Understanding What To Do If You Are Suffering From Severe Constipation Issues
People who are wondering what to do if you are suffering from severe constipation generally have no more than three bowel movements weekly, or pass stools that are dry and hard. However, many treatments are available, including adding fiber to the diet, getting more exercise, increasing fluid intake, and utilizing over-the-counter laxatives. When the condition becomes severe, however, patients should discuss their situation with their doctors.
Patients experience a variety of symptoms. In addition to hard, infrequent stools, patients may strain as they move their bowels, or feel the sensation of rectal blockage. Also, even after patients move their bowels, they may still feel the presence of stool in their large intestine. If the condition is accompanied by unexplained weight loss, pencil-like stool, blood in the stool, or pain in the rectum or abdomen, then patients should make time to visit their doctor.
People become constipated for many different reasons. The primary cause is the lack of movement of waste through the colon, by the muscles of the colon. Slow movement may be caused by insufficient exercise, insufficient fluids, or insufficient fiber. Other causes of constipation may include serious disorders, such as diverticulosis, irritable bowel syndrome, or intestinal obstruction.
Women become constipated more frequently than men, and children become constipated more frequently than adults. Difficult bowel movements are more common to older adults who are either sedentary or bed-ridden. Also, those on specific medications, or those experience chemotherapy treatment, may have more instances of constipation.
Complications may be inevitable, if patients do not treat their symptoms. For instance, the sphincter muscles may become strained, resulting in anal fissures or hemorrhoids. Patients may also experience rectal prolapse, in which a small piece of the rectum, as well as a mucus secretion, is expelled from the anus. If patients abuse laxatives, the bowels may become inefficient, and the body may have difficulty absorbing vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients.
A serious case will require patients to undergo a variety of tests. Doctors will be looking for more serious disorders, including a narrowing of the colon, or an intestinal obstruction. Tests may include a colonoscopy or a barium swallow with x-ray. Another type of test, a defecography, results when doctors insert a pasty substance into the rectum, and take x-rays as the patient expels the substance from the rectum.
Traditional medical treatments include changes to diet and lifestyle. Other traditional medical treatments include medications, like laxatives and chloride channel activators. If stool becomes impacted, doctors may break it up manually, or may decide to remove nonfunctional segments of the large intestine. Alternative treatments, like acupuncture, homeopathic remedies, and massage, may also bring relief.
Knowing what to do if you are suffering from severe constipation is not as important as preventing the condition in the first place. Taking fiber supplements, eating more fiber-filled foods, increasing fluid intake, and getting more exercise will prevent episodes of the condition. Even though the problem may be embarrassing, patients should not hesitate to discuss the issue with a medical professional. Before patients try supplements, OTC medications, or homeopathic remedies, they should discuss their treatments with their doctors.
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