CONSTIPATION - EFFECTIVE TREATMENT FOR CONSTIPATION

CONSTIPATION

-Constipation occurs when bowel movements become less frequent and stools become difficult to pass. It happens most often due to changes in diet or routine or due to inadequate intake of fiber .

Having fewer thanthree bowel movement a week is technically the definition of constipation . some people have bowel movements several times a day while others have them only one to two times a week .

Regardles of our bowel patlern one fact is certain the longer we go before you 'go' the more difficult it become for stool to pass.

Our stool are dry and hard .

Our bowel movement is painful and stools are difficult to pass.

CAUSES-

There are many causes of constipation lifestyle choices , medication , medical condition and pregnancy.

COMMON LIFESTYLE CAUSES OF CONSTIPATION INCLUDE: -

• Eating foods low in fibre .
• Not drinking enough water .
• Not getting enough excercise.
• Changes in our regular routine , such as traveling or eating or going to bed at different times.
• Eating large amounts of milk ort cheese.
• Stress.
• Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement.
• Strong pain medicines like the nareotics containing codeine, oxycodone, and hydromorphone.
• Nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs.
• Antidepressants including the selective serotonin eeup take inhibitors.
• Iron pills.
• Allergy medication such as antihistamines diphenhydramine.
• Many drug can cause constipation.

MEDICAL AND HEALTH CONDITIONS THAT CAN CAUSE CONSTIPATION INCLUDE :-

• Colorectal cancer.
• Irritable bowel syndrome.
• Diverticular diseases.
• Lazy bowl syndrone .the colo contractts poorly and retains stool.
• Intestinal obstruction.
• Pregnancy .
• Outlet dysfunction constipation.

SYMPTOMS OF CONSTIPATION

• We have fewer than three bowel movements a week .
• Our stools are dry ,hard and lumpy.
• Our stools are difficult or painful to pass .
• We have a stomach ache or cramps.
• We feel bloated and nauseous.

DIAGNOSIS MEDICAL HISTORY

These questions may include:-

• What are our current and past disease, health condition?
• Have we lost or gained any weight recently?
• Have we had any previous digestive tract surgeries /
• Have we had a colonscopy.

BOWEL MOVEMENT HISTORY

• How often do we have a bowel movement?
• What do our stools look like ?
• Have we noticed any blood or red streaks in your stool?

LIFESTYLE HABITS AND ROUTINES

What food and beverages do we eat and drink ?

What is our excercise routine/

TREATMENT OF CONSTIPATION

SELF CARE

Most cases of mild to moderate constipation can be managed by us at home. Self care starts by taking an inventory of wheat we eat and drink and then making changes.

• Drink two to four extra glasses of water a day avoid coffeine containing drink and alcohol which can cause dehydration .
• Add fruits , vegetables whole grains and other high - fiber foods to our diet.
• Eat prunes and or bran cereal.
• Keep a food diary and single out foods that constipate us .
• Get moving excercise.

SURGERY

Surgery is rarely needed to treat constipation . our doctor may however , recommend surgery if constipation is caused by a structural problem in the colon .

PREVENT

Use the same home based methods you used to treat constipation to prevent it forms becoming a chronic problem .

• Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fiber.
• Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.
• Excercise regularly.
• Treat mild constipation with a dietary supplement like magnesium.
• Move our bowel when you feel the urge do not wait .