Constipation is a common problem that affects most individuals at some point during life. It can lead to symptoms such as stomach cramps, bloating, and straining when having a bowel movement. Prolonged or chronic episodes of constipation can also leave you feeling sick and fatigued. The good news is that constipation can often be relieved with simple dietary and lifestyle changes.
What Causes Constipation?
Constipation is characterized by having a reduction in bowel movements, generally fewer than three in a week. It results when a stool moves too slowly through the digestive tract or can’t pass effectively through the rectum. A lack of water within stool can also make it hard, dry, and difficult to pass. Factors that may increase your risk of constipation include:
- A poor diet
- Poor bowel habits
- Not drinking enough water
- Physical inactivity
- Aging
- Side effects of some medications
Certain diseases and medical conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, pregnancy, diabetes, thyroid conditions, intestinal obstruction, and neurological disorders can also cause constipation.
Symptoms of constipation can be very uncomfortable and may include:
- Passing a stool fewer than three times per week
- Passing dry, hard, or lumpy stools
- Straining to have a bowel movement
- Pain when passing a stool
- Stomach pain or cramps
- Sensation of not fully emptying your bowels following a bowel movement
- Feeling as though there is a blockage in your rectum (preventing a bowel movement)
- Needing help during a bowel movement (such as pressing on your abdomen, or having to physically remove stool from the rectum)
- Feeling bloated or nauseous
- Lethargy
Regular constipation can have a significant impact on everyday life. If left untreated, it can lead to a number of complications such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, fecal impaction, and in severe cases, rectal prolapse.
Constipation can often be treated successfully with simple changes to diet and lifestyle. If, however, you are finding constipation is becoming a more frequent problem or is interfering with your ability to carry out normal everyday tasks, speak to your doctor.
Self-Care Treatments for Constipation
Healthy Diet
Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables and foods rich in fiber can help keep the bowels moving and make stools softer and easier to pass. Good sources of fiber include bran and whole grains, vegetables, beans and pulses, and fresh fruits and fruit juices. Drinking water throughout the day can also help to prevent constipation.
Some foods can cause constipation and make symptoms worse. Avoid eating:
- Foods high in fat or refined sugar
- Processed foods
- Cheese and other dairy products
- Foods low in fiber
- Too much meat
Keep Active
Improving your lifestyle and getting plenty of exercise can help increase muscle activity within the intestines to keep the bowels moving and prevent constipation. Inactivity can cause the bowels to become sluggish and cause stool to move too slowly through the digestive tract, which can lead to constipation and other health problems. You should try to exercise every day. Walking regularly can be enough to prevent constipation and help keep your digestive system working well.
Improve Bowel Habits
Constipation is sometimes associated with poor bowel habits, such as holding in a bowel movement for too long. For healthy bowels, you should go to the bathroom as soon as you feel the need. Delaying a bowel movement can lead to progressive constipation. You should also avoid straining, or spending too long trying to have a bowel movement as this can make symptoms worse.
Medications
There are a variety of over-the-counter and prescription medications that can help to effectively treat constipation. Medications aim to help make the stool softer and easier to pass, and/or help increase gastrointestinal movement. Medications include:
- Stool softeners
- Laxatives
- Fiber supplements
- Lubricants
- Enemas and suppositories
Ensure you seek advice from your doctor before taking any medications as some are not recommended for long-term use and can lead to vitamin deficiencies and other health problems.
When To Visit A Doctor
You should seek prompt medical advice from your doctor if you experience unexplained or persistent changes in your bowel habits, such as blood in your stool, very thin stools, unexplained weight loss, or severe pain. Seek emergency medical care for symptoms of an intestinal blockage which include a sudden inability to pass gas or stools, abdominal pain, and vomiting.
If you regularly suffer from constipation and self-care treatments are not helping, you should visit your doctor. Your doctor will review your medical history, risk factors, and ask you questions about your bowel movements. They will also conduct a physical examination and may test your stool and blood in order to diagnose you correctly.
Help For Constipation in Greater Austin
If you have chronic constipation or digestive problems, contact Austin Gastroenterology (AG) today. Our experienced and board-certified physicians specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of gastrointestinal diseases and liver disorders.
If you would like to schedule an appointment or find out more about our services, call us at the location most convenient to you, or alternatively, you can use our online appointment request form.
