CONSTIPATION

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CONSTIPATION

Know Your Health-Mosely'sKYH

Constipation is a disorder of the digestive system where a person has hard and dry stool that are difficult and painful to pass. Its a common condition that caused by many factors such as not eating enough fibers, or not drinking enough water. Fibers and water helps in bowel movement in the colon, as bowel moves slow in the colon the absorption of water becomes greater results in hard and dry stool.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CONSTIPATION 

The symptoms of chronic constipation are:

  • Passing fewer than three stools a week
  • Having hard stools
  • Straining to have bowel movements
  • Feeling as though there's a blockage in your rectum that prevents bowel movements
  • Feeling as though you can't completely empty the stool from your rectum
Other symptoms include:
  • stomach ache and cramps
  • feeling bloated (full) and nauseous
  • losing appetite

CAUSES OF CONSTIPATION

Causes of constipation are:
  • Lack of fiber in the meal
Know Your Health-Mosely'sKYH
fibers rich food
It is important to consume foods rich in fiber such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Fiber promotes bowel movements and prevents constipation.
  • Physical inactivity
Constipation can occur if someone becomes too physically inactive. This is especially the case in older adults. Physical activities increase metabolic rate of the body.
  •  Medications
The most common medications to cause constipation are:
Aluminum-containing antacids such as Amphojel and Basaljel
Narcotic drugs such as codeine (Tylenol), oxycodone (Percocet), and hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
diuretics drugs such as chlorothiazide (Diuril)
Antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil) and imipramine (Tofranil)
Calciumchannel blocking drugs such as diltiazem (Cardizem) and nifedipine (Procardia)
Anticonvulsants such as phenytoin (Dilantin) and carbamazepine (Tegretol) iron supplements

  •  Milk

Milk and dairy products increase the risks of constipation.
5) Irritable bowel syndrome
6) Pregnancy
Hormonal change and compression of intestine by uterus can lead to constipation
7) Aging
As the person become inactive based on aging the metabolic activities is lowed and thgis makes more risk of getting constipation
8) Changes in routine
9) Overuse of laxatives

10) Not going to the toilet when needed
11) Not drinking enough water
12) Problems with the colon or rectum
Tumors, scar tissue, diverticulosis, and colorectal stricture.
13) Some health problems
These include the following:
  • Neurological disorders: Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease, stroke, spinal cord injuries, and chronic idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction.
  • Endocrine and metabolic conditions: Uremia, diabetes, hypercalcemia, poor glycemic control, and hypothyroidism.
  • Systemic diseases: They include lupus, scleroderma, amyloidosis.
  • Cancer: If a tumor blocks or squeezes the digestive system.

TREATMENT OF CONSTIPATION

In the most of cases, constipation resolves itself with few days without any treatment or it may become worse and cause health problems. Lifestyle (regular exercise, eating more fiber, and drinking more water) can be treatment for recurring constipation. Treatment of constipation mainly based on the cause and underlying disease.
Usually constipation is treated with laxatives but these medications should be prescribed with care and should be not used as first choice. If  constipation does not respond to medications surgery could be indicated.
OTC laxatives
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OTC laxatives
  • Stimulants: Such as Correctol, Dulcolax, and Senokot. These cause intestinal smooth muscles to contract rhythmically.
  • Lubricants: Such as mineral oil and Fleet. These facilitate movement of stool in a colon.
  • Stool softeners: Such as Colace and Surfak. 
  • Fiber supplements (bulk laxatives) Such as FiberCon, Metamucil, Konsyl, Serutan, and Citrucel and should be taken with plenty of water.
  • Osmotics: Such as Cephulac, Sorbitol, and Miralax.
  • Saline laxatives: Such as milk of magnesia.
  • Chloride channel activators: Such as lubiprostone (Amitiza).
  • 5-HT-4 agonists: Such as Prucalopride.

PREVENTION OF CONSTIPATION

Know Your Health-Mosely'sKYH

There are number of way to prevent constipation, These include:
  • Increase fiber intake through diet and drinks
  • Bulking agents
  • Avoiding holding in stools for a long time
  • Regular exercises
  • Drink a plenty of water
  • Elevate your feet

COMPLICATION OF CONSTIPATION

Complication of constipation are not life threaten but uncomfortable, complication af constipation are:
  • rectal bleeding (hemorrhage) 
  • fecal impaction which can results into obstructions
  • anal fissure or anal lesions 
  • hemorrhoids

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