What do you know about constipation, its causes and symptoms?

Constipation is defined as having chronic difficulty moving stools (colons) for three or more consecutive days. It can be caused by conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, chronic kidney disease, colon cancer or other factors, such as pregnancy.

Constipation is a normal part of aging, but it can become more serious over time. While constipation is common in adults, those with end-stage chronic kidney disease have even greater constipation.

Severe constipation can result in rectal prolapse or hemorrhoids, or the accumulation of toxins in the abdomen. On the other hand, constipation in adults with end-stage kidney disease is associated with an increased risk of fluid retention.

Constipation can be a symptom of a number of health issues, such as ulcers in the digestive system or pain in the upper back.

Constipation can also be a symptom of dehydration. Without enough fluids, the colon's muscles will not contract and move stool into the colon, leading to constipation.

If someone has chronic constipation, they may need to see a doctor. Constipation can cause serious complications if left untreated.

People with chronic constipation may also find that the way they digest food changes, which can make it harder to relieve constipation.

Causes of constipation

Constipation is generally a symptom of not having enough digestive juices to move food through the digestive tract.

Some people are more likely to have constipation than others.

There are a number of ways in which a person can get constipated. They can be:

Stress or physical exercise that causes a person to tighten their muscles and prevent food from moving down the digestive tract

An unhealthy diet low in fiber, fruits, and vegetables

poor hydration

a sedentary lifestyle

a stressful lifestyle

diet changes

An unhealthy diet that is low in fiber may cause constipation. These diets may contain foods high in fiber, such as:

liquids such as fizzy drinks

nutritional yeast

Whole grains

Beans

Parsley

Granola

A 2017 study found that daily intake of fiber was associated with less constipation and less abdominal pain, but less water consumption and reduced use of laxatives.

Stress

Being stressed or having bad mental health can cause constipation. If a person finds they are stressed, they can try to take time out of their day to relax, avoid worrying about what is going on, and practicing deep breathing.

Stress can also cause stress urinary incontinence, which can occur when a person does not empty their bladder or when the bladder becomes too full.

Anxiety or depression

A person can feel like they need to rush to the bathroom or they feel uneasy while passing stools. They may also experience depression or anxiety. They may need to talk to a doctor about any symptoms of anxiety or depression they may have.

Abnormal gut microbiota

Abnormal gut microbiota could be the reason for constipation. As bacteria are integral to the proper functioning of the human digestive system, if the gut microbiota is not right, it could cause problems. A person with an abnormal gut microbiome may have:

diarrhea

recurrent constipation

a change in bowel habits

gastrointestinal disorders

A person should see a doctor if their gut symptoms do not resolve. They may need treatment with antibiotics or a gut bacteria transplant.

A person should never try to fix constipation on their own. People should talk to their doctor, who can help them identify the underlying causes of constipation and refer them to a healthcare professional if needed.

Symptoms

Constipation is when the colon is not fully emptying, and the stool is solid and hard. This can make it difficult to pass the stool, and makes it difficult to pass it in one piece.

Constipation can occur if:

the stool is hard and does not soften or stretch;

it is less than 3 inches (7.5 cm) in length when the anus opens; or

it is not followed by a bowel movement within three days, or if the stool is not flushed out.

The following symptoms indicate that someone may be experiencing constipation:

feeling uncomfortable or unwell when trying to pass the stool;

being unable to fully empty the bowel;

feeling as if the stool will not break down;

detaching the stool and getting rid of the visible pieces; and

passing the stool in a bowel movement, but only small pieces are passed.

Hormonal constipation

The following constipation symptoms indicate that there may be an underlying hormonal imbalance:

nausea

diarrhea

bloating

very hard stools

People experiencing constipation will often have a sore stomach, general discomfort, and an urge to pass stools. This urge will be different for each person. The feeling of needing to pass stools may not occur daily, but it may happen several times a week.

Anyone with abdominal pain, cramping, and stool that does not pass through the rectum, also known as anal leakage, is not passing the stools, should seek medical advice. The individual may also need to see a doctor if:

they experience sudden abdominal pain

severe constipation lasts longer than 3 days

they do not pass stool on the toilet

How to get rid of constipation?

Simple lifestyle changes like exercising and drinking enough water help you poop better and avoid constivalisn. Exercising increases the amount of oxygen in your body, which makes it easier for your intestines to operate effectively.

 In addition, drinking lots of water helps you avoid dehydration since your body uses water to function as a power source for your digestive tract.

 Dehydration causes your food to stay in your digestive tract longer, making it much harder for you to poop. You should also avoid fatty foods since they make passing stool harder by forming softer feces that are less likely to cause straining.

Constipation is a common problem that affects both children and adults alike. Many factors can contribute to constipation, including a diet high in processed foods and not enough sleep.

 Staying active and drinking plenty of water help you avoid straining and promote regular bowel movements. Patients diagnosed with digestive disorders - like Irritable Bowel Syndrome - should visit their doctor if their symptoms do not improve after making these simple lifestyle adjustments.