Constipation is one of the most common digestive issues that affects millions of people around the world. While constipation is usually occasional and temporary in nature, caused by improper dietary habits or an unbalanced lifestyle, in certain situations, it may be a sign of digestive problems or a health condition that should not be neglected.
To identify normal constipation signs and symptoms that require attention, so that you can take the necessary steps for good digestive health and prevent any complications from constipation, join us in this article.
What is chronic constipation?
People have different bowel patterns, and the frequency of bowel movement for a healthy individual can range from 3 times a day to 3 times a week.
Some people think that they are constipated even if the frequency of their bowel movement is already normal. Constipation becomes chronic if:
- Less than 3 times a week.
- More than 3 months of constipation.
- Straining during bowel movement.
- Hard, dry, or small stools.
- Incomplete evacuation.
Why does chronic constipation happen?
It may happen due to:
Slow bowel movement
When food passes through the colon, water is absorbed, and stool is formed. If the muscles contract slowly, the stool will stay for a longer time, making it dry and hard.
Difficulty with elimination
This happens when the muscles at the bottom of the pelvis are not relaxed enough to pass stool, requiring a lot of straining.
When is constipation normal?
When it happens occasionally, it is not a cause for worry. It happens when the following factors are not properly adjusted:
- Less fiber.
- Not enough fluids.
- Slow bowel movement.
- Less exercise.
- Diet changes suddenly.
When should you see a doctor?
While the majority of constipation cases are mild and harmless, you should seek medical attention if these symptoms appear:
- Constipation for more than 2 to 3 weeks.
- Blood in stool or diarrhea with blood.
- Black stools.
- Severe stomach pain.
- Unexplained loss of weight.
- Fatigue.
- Loss of hair.
- Vision changes.
- Ongoing stomach cramps.
- Sudden change in bowel habits.
- Severe diarrhea for over two days.
- Mild diarrhea for one week.
Chronic constipation may be an early warning sign of colon cancer. Your doctor will evaluate your medical history with a physical examination, which may include a rectal exam. In some cases, tests may be requested to rule out other conditions.
Possible causes of chronic constipation
There are a lot of possible causes of chronic constipation. When the cause is unknown, the condition is referred to as idiopathic constipation.
Lifestyle and Diet
An unbalanced lifestyle is a cause of constipation. This is because:
- Dietary habits, such as excessive consumption of processed foods and inadequate amounts of dietary fiber.
- Dehydration and inadequate amounts of water.
- Lack of physical exercise and a sedentary lifestyle.
- Irregular bowel movements with ignoring the body’s signals.
Medications
Medicines may also cause constipation by slowing the movement of the intestines. Such medicines include:
- Opioids, which are painkillers.
- Blood pressure drugs.
- Antacids.
- Diuretics.
- Anti-depressants.
- Anti-seizure drugs.
- Iron and calcium supplements.
Medical Conditions
Sometimes it improves if the cause is treated. Possible causes include:
- Hypothyroidism.
- Diabetes.
- Parkinson’s disease.
- Lupus.
- Irritable bowel syndrome.
Pelvic floor dysfunction
Sometimes the muscles do not coordinate properly, which makes bowel movement difficult and exhausting.
Structural obstructions
This occurs due to the presence of a tumor or tissue damage and rectal problems such as rectocele.
Could constipation be a symptom of something more serious?
Constipation may be a symptom of other larger problems with the digestive system, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
This is a functional bowel disorder in which communication between the nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract is impaired. Symptoms include:
- Cramping.
- Abdominal pain.
- Bloating.
- Excessive gas.
- Diarrhea.
- Mucus in the stool.
Chronic Constipation May slso Indicate:
- Inflammatory disorders.
- Obstruction.
- Colon cancer.
Diagnostic tests
If the symptoms of constipation do not improve with lifestyle changes, the doctor may recommend some tests to determine if the cause is neurological, muscular, obstructive, or associated with slow movement of stool. Some of these tests include:
- Blood tests to rule out anemia, thyroid problems, and imbalances of electrolytes.
- Abdominal X-ray.
- Computed tomography scan.
- Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy.
- Anorectal manometry.
- Colonic transit study.
- Magnetic resonance imaging during defecation.
- Motility capsule test.
- Barium enema.
- Defecography.
Treatment options for chronic constipation
The treatment options vary based on the underlying causes. Diet forms the major part of the treatment options. An increase in fiber-containing vegetables, increased fluids, and frequent small meals have a significant effect on constipation.
Treatment options for constipation include:
- Lifestyle modification.
- Stress management.
- Pain management.
- Fiber supplements.
- Stool softeners.
- Stimulant laxatives.
- Biofeedback therapy for pelvic floor dysfunction.
- Medical nutrition therapy.
- Surgery in obstruction or structural abnormalities.
Complications of chronic constipation
Untreated chronic constipation results in a variety of complications. Such as:
- Hemorrhoids
Enlarged or bleeding rectal veins caused by straining during constipation or painful clots.
- Anal Fissures
Tearing of the lining around the anus that causes painful bleeding during bowel movements.
- Fecal Impaction
Accumulation of hardened stools in the intestines that may require urgent medical care.
- Rectal Prolapse
The protrusion of part of the rectum from the anus, caused by straining during constipation.
Conclusion
Occasional constipation is a common and often associated with poor dietary habits, inadequate intake of fluids, or lack of physical activity. However, if constipation lasts for more than 3 months or is associated with bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss, it could be a symptom of a more underlying problem.
If you are experiencing constipation, book an immediate consultation with a doctor via iDoc if your symptoms are recurrent, concerning, or if they impact your quality of life.