Infrequent bowel movements, trouble moving stool, or a sense of incomplete evacuation that lasts for several weeks or more are the hallmarks of chronic constipation, a common gastrointestinal disorder. It can have a major influence on quality of life and affects people of all ages. Effective treatment and prevention of chronic constipation depend on an understanding of its causes, symptoms, and management techniques.

 

Reasons for Prolonged Constipation

Chronic constipation has several different causes, which fall into two main (functional) categories:

Principal Factors

Stool passes through the colon more slowly than usual when a person has slow transit constipation.

Inability to coordinate the pelvic floor muscles during defecation is known as pelvic floor dysfunction.

Abdominal pain and constipation are the hallmarks of Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C), a variant of IBS.

 

Secondary Factors

Dietary factors include dehydration and inadequate fiber consumption.

Medication: Some drugs, including opioids, calcium or aluminum-containing antacids, and some antidepressants.

Medical Conditions: Disorders like multiple sclerosis, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and hypothyroidism.

Structural problems include tumors or strictures that obstruct the colon or rectum.

 

Signs of Prolonged Constipation

Typical signs and symptoms include:

fewer than three weekly bowel motions.

straining when passing gas.

lumpy or hard stools.

feeling that the evacuation is not complete.

soreness or bloating in the abdomen.

 

Making a diagnosis

Healthcare professionals frequently review the patient's medical history, do a physical examination, and may order more tests to identify persistent constipation. These tests may include:

Blood tests: To find thyroid problems and other underlying disorders.

Colonoscopy: To examine the colon for anomalies or blockages.

Anorectal Manometry: To assess how well the pelvic floor and rectal muscles work.

To determine how long it takes for food to pass through the digestive system, transit studies are conducted.

 

Control and Therapy

Making lifestyle adjustments and treating the underlying causes are essential to the effective therapy of persistent constipation. Some alternatives for treatment are:

Lifestyle Changes

Increasing dietary fiber through whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and fiber supplements is one way to make nutritional changes.

Hydration: Making sure you consume enough water each day.

Exercise: Frequent exercise helps promote bowel motions.

Routine: Determining a consistent time for bowel motions, usually following a meal.

Avoidance

Keeping up a healthy lifestyle is essential to preventing persistent constipation. The main ways to keep constipation from becoming a persistent problem are to consume enough fiber, drink plenty of water, exercise frequently, and manage stress.

When to Get Medical Help

Consultation with a healthcare professional is important if constipation is accompanied by concerning symptoms like:

inexplicable loss of weight.

There is blood in the feces.

severe pain in the abdomen.

ongoing alterations in bowel habits.

In conclusion

With the right medical advice and lifestyle changes, chronic constipation is a treatable illness. People can regain comfort and enhance their quality of life by comprehending its causes and putting appropriate treatment plans into practice. For a customized diagnosis and treatment plan, speak with a healthcare provider if you think you may have chronic constipation.