Constipation

 Constipation is when a person has a hard time passing a bowel movement and fails to produce at least 3 bowel movements each day. Our colons are designed to absorb water, but if we do not drink enough water, the colon absorbs whatever water is in the body. When our colon absorbs too much water, the stools become hard and dry and are difficult to eliminate from the body. Most people who have constipation experience painful bloating, straining, and a feeling of a full bowel.

Everyone's bowels are different so it varies as to how many bowel movements you will have each day. Some people have daily bowel movements, after each meal, while other individuals have a bowel movement 3 times a week. Almost everyone will experience constipation at least once during their lifetime. Constipation is usually a result of a poor diet and can be fixed with proper diet and exercise. Constipation is not a disease, it is simply a symptom.

Typically the stool is hard and is difficult to pass without pain. When a person pushes to hard, they are straining the muscles and colon, causing hemorrhoids and anal fissures. In extreme constipation cases, the abdomen swells and becomes tender and cramps up a lot. The official definition of constipation is as follows:

• Infrequent bowel movements, meaning 3 times or less per week.
  
• Difficulty during waste elimination, causing the individual to strain for more than 25% of bowel movements.
  
• The feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation.

In the United States, more than 4 million Americans have frequent constipation; about half of these individuals actually visit the doctor and are treated for constipation. Constipation is more frequent in elderly individuals and in women. Women who are pregnant are more likely to experience constipation too. Many women who have just given birth experience constipation and they are commonly given laxatives to help relieve the pain of constipation. Each year $725 million dollars are spent on laxative products that help relieve constipation.

Our bodies need a lot of water to keep regulated and maintain the proper order of things. The colon absorbs water from the food as it forms waste products. Our muscles then contract the colon and move the stool closer toward the rectum. When the stool reaches the rectum, it is harder because most of the water was absorbed by the colon. Constipation will happen when the colon absorbs too much of the water. As we age, the muscles in the colon tend to deteriorate, causing them to be sluggish. Sluggish colon muscles will also lead to constipation as the stool moves slowly through the colon. If a stool passes through the colon too slowly, it will become hard and dry. Your diet is the number one cause for constipation. Most people do not get enough fiber and water in their diet, causing constipation. You can also get constipation from lack of exercise, medication, milk, dehydration, pregnancy, and other causes.

If you think that you may have constipation, you need to seek medical advice. A doctor will perform a physical exam and will examine lumps of stool. Your doctor will also discuss your diet and exercise regime, family history, and other causes of constipation. A rectal examination may also be performed to determine the condition of the rectum and colon. A rectal examination will provide information on the consistency of the stool and if there is any blood or tumors in the colon.

 An individual will be diagnosed with chronic constipation if they experience constipation for more than 3 months and only pass feces 3 days per month. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is another leading cause of constipation. Your doctor will discuss your constipation issues with you and ask the following:

• How often do you pass stools?
  
• How long have you had the symptoms?
  
• What is the consistency of your stools?
  
• Is blood present in the stools?
  
• What types of food do you eat?
  
• Is there a family history of bowel problems?
  
• How much water do you drink?

If you have a severe case of constipation, your doctor may want to perform a colonoscopy. With a colonoscopy, you will take a liquid beverage the night before and perform an enema one hour before the test. The doctor will insert a long, flexible tube up through the rectus and into the colon. The tube will have a light and camera on one end, allowing the doctor to see the colon.

For most people, constipation can be treated with a few small changes. Your doctor will discuss treatment plans with you, but generally they will recommend changing your eating habits. Your diet needs to be high in fiber, which is about 20-35 grams of fiber each day. A diet high in fiber will cause a soft, bulky stool. Whole grains, beans, fresh fruits, and vegetables all contain fiber and will help to reduce your constipation. Your doctor may recommend eliminating food from your diet that cause constipation such as ice cream, cheese, processed foods, and large portions of meat.

It is recommended to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water each day. If you are currently not getting this much water in your diet, you need to drink more water. Fruit and vegetable juices can also help your body from becoming dehydrated and will help the colon pass the stool. Daily exercise is also necessary to reduce constipation.

Some individuals take laxatives to help reduce their constipation. There are different types of laxatives including: liquid laxatives, pill laxatives, granule laxatives, tablet laxatives, and even gum powder laxatives. A person with a mild case of constipation should not take laxatives, as they can help the colon to become lazy. Simple diet and exercise changes should suffice for most patients. If you choose to take laxatives, you need to understand how they work and which one you need to be taking for your constipation.

 The most common forms of laxatives are bulk-forming laxatives. These are actually fiber supplements that must be taken with water. They help the body absorb water in the intestine and make the stool softer for the colon to digest. Metamucil, Citrucel, and Fiberall are some of the most popular bulk-forming laxatives on the market. You must drink plenty of water when you take one of these laxatives.

Stimulants are another treatment for constipation and they cause rhythmic muscle contractions in the intestines. Stimulants contain phenolphthalein, which has been shown to increase your risk for cancer. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is working to ban over the counter products that contain phenolphthalein. Osmotics are another treatment for constipation. Osmotics cause fluids to flow a different way throughout the colon. Sorbitol and Miralax are some of the most popular drugs on the market for individuals with constipation.

If left untreated, constipation can become serious. The complications from constipation include hemorrhoids, anal fissures, rectal bleeding, and straining during bowel movements. Most individuals can treat hemorrhoids with over the counter creams and wipes that contain witch hazel. Hemorrhoids can become painful and lead to anal bleeding and anal itching. In some extreme cases, surgery will need to be performed.

Constipation may also lead to a condition called fecal impaction. Most often fecal impaction happens to elderly individuals and to small children. Fecal impaction is when the stool is hard and packs the intestine and rectum tightly and normal pushing from the colon muscles is not enough to pass the stool. This condition can be treated by drinking mineral oil. Your doctor may also need to insert fingers into the anus and remove part of the hardened stool.

Constipation is easy to prevent. If you have just treated yourself for constipation, follow-up your treatment with lactulose, polyethylene glycol, magnesium salts, and lots of fiber. Physical exercise is another great way to keep constipation from reoccurring in the body. Just remember that constipation will probably affect you at least once during your lifetime. Constipation is more likely to occur as you age, and if you are a woman. Most constipation can be treated through diet and exercise and poor diet leads to constipation. Always drink plenty of water and eat 20-35 grams of fiber each day.

For some people; constipation in inevitable. Individuals who have a family history of constipation are likely to encounter constipation. Anyone who is diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome will experience constipation along with diarrhea and nausea. Some medications can cause constipation, and having a major surgery performed on your body may also lead to constipation. You should never ignore your body's urge to have a bowel movement. It is important to allow your body enough time to pass the stool, and avoid straining during bowel movements. Everyone's bowel habits are different, it may be normal for your colon to pass one stool per day, while it may be normal for others to pass stool after each meal. If you do not have at least 3 stools per week, seek medical advice about constipation and develop a constipation program.