Global Health Update: What you should know about 'Constipation'

Constipation is a condition where one go through difficulty in emptying the bowels. Constipation is generally described as having fewer bowel movements a week. Though occasional constipation is very common, some people experience chronic constipation that can interfere with their ability to go about their daily tasks. Chronic constipation may also cause excessive straining to have a bowel movement and other signs and symptoms.

Treatment for chronic constipation depends on the cause.
Causes
Constipation can be caused by many different l factors including:
*.Low-fibre diet – as fibre is indigestible, it adds bulk to the faeces, making it more easily pushed along the digestive tract. There are two broad types of fibre; soluble and insoluble. Soluble fibre helps to soften the faeces. Good sources of soluble fibre include legumes, fruits and vegetables. Insoluble fibre adds bulk to the faeces, helping it to move more quickly through the bowel. Good sources of insoluble fibre are in wheat bran, wholegrain breads and cereals.

*.Insufficient water – the fibre in faeces will only plump up with water. Constipation can occur from a high-fibre diet if insufficient water is consumed.

*.Lack of regular exercise

*.A tendency to ‘put off’ going to the toilet – ignoring the urge to go means that more water will be extracted from the stools, making them difficult to pass. Regularly ignoring this urge may make the body less sensitive to normal signals to go to the toilet.

*.Some medications – such as narcotics, antidepressants, iron supplements, calcium-channel blockers and non-magnesium antacids are known to slow bowel movements.

*.Pregnancy – the action of hormones, reduced activity and the pressure of the growing uterus against the intestines mean that constipation is common during pregnancy.

*.Advancing age – constipation is more common in the elderly. This is due to a number of factors, including reduced intestinal muscle contractions and reliance on regular medications.

*.Illness – a period of illness, particularly an illness resulting in hospitalisation and bed-rest, typically results in constipation. Factors include change in routine, shyness, reduced food intake, pain (especially after abdominal surgery), and pain-relief medication such as morphine. Short-term treatment with laxatives is often required, but may be overlooked.
Though, in some cases, a cause for chronic constipation is never found.
Symptoms
The symptoms include:
*.needing to open the bowels less often than usual

*.hard, dry stools that may be painful to pass

*.straining to pass the motion

*.having to sit on the toilet for much longer than usual

*.the sensation afterwards that the bowel hasn’t fully emptied

*.bloated abdomen

*.abdominal cramps.

In some cases, constipation is caused by more serious illnesses and events, including tumours and systemic diseases. Back