Constipation leads to bowel movements that happen infrequently and the stool is difficult and painful to pass.
Anyone can have occasional constipation, including older people and pregnant women. Certain habits, medications, medical conditions and problems with the digestive track can cause constipation.
Older people are generally less active and may not have strong muscles along their digestive tracts. Hormone changes and pressure of the uterus can cause constipation in pregnant women. Habits that can cause constipation include not eating enough fiber, not drinking enough water, not getting enough exercise, stress, and not going when you feel the urge. Digestive track problems that can cause constipation include blockage in the colon, narrowing in sections of the intestines, tears in the anus, collapse of part of the rectum into the vagina, and cancer in the colon, rectum or anus.
Doctors diagnose constipation by talking to patients about their habits and medications that they are taking. Doctor may prescribe constipation medication, review prescribed medications that you may taking and change the medications if needed. Doctors may use results of blood tests, imaging, colonoscopy and colorectal transit studies to determine what is causing the constipation and the appropriate treatment. Doctor may perform surgery to correct digestive track problems.
Constipation can lead to other medical conditions including hemorrhoids which are inflamed veins in the rectum, anal fissures which are tears in the lining of the anus, diverticulitis which is infections from stool that has become trapped, fecal impaction which is the accumulation of fecal matter in the rectum and anus, damage to the pelvic floor from straining known as stress urinary incontinence.
Suggested lifestyle changes that can prevent constipation
Drink 8oz of water 8 times a day
Drink warm fluids in the morning
Avoid caffeine and alcohol which can cause dehydration
Increase fiber in your diet by adding fruits, vegetables, bran and legumes
Get regular exercise
Ask your pharmacist to help you select an over-the-counter laxative or stool softener
Do not resist urge to when you feel it
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