What Treatments are Available for Constipation?

What Treatments are Available for Constipation?

Constipation is one of the most common medical complaints in the United States. Studies have shown that the incidence of constipation is higher in some parts of the world such as North America and Asia Pacific.

Passing a day without a bowel movement now and again does not mean you are constipated. Physicians are generally of the view that it is as normal for a healthy person to pass stools once every day, three times a day or even three times a week. It is when bowel movement occurs less than three times a week and evacuating stools is difficult and sometimes impossible without medical intervention that one is said to have constipation. Constipation can be idiopathic, functional or caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS induced constipation usually causes bloating, heaviness and pain.

Constipation is a symptom of an illness or a medical condition, not a disease in itself. In order to treat constipation successfully, its cause must first be identified. Mostly, constipation is temporary and does not indicate a serious disorder or disease in which case, it usually resolves itself naturally without medication or medical procedures.

Constipation caused by an unhealthy lifestyle and diet or poor bowel habits can be overcome by addressing these factors. A diet consisting of sufficient fruit, vegetables and whole grains should ensure you get the RDA of 20 to 35 grams of fiber. It is best to cut down on white flour, white sugar, dairy products, boiled eggs and processed foods because these are low on fiber and do not add bulk to stools, thereby inhibiting their elimination. Drinking at least 64 ounces of water or natural juices every day will help prevent stools from becoming dry and hard. Coffee, colas and alcohol dehydrate and should be avoided. Daily exercise helps to regulate metabolism and improve the functioning of the bowels. Physically active people are less likely to suffer from chronic constipation. One must also be sure to have a bowel movement when needed rather than postpone it.

These changes though effective over the long term may not always produce quick results. In such cases, you might want to use a mild laxative for a limited period only. Laxatives usually come in 4 types – bulk-forming, saline, lubricant and stimulant.

If these don’t work, an enema, which involves flushing the colon with water, is often used. Rectal suppositories, which stimulate defecation through lubrication, are another option.

Biofeedback is a process that involves monitoring muscle activity using a sensor and displaying it on a computer to enable precise assessment of physiological functions. This helps the physician to train the patient in the correct use of anorectal muscles.

Surgical removal of a part of the colon is very rare and recommended only when the patient suffers from extreme and continuous constipation, which does not respond to any other treatment. This can happen when muscles of the colon become inert. Very few cases worsen to this degree.