Constipation

What is constipation?

Constipation is difficulty passing stools or a decrease in number of stools. It may be accompanied by gas, abdominal cramping, or pressure in the lower abdomen. Constipation may lead to stool impaction, a severe form of constipation in which the stool will no longer pass through the colon or rectum.

What causes constipation?

Constipation is caused by a slowing of intestinal activity. Constipation can have a number of causes, including:

• Pain medications
• Chemotherapy drugs
• Decreased activity
• Poor diet
• Inadequate fluid intake.

What are the symptoms of constipation?

Some symptoms of constipation include:

• A sustained change in frequency of bowel movements from your normal. There is no “normal” schedule for bowel movements; everyone’s schedule is different. If you normally move your bowels once per day, a change may be every second or third day.
• Hard, difficult-to-pass bowel movements. You may pass small, marble-like pieces of stool without a satisfactory elimination.
• Cramping and/or flatulence (gas).

How can constipation be prevented?

It is easier to prevent constipation with lifestyle changes than to treat it once it happens.  Here are some tips.

• Drink plenty of water: Taking in enough fluids keeps the stool soft. Try to drink six to eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid a day.
• Eat foods high in fiber, such as fruit, vegetables, and beans. High-fiber foods stimulate the intestines to move.
• Avoid cheese, meat, processed food, and other low-fiber foods that cause constipation.
• Exercise daily.  Exercise helps stimulate digestion and prevent constipation. Moderate activity such as walking will help.

How is constipation treated?

If you have tried the above lifestyle changes and are still experiencing constipation, your doctor may prescribe laxatives. Laxatives are available in liquid, tablet, gum, powder, and granule forms. There are several different kinds that work in different ways.

Laxatives should be used only for a short period of time in order to retrain the bowel to pass stools naturally. If you use them continually, you may become dependent on laxatives. In most people, slowly stopping use of the medication will restore the colon’s natural ability to contract.