What is Constipation?
Constipation is a condition characterized by difficulty in passing stools. You also may have fewer than normal bowel movements (less than 3 times per week). Constipation can make your stools hard, lumpy, and dry, causing straining, pain, and discomfort when you defecate. According to reports, the worldwide prevalence of constipation is around 12.2% based on individuals' self-perception.
Constipation Meaning In Urdu
Constipation in Urdu language is known as Qabz. It is written as قَبَض in Urdu script. Constipation is a condition in which you have difficulty passing stools. It is quite common and can affect people of all ages.
Constipation Causes
Constipation can occur if food moves slower than normal through the digestive tract. As a result, the colon (large intestine) is given the time to absorb excess water from the food waste, making your stools hard and dry and making it difficult to pass out of the body. Following are the various factors that may contribute to constipation:
- Lack of physical activity
- Low dietary fiber intake
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Certain conditions such as IBS, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, diverticulosis, colorectal cancer or pregnancy
- Medications such as opioids, antidepressants, antihistamines, and NSAIDs
- Excessive laxative use
- Resisting or ignoring the urge to defecate
Constipation Symptoms
Constipation, in general, is a painful and discomforting condition that can make having a bowel movement laborious. Following are the common symptoms of constipation:
- Less than 3 bowel movements per week
- Painful and discomforting bowel movements
- Hard, dry, and lumpy stools
- Straining when you poop
- Bloating
- Stomach pain and cramps
If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, seeing a stomach specialist for treatment is recommended.
Constipation Treatment
Constipation treatment depends on the cause. Mild to moderate constipation symptoms can be alleviated at home through lifestyle changes. However, if you have chronic constipation due to another medical condition such as IBS, addressing the underlying medical condition becomes imperative to manage your symptoms effectively. Here are the treatment options for constipation are:
- Lifestyle adjustments: Drinking more water and fluids, regular exercise, avoiding the urge to pass stools, and increasing dietary fiber intake.
Laxatives: They may be prescribed for short-term relief of constipation if lifestyle changes fail to improve your condition.
- Fiber supplements: Over-the-counter fiber supplements can help, especially if you are not getting enough fiber through your diet alone.
- Suppositories: These are a special form of medications shaped like a bullet, torpedo, or cone that can be inserted into the rectum to ease bowel movements by making the intestine contract or softening your stools.
- Prescription medications: Constipation medications such as Lactulose, Prucalopride, Linaclotide, Lubiprostone, etc.
- Surgery: In rare cases, your doctor may recommend surgical interventions to treat colon blockages, anal fissures, rectal prolapse, or colon-related structural abnormalities that could be causing constipation. A hemicolectomy or partial colectomy can be done to surgically remove a part of the colon. However, surgery is only done in severe cases of constipation when other treatment methods have not succeeded. Refer to your healthcare provider to know more.
Constipation Prevention
Following are some tips to prevent constipation:
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day to stay hydrated
- Exercise regularly. Simple, light exercises such as going for a walk can help greatly
- Don't ignore the urge to have a bowel movement
- Change your toilet habits. You can rest your feet on a stool or try raising your knees above your hips. This can help ease bowel movements and reduce straining.
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet containing an adequate amount of dietary fiber. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, beans, nuts, and seeds are excellent sources of fiber you can easily incorporate into your diet.
When To See A Doctor For Constipation?
While mild to moderate constipation can be treated using home remedies, some situations may warrant a timely visit to the doctor. These include:
- When you continue to experience constipation symptoms for longer than 3 weeks
- Stomach pain that doesn't go away
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blood in stools or black stools
- Difficulty in performing everyday activities
- Rectal bleeding that may show up on toilet paper
