Constipation

What is constipation?

Constipation is a condition everyone experiences in their life. It occurs when your bowel movements are either very few or tough. Constipation is the difficulty of passing stool as it becomes hard with the passage of time. Bowel movements vary from person to person. A person may feel the need to defecate 3 times a day, while others may only require a few times a week. Not being able to pass stool for more than three days is worrisome and you are more than likely suffering from constipation. In this condition, when stool passes through the colon slowly, the colon absorbs more water, and the faeces becomes hard and difficult to pass . Blockage in the large intestine may also cause constipation, and usually, in this case, a person needs urgent medical attention. Occasional constipation is very common; however, chronic constipation can interfere with a person's day-to-day life.

Constipation on its own can be uncomfortable and annoying , but is typically not life-threatening. Usually, you get constipated when there isn't enough water or fibre in your stool to move around the colon easily, soften the stool, or the muscle contractions in your intestines are too slow to get the stool out of your body.

What is the cause of constipation?

A variety of factors can cause constipation. Following are the common causes of constipation:

Insufficient fibre intake

People who regularly eat foods rich in fibre are less likely to get constipated than people who do not. This is because fibre encourages heavy bowel movements and produces good stool when it is combined with sufficient hydration. High fibre foods include fruits and vegetables with their skin intact, nuts, chickpeas, whole grains. Low-fibre foods include cheese, eggs, fast food, and white bread.

Medications

Some medications may also cause constipation. Antidepressants such as imipramine, opioid pain relief drugs like Dilaudid and OxyContin, antacids that contain calcium and aluminium, and iron supplements are known to increase the risk of constipation.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

People with IBS have a higher risk of developing constipation. They experience symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating and changes in the stool.

Ageing

Ageing also plays a role in constipation. The exact cause of this remains unclear. It may be because as people age, food tends to take longer to pass through the digestive tract. Often people also become less mobile and active, which may also lead to constipation.

Medical conditions, medications, and a low intake of fibre or water may be other factors that lead to constipation with age.

Changes in routine

Travelling can cause constipation too because it causes a person's routine to change. Their eating, sleeping, and bathroom time is affected, so there's a high chance of constipation when your routine is altered.

Dehydration

Drinking enough water can lower your risk of getting constipated, for water keeps the stool soft. People who experience constipation should reduce their intake of caffeinated products.

More causes of constipation include:

• Resisting to excrement

• Not being active

• Stress

• Overuse of laxatives

• Eating disorders

• Neurological problems like Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis (MS)

• Pregnancy

Risk factors that increase probability of chronic constipation include:

• Age - The older you are the more likely you are to suffer from constipation

• Gender - Unfortunately females are more prone to men

• Hydration -Being dehydrated has a huge impact

• Diet - Not consuiming enough fibre

• Exerciese - A lack of to no physical activity

• Medications - including sedatives, opioid pain medications, some antidepressants, or medications to lower blood pressure

• Mental health - condition such as depression or an eating disorder

What are the common symptoms of constipation?

A few common signs and symptoms of constipation are:

1. Passing less than three stools a week
2. Hard bowel movements
3. Lump and hard stools
4. Needing help while passing stool, such as pressing your abdomen
5. Feeling like something is blocking your stool
6. Feeling like you haven't completely passed the stool, and there's something remaining
7. Pain in the abdomen
8. Loss of appetite
9. Nausea
10. Feeling bloated

Due to constipation, the subsequent damage can happen to your body:

• Rectal bleeding after straining
• Anal fissure (a tear around your anus)
• Swollen and inflamed blood vessels (haemorrhoids)
• Faecal impaction
• Ruined quality of life and depression

Constipation can be a common occurrence that can result from dietary habits, some sort of medical conditions, and a range of different factors.

If possible, it is better to resolve it using home remedies, such as eating more fibre, drinking more water, and getting regular exercise.

If a person faces severe symptoms or discomfort, if constipation comes suddenly, or if symptoms worsen, they should speak to their doctor. The symptoms may include:

• You have blood in your stool

• You're losing unnecessary weight

• You experience severe pain during bowel movements

• Your condition has lasted for weeks

In any of these cases, the doctor may order a few tests or even a colonoscopy.

Sometimes, constipation is a sign of some physical disease in your gastrointestinal tract. Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, diabetes, and thyroid diseases can make you constipated. A less common possibility maybe some sort of blockage in your intestines that may be causing a restraint in your stool and making it hard to pass. It is significant to get a check-up done when constipation lingers for more than two or three weeks.

If you or anyone you know is experiencing these symptoms, then it is vital to consult a doctor as soon as possible.

How to treat constipation?

Constipation usually resolves on its own with the help of exercise, more intake of fibre and drinking plenty of water. In most cases, you do not require a prescription medication to treat constipation, as some lifestyle changes can help relieve it immediately. If lifestyle changes are not helping to relieve your constipation, the following options should be considered:

Laxatives

Laxatives are available as over-the-counter medication, as well as with a prescription. It is crucial to use laxatives carefully and with a doctor's consent as they may cause some adverse effects. Some laxatives that may help resolve constipation are fibre supplements, stimulants, lubricants, stool softeners, osmotics, and neuromuscular agents.

Natural remedies

Exercising regularly, drinking enough water, avoiding holding in stools, increasing your fibre intake, and establishing a consistent routine can help reduce your chances of getting constipated.

Surgery and tests

If laxatives don't work, then you should promptly see a doctor, and they may help you remove your stool surgically or manually. They may order an X-ray, MRI scan or a CT scan to check if some blockage or an underlying disease is causing your condition. If that is the case, you might need specific medications or even surgery to help you get rid of the blockage or disease.

Don't let constipation go unchecked for a longer period. When untreated, constipation can lead to complications such as haemorrhoids or rectal prolapse, a condition in which some part of the intestine pushes out through the anus from too much straining.

Can I buy constipation treatment online?

Yes! You can quickly and discreetly be prescribed and buy constipation treatment online through our website.

How long does it take to treat constipation?

Regular constipation takes about three to four days to resolve and go back to normal by changing your routine and using a laxative. Still, if your condition has lasted a few weeks, you should stop treating it yourself and consult a doctor.

Patient information leaflet

You should always read your patient information leaflet before starting your treatment.