Constipation (constipation): causes, drugs, symptoms, ways to overcome

Definition

What is constipation?

Constipation or constipation is indigestion due to decreased intestinal work. This digestive problem is characterized by complaints of constipation or defecation that is not smooth for a certain period of time.

Broadly speaking, constipation can be defined as irregular bowel movements, which is less than 3 times a week.

Even so, the frequency of defecation will vary from person to person. Some people have bowel movements several times a day, while others have one to two bowel movements a week.

How common is this condition?

Constipation is one of the most common digestive system problems. It's normal for everyone to find it difficult to have a bowel movement every now and then. A person also tends to have difficulty defecating when changing or trying new foods, stress, or other things.

However, the age groups most at risk for constipation are pregnant women, people who are overweight or obese, and the elderly. This can also occur in people who sit too often for long periods of time.

Constipation can be prevented as early as possible by reducing risk factors. If you want more information, please consult a doctor.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of constipation?

The signs and symptoms of constipation are quite diverse. However, people who experience constipation generally experience symptoms including:

bowel obstruction,
hard or dry stool,
stomach pain and feels nauseous,
CHAPTER less than 3 times a week,
the stomach feels tight, hard, full, or tight,
Bloody bowel movements or bleeding after bowel movements, and
dissatisfied after having a bowel movement or feeling that something is blocked

If you experience one or more of the symptoms mentioned and last for more than 3 months, this condition is classified as chronic constipation.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult a doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

Difficulty defecating usually resolves with simple treatment. However, bowel movements that are hard to interfere with everyday life may require treatment from a doctor.

In addition, those of you who have a family history of colon cancer or colon cancer are also expected to consult a doctor immediately. You should also contact your doctor if you experience symptoms of constipation such as:

fever,
Bloody stools,
nausea and vomiting,
persistent stomach pain,
sudden weight loss
lower back pain, and
bleeding from the rectum (temporary stool storage site)

Cause

What are the causes of constipation?

Constipation means that the stool that is passing through the intestines is moving slower than normal. This causes the stool to become hard. The causes of constipation experienced by everyone are different, including:

Poor diet

A poor diet can actually cause digestive problems and lead to constipation.

For example, not eating enough vegetables and fruit is one of the reasons a person has difficulty defecating. The reason is, fruits and vegetables contain lots of fiber which can soften the stool so that it is easy to pass.

This also applies when you are lazy to drink. As a result, the stool will become denser, drier, and constipation will occur.

Lazy to move

Exercise is one way to improve bowel movements. This is because the intestines need to move so that waste can pass through the intestines smoothly. This bowel movement is influenced by body movement.

If you are lazy to move or often sit for a long time, bowel movements will slow down and stool will be difficult to pass through the intestines. As a result, you have difficulty defecating.

Use of certain drugs

Certain drugs can also cause constipation, including:

antacids,
pain relievers,
anti-depressant,
iron supplements, and
anticonvulsants

Pregnant

Constipation during pregnancy is the most common digestive problem. This can occur due to hormonal changes that relax the intestinal muscles, resulting in slow bowel movements. As a result, the stool becomes hard and difficult to pass.

Certain diseases or health problems

Those of you who suffer from the diseases below can also experience constipation.

Diabetes
Hypothyroidism
Parkinson's disease
Hyperparathyroidism
Stroke

Stress or influence from the environment

Anxiety, worry, or stress can make bowel movements slower. This of course causes the dirt to move more slowly. As a result, the stool becomes dry and denser, making it difficult to pass.

Risk factors

What increases my risk of developing constipation?

Certain groups or groups are more at risk of experiencing constipation, namely:

elderly,
pregnant mother,
less fiber consumption or dehydration,
rarely do activities,
overweight (obesity), and
go on a long journey.

Complications

What are the complications of constipation?

If constipation is left in the long term or not treated properly, it can certainly cause complications. Some of the complications you should be aware of include:

sores around the anus (anal fissures),
hemorrhoids (hemorrhoids),
rectum out through the anus (rectal prolapse), and
Sudden discharge (alvi incontinence)

Diagnosis

How to diagnose this condition?

Apart from the physical examination, constipation or constipation will also be diagnosed by the following tests and procedures. The procedures listed aim to find the cause, so that you can get the right treatment.

Blood test

Blood tests will be performed to look for systemic conditions, such as low thyroid (hypothyroidism) or high calcium levels.

X-Ray

X-rays aim to help doctors determine whether the intestine is blocked or if there is feces blocking the duct causing constipation.

Other checks

Apart from blood tests and X-rays, there are several procedures doctors use to find out the cause of constipation, namely:

sigmoidoscopy ,,
colonoscopy,
anorectal manometry,
intestinal transit studies,
scintigraphy,
defecography during bowel movements, and
MRI defecography.

Drugs & Medicines

How do you deal with constipation?

There are various ways that you can do to treat constipation, from taking medication from a doctor, to changing your diet.

Take laxatives

One way to deal with constipation quickly is laxatives. These laxatives or laxatives can be obtained either without a prescription or by prescription. Some laxatives that are usually taken to treat constipation include:

fiber supplements, Metamucil® and Fibercon®,
stimulants, such as bisacodyl,
osmotic laxatives containing lactulose and magnesium citrate,
lubricants (lubricants), and
stool softeners

Healthy lifestyles

Apart from taking laxatives, you also need to change your lifestyle to be healthier. You can start from changing your diet and habits, such as:

multiply fibrous foods, such as spinach, cabbage, kiwi fruit, and oranges,
drink more water,
consumption of fiber supplements in addition, and
exercise routine to launch bowel movements

Operation

If the cause of constipation is rectal prolapse or the above treatments didn't work, your doctor may recommend surgery. This procedure is done to remove the colon if the colon muscles are not working properly.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat constipation?

Most cases of mild to moderate constipation can be treated at home. You can start by recording what you eat and drink and then make changes.

Some natural ways to deal with constipation include:

apply a healthy diet so that CHAPTER smoothly,
drinking enough water, especially when doing strenuous activities,
avoid over-the-counter medicines that can cause constipation,
regular exercise, especially after eating,
manage stress by meditating or pursuing a hobby, and
not holding back a bowel movement.

Prevention

What are the ways to prevent constipation?

In fact, the way to prevent constipation is almost the same as how to launch a bowel movement. This means that the home treatments that you do need to always be applied so as not to cause constipation, such as: