Everything You Need to Know about Constipation
Constipation is characterized by difficult bowel movements accompanied by difficulty in passing stool easily. This particular condition is common among most individuals, irrespective of age. A chronic constipation problem stops the daily stool process and such frequent constipation problems need to be treated at the earliest. Uneasy and hard stools can not only make one feel irritated throughout the day but it can also be a reason for bloating.
Constipation is caused due to gastrointestinal problems. It is a critical condition of the digestive system as it becomes difficult for a person to excrete the waste from his or her body. Such problems are caused due to the sudden change in the lifestyle process and/or food habits. To overcome such disorders it is important to intake the right amount of fiber in food.
Constipation can be cured with proper medicines and an ample amount of fiber intake. Extended constipation problem is always painful and irritating as it disrupts physical activity and is sometimes accompanied by fever and even bleeding. Identifying the constipation problem in patients is difficult as this problem arises in people at different times.
Causes of constipation
The main cause of constipation is the lack of fiber in food. A few other causes are as follows:
- A slow metabolic process due to the problem of Hypothyroid results in infrequent stools.
- Consumption of antibiotics and painkillers over a long period of time can cause harder stools and the digestive system gets affected.
- Storing stools in the colon is a bad habit and this eventually leads to constipation because the longer the stool is in the colon the more water it is likely to absorb.
- Extraction of stool becomes slow when a person suffers from diabetes because the stomach gets affected drastically.
- Iron and calcium deficiency is usually treated with vitamin tablets but excessive use of vitamins leads to constipation.
- Exercises are good for health but an extra workout may cause constipation because a lot of sweat is extracted from the body which the intestine tries to absorb from the stools thereby making it hard to pass from the rectum.
- During anxiety and stress, the digestive system stops working and causes constipation.
- A person with bowel cancer can also suffer from chronic constipation problems.
Symptoms of constipation
Constipation is a chronic problem and there are few symptoms that help to determine the problem. Having fewer stools in a day is a chronic constipation problem. The problem in the process of extraction of stools from the rectum is also common because sudden lifestyle changes make the stool hard.
Usually, patients suffering from constipation problems have irregular bowel movements and the rectum is blocked. Constipation leads to bloating and this is a major symptom a person can notice. Constipation problems have other visible symptoms such as-
- Lower energy level for physical activities.
- A chronic pain in the abdomen due to the problem of stool extraction.
- Painful stools that is hard and dry.
Treatments for constipation
Severe constipation problems need clinical advice but sometimes a mild constipation problem can be cured with home remedies itself. It is advised that a person suffering from constipation must drink plenty of water or fluids to keep the body hydrated and this will help in loosening the stool to pass easily.
Intake of fiber, fruits and vegetables and doing regular exercises; all these are highly beneficial in easing the movement of stool in the digestive tract. Certain stimulants, laxatives, and other medications are also available that help in treating constipation.