
opening as a way to decrease the anal pain.
Intestinal obstruction will cause mechanical compression and
interference with the normal functions of the bowel.
The elderly are at higher risk for constipation
for these reasons:
o Inadequate diet and intake of fluids
o Inadequate exercise
o Dependency on prescription drugs
o Lack of proper bowel habits
o The need for prolonged bed rest
o Dependency on enemas and laxatives
Treatment for Constipation
Seek out the advice of your health care provider immediately
for proper treatment. You will be given dietary advice and care.
If your situation is chronic, your doctor can offer you bulk-forming
agents to add to your dietary advice. You will be advised to
increase your activity level, especially with the elderly. All
of these remedies will help your situation.
Take the initiative to take better care of yourself at home.
With a healthy bowel in mind watch what you eat and drink plenty
of water and other liquids. Try to establish a regular time
to empty your bowel, preferably after meals. This will become
a good habit. Take time every day to exercise. Simple knee to
chest exercises will promote a healthy bowel. Eat lots of green,
leafy vegetables and fruit and avoid foods high in fat and sugar.
Finally, stay calm. Avoid stress at all cost. Your bowel will
thank you. |
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