Constipation is defined as having a bowel movement fewer man three times
per week. With constipation stools are usually hard, dry, small in
size, and difficult to eliminate. Some people who are constipated find
it painful to have a bowel movement and often experience straining,
bloating, and the sensation of a full bowel.
Some people think they are constipated if they do not have a bowel movement every day. However, normal stool elimination may be three times a day or three times a week, depending on the person.
Constipation is a symptom, not a disease. Almost everyone experiences constipation at some point in their life, and a poor diet typically is the cause. Most constipation is temporary and not serious.
Pregnant women may have constipation, and it is ft problem following childbirth or surgery. Selftreatment of constipation with over-the-counter (OTCJ laxatives is by far the most common aid.
To understand constipation, it helps to know how the large intestine, works. As food moves through the colon, the colon absorbs water from the food while it forms waste products, or stool. Muscle contractions in the colon Own push the stool toward the rectum. By the time stool H hes the rectum it is solid, because most of the water has Uvn absorbed.
Constipation occurs when the colon absorbs too much OF IT or if the colon s muscle contractions are slow causing the stool to move through the colon too As a result, stools can become hard and dry. Common of constipation are:
not enough fiber in the diet.
U-k of physical activity (especially in the elderly).
medications.
milk.
irritable bowel syndrome.
changes in life or routine such as pregnancy, aging, and
travel.
abuse of laxatives.
ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement.
dehydration.
specific diseases or conditions, such as stroke (most common).
problems with the colon and rectum.
problems with intestinal function (chronic idiopathic constipation). Not Enough Fiber in the Diet People who eat a high-fiber diet are less likely to become constipated. The most common causes of constipation are a diet low in fiber or a diet high in fats, such as cheese, eggs, and meats.
Fiber—both soluble and insoluble—is the part of fruits, vegetables, and grains that the body cannot digest. Soluble fiber dissolves easily in water and takes on a soft, gel-like texture in the intestines. Insoluble fiber passes through the intestines almost unchanged. The bulk and soft texture fiber help prevent hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass.
Not Enough Liquids Research shows that although increased fluid intake not necessarily help relieve constipation, many people some relief from their constipation if they drink fluids sue on and avoid dehydration. Liquids add flu
to the colon and bulk to stools, making bowel movements softer and easier to pass. People who have problems with constipation should try to drink liquids every day. However, liquids that contain caffeine, such as coffee and cola drinks will worsen one s symptoms by causing dehydration. Alcohol is another beverage that causes dehydration. It is important to drink fluids that hydrate the body, especially when consuming caffeine containing drinks or alcoholic beverages.
Lack of Physical Activity
A lack of physical activity can lead to constipation, although doctors do not know precisely why. For example, constipation often occurs after an accident or during an illness when one must stay in bed and cannot exercise. Lack of physical activity is thought to be one of the reasons constipation is common in older people.
Medications
Some medications can cause constipation, including:
pain medications (especially narcotics).
antacids that contain aluminum and calcium.
blood pressure medications (calcium channel blockers).
antiparkinson drugs.
antispasmodics.
antidepressants.
iron supplements
diuretics.
anticonvulsants.
ChANges in Life or Routine
During pregnancy, women may be constipated because nl hormonal changes or because the uterus compresses the intestine. Aging may also affect bowel regularity, because a slower metabolism results in less intestinal activity and muscle tone. In addition, people often become constipated when traveling, because their normal diet and daily routine are disrupted.
Ignoring the Urge to Have a Bowel Movement
People who ignore the urge to have a bowel movement may eventually stop feeling the need to have one, which can lead to constipation. Some people delay having a bowel movement because they do not want to use toilets outside the home. Others ignore the urge because of emotional stress or because they are too busy. Children may postpone having a bowel movement because of stressful toilet training or because they do not want to interrupt their play
Some people think they are constipated if they do not have a bowel movement every day. However, normal stool elimination may be three times a day or three times a week, depending on the person.
Constipation is a symptom, not a disease. Almost everyone experiences constipation at some point in their life, and a poor diet typically is the cause. Most constipation is temporary and not serious.
WHO GETS CONSTIPATED
Pregnant women may have constipation, and it is ft problem following childbirth or surgery. Selftreatment of constipation with over-the-counter (OTCJ laxatives is by far the most common aid.
CAUSES OF CONSTIPATION
To understand constipation, it helps to know how the large intestine, works. As food moves through the colon, the colon absorbs water from the food while it forms waste products, or stool. Muscle contractions in the colon Own push the stool toward the rectum. By the time stool H hes the rectum it is solid, because most of the water has Uvn absorbed.
Constipation occurs when the colon absorbs too much OF IT or if the colon s muscle contractions are slow causing the stool to move through the colon too As a result, stools can become hard and dry. Common of constipation are:
not enough fiber in the diet.
U-k of physical activity (especially in the elderly).
medications.
milk.
irritable bowel syndrome.
changes in life or routine such as pregnancy, aging, and
travel.
abuse of laxatives.
ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement.
dehydration.
specific diseases or conditions, such as stroke (most common).
problems with the colon and rectum.
problems with intestinal function (chronic idiopathic constipation). Not Enough Fiber in the Diet People who eat a high-fiber diet are less likely to become constipated. The most common causes of constipation are a diet low in fiber or a diet high in fats, such as cheese, eggs, and meats.
Fiber—both soluble and insoluble—is the part of fruits, vegetables, and grains that the body cannot digest. Soluble fiber dissolves easily in water and takes on a soft, gel-like texture in the intestines. Insoluble fiber passes through the intestines almost unchanged. The bulk and soft texture fiber help prevent hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass.
Not Enough Liquids Research shows that although increased fluid intake not necessarily help relieve constipation, many people some relief from their constipation if they drink fluids sue on and avoid dehydration. Liquids add flu
to the colon and bulk to stools, making bowel movements softer and easier to pass. People who have problems with constipation should try to drink liquids every day. However, liquids that contain caffeine, such as coffee and cola drinks will worsen one s symptoms by causing dehydration. Alcohol is another beverage that causes dehydration. It is important to drink fluids that hydrate the body, especially when consuming caffeine containing drinks or alcoholic beverages.
Lack of Physical Activity
A lack of physical activity can lead to constipation, although doctors do not know precisely why. For example, constipation often occurs after an accident or during an illness when one must stay in bed and cannot exercise. Lack of physical activity is thought to be one of the reasons constipation is common in older people.
Medications
Some medications can cause constipation, including:
pain medications (especially narcotics).
antacids that contain aluminum and calcium.
blood pressure medications (calcium channel blockers).
antiparkinson drugs.
antispasmodics.
antidepressants.
iron supplements
diuretics.
anticonvulsants.
ChANges in Life or Routine
During pregnancy, women may be constipated because nl hormonal changes or because the uterus compresses the intestine. Aging may also affect bowel regularity, because a slower metabolism results in less intestinal activity and muscle tone. In addition, people often become constipated when traveling, because their normal diet and daily routine are disrupted.
Ignoring the Urge to Have a Bowel Movement
People who ignore the urge to have a bowel movement may eventually stop feeling the need to have one, which can lead to constipation. Some people delay having a bowel movement because they do not want to use toilets outside the home. Others ignore the urge because of emotional stress or because they are too busy. Children may postpone having a bowel movement because of stressful toilet training or because they do not want to interrupt their play
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