It is the thought that having a bowel movement every day is the normal thing and is the essential thing. This is not necessarily true, as each person will have a different routine according to various reasons, including the food they eat, exercise and other factors.
A doctor's definition of constipation would be - the lack of a bowel movement for more than three consecutive days. However, a patient would see constipation in a different light and would say they are constipated if they had any of the following symptoms:
. The stools are large and difficult to pass
. Hard stools
. Infrequent passing of stools
. It hurts when passing stools
Causes of constipation
. Certain medication taken to treat ailments can result
in constipation. Medication with Calcium, Aluminum and Iron
in them causes constipation. Certain antidepressants can
cause constipation. The substance Codeine contained in pain
relievers bring about constipation. The above are just a
few.
. Not eating a well balanced diet can also brings about
constipation. A diet high in meats, eggs, dairy products,
rich desserts and various other sweets too can cause
constipation.
. Lack of exercise or inactivity is another cause for this
condition.
. Traveling can be another cause, as sometimes when a person
is comfortable only in using their own toilet and feels
uncomfortable in using an outside toilet, they postpone
going and therefore become constipated.
. Imaginary constipation when people are really not.
This condition is said to be very common. People think they
have to pass stools on a daily basis and if they do not they
imagine that they are constipated.
. People abuse the use of laxatives sometimes and this can
lead to constipation. This is because, as a habit, they take
a laxative to pass a stool and become dependent on it when
finally the intestines loses its sensitivity and does not
work properly anymore.
. Pregnancy can be another cause owing to hormonal changes
and also as a result of the intestine being narrowed as the
fetus grows thereby blocking the stools from passing
through.
. Postponing having a bowel movement. This usually happens
when one is too busy and keeps putting off in having a bowel
movement or it maybe due to another reason like unfamiliar
surroundings.
. Insufficient intake of water or liquids.
. A bad case of vomiting and diarrhea can cause loss of body
salts resulting in constipation.
. Certain diseases too can bring about a constriction in the
intestine thereby blocking the passage of stools. Examples
are tumors, scarring and inflammation of the intestine. Also
another cause is the presence of fissures and hemorrhoids
(piles).
. Certain diseases like diabetes, depression and a low level
of the thyroid hormone.
. Another very common cause is Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
This is a condition where a person develops a series of
spasms in the colon thereby delaying the speed with which
the intestine contents move through the digestive canal
resulting in constipation.
. Injuries to the spinal cord can affect the nerves that
lead to the intestine.
How does one avoid constipation?
. Eat a well balanced diet high in fiber, fruits and
veggies.
. Exercise on a regular basis.
. When you get the inclination, you should go to the toilet.
Do not postpone it.
. Drink plenty of water, fruit juices, vegetable juices and
plenty of other clear liquids.
. Train yourself to go at a particular time after breakfast
preferably or after dinner.
. Do not misuse laxatives. They should be taken only on your
physician's recommendation.
|
Michael Russell Your Independent
guide to
Constipation
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