Dorothy FarrarConstipation
Constipation , also known as constipation in Latin , is a malfunction of the bowel, which is difficult or very rare to empty. If the bowel is emptied less than 3 times a week over a longer period of time (2-3 months), the doctor speaks of constipation.
What is constipation?
In the context of constipation, the normal value of defecation is considered. Normal defecation is assumed to be at least three times a week. During its passage through the individual sections of the intestine, which takes up to thirty hours, the contents of the intestine are separated from all substances important to the body and excreted from the anus as unusable residue.
Increased withdrawal of water during a much longer stay in the intestine makes the stool dry in the case of constipation and prevents regular emptying of the intestine. Constipation as a disturbance of the bowel function has been known since historical times.
causes
The causes of constipation are varied. Lack of exercise and a low-fiber diet are often seen as reasons for constipation.Medical explanations for the malfunction also speak of a lack of peristalsis after operations, adhesions inside the abdomen, metabolic disorders, insufficient intake of liquid, potassium deficiency or a special type of irritable bowel syndrome .
Very often, improper diet is considered the reason for constipation. In the case of symptoms that become noticeable more frequently, a doctor should definitely be consulted.
If the bowel movement often takes more than four days or more, this is referred to as chronic constipation. There is a risk of a general deterioration
state of health with severe pain, signs of intoxication of the body and shock. If the defecation cannot be brought about with home remedies, the doctor must help. In order to prevent treatment with surgical methods, one should react early to the symptoms of constipation. Severe pain, a hard feeling stomach and shock are already signs of an acute intestinal blockage.
symptoms and course
Typical symptoms of constipation:
Constipation can manifest itself through a variety of symptoms. Initially, there is a feeling of fullness and a general feeling of being unwell. Furthermore, the abdomen is bloated and the bowel movement is painful and difficult.
During the bowel movement, small and hard portions of faeces are usually excreted with great straining. Those affected often have the feeling that the bowel is not empty. In addition to these symptoms, headaches, tiredness, loss of appetite and a permanent feeling of pressure can also occur.
A short-term constipation is usually harmless. However, if the constipation is accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, unusual weight loss or severe abdominal pain, a doctor should be consulted immediately, as there is a risk of a life-threatening intestinal blockage .
When to the doctor?
Constipation is a symptom that is relatively common and does not usually require immediate medical attention. Home remedies such as taking psyllium husks in conjunction with drinking enough can only be used for a few days. If this does not help, milk sugar, another herbal laxative, can be tried before a visit to the doctor is due.
On the other hand, patients who have severe pain, possibly with nausea and vomiting, should go to the doctor immediately. Here it is important to rule out an intestinal obstruction with its sometimes life-threatening complications by visiting the doctor or to treat it promptly. Cancer patients who have a history of a tumor in the gastrointestinal tract also prefer to have an unusual constipation clarified quickly by the doctor treating them. This also applies to pregnant women who do not want to take laxatives for fear of miscarriage or premature birth.
If the constipation is accompanied by a fever or a hard, tense stomach, it is also advisable to see a doctor. These accompanying symptoms can indicate that it is not a question of diet-related constipation without clinical significance. Chronic constipation also makes a visit to the doctor advisable, especially if heavy straining during a bowel movement has enlarged hemorrhoids or caused a bleeding anal fissure. A targeted change in diet is just as important here as treating the symptoms by a doctor.
Diagnose
To diagnose constipation, the doctor first talks to the patient by asking them about their symptoms. In addition, he must know what the chair is made of. Whether there is mucus or blood in it or whether there are other abnormalities such as abdominal pain and bloating. The doctor is also interested in whether the patient has recently gained or lost weight, whether there is back pain or whether diseases in the upper abdomen have already been diagnosed. The detailed anamnesis then forms the basis for the diagnosis of constipation.
As part of the subsequent physical examination, the doctor will feel the rectum with his finger. Laboratory tests, an ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs and a colonoscopy may be necessary for further diagnostics . Imaging procedures such as computed tomography and MRI may also be necessary. As a rule, the family doctor will refer the patient with a confirmed suspicion of constipation to specialists such as urologists, gynaecologists, proctologists or neurologists.
complications
Constipation can lead to various complications when it occurs in conjunction with another condition or when it is severe. First, there is a risk that the intestinal walls will be injured. When passed, the hardened feces can lead to anal fissures and hemorrhoids. In addition, cramps and pain in the stomach area can occur. Prolonged constipation promotes fever, chills and tachycardia.
As the condition progresses, the burden on the whole body increases, especially on the gastrointestinal tract, the immune system and the cardiovascular system. If you are bedridden at the same time, the constipation can lead to an intestinal obstruction. This can lead to gastric perforation and other complications such as peritonitis or blood poisoning.
Chronic constipation also increases the risk of developing fecal incontinence. Anorectal incontinence promotes gastrointestinal infections and inflammation in the anus area. It also leads to psychological problems such as social anxiety and inferiority complexes.
If the constipation requires surgery, other complications can arise. Many after-effects can be avoided by treating the constipation with a doctor at an early stage. Drug treatment of constipation is associated with the usual side effects and interactions. For example, preparations such as Buscopan can lead to an accelerated heartbeat, persistent dry mouth and drowsiness, among other things.
treatment and therapy
Treatment for constipation ranges from home remedies to surgery. Mild cases can be treated quickly with simple glycerine suppositories from the pharmacy, while the body is not burdened with taking medication.
The suppositories to be inserted into the anus dissolve there and soften the stool, which is then excreted. This help is perceived as very pleasant and better tolerated than an enema, which also mechanically dissolves the constipation with an injection of warm water into the anus.
Both methods help quickly, since little exposure time is required. For mild cases of constipation, the fruit press cubes available in drugstores and pharmacies are also a good solution. These are chewed and taken with plenty of liquid. They swell in the intestines and promote bowel movements due to the content of senna leaves and plant-based roughage.
A cup of senna leaf tea results in a very effective defecation, the exact dosage must be observed here. Drugs that you have to take and that have to pass through the intestines need a longer time to work against constipation.
prevention
You can prevent constipation with regular exercise, a balanced high-fiber diet and a regular daily routine.
Good natural remedies for constipation are plums, peaches and apricots. These fruits help food to pass through the intestines more quickly.
Constipation can also be prevented with adequate fluid intake, it is important to drink enough water or herbal tea throughout the day.
Many patients get used to taking fiber in the form of flaxseed or cereal flakes from the pharmacy to relieve constipation.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.