Constipation

"Constipation is not a disease but may be a symptom of another medical problem".

Constipation may last for a short or long time.

 

Treatments for constipation

You can treat constipation at home in most cases by doing the following

 

1. Change your food and drink

A change in your food and drink may help you in making your stools soft and easier to pass. Eating high-fiber food and drinking more water and liquid can help you relieve constipation. You can also add a fiber supplement to your diet. Depending upon your age and sex 25 to 30 gms of fiber is recommended per day. Your constipation may be treated or prevented by changing what you eat and drink. 

 

2. Regular physical activity

Regular physical activity is necessary for constipated patients. It helps relieve the symptoms.

 

3. Avoid certain medicines and dietary supplements

If you think that certain medicine is aggravating constipation, tell your doctor. Because everyone is different and responds differently to medicines. Your doctor will prescribe some other medicine or dietary supplement. Don’t stop or start any medicine or supplement without the suggestion of a healthcare professional. 

 

 

4. Try bowel training

Try to train yourself to have bowel movements at the same time each day to become more regular. You can try to have a bowel movement 15-45 minutes after breakfast because it helps in the movement of stool. Give enough time to have a bowel movement. Go to the bathroom as soon as possible when you feel the need to go.

Constipation 1

5. Over-the-counter medicines may help you

You may use a laxative for a small period of time on the recommendation of your doctor. Your doctor will prescribe laxatives best suitable for you. There are several laxatives including fiber supplements, osmotic agents, stool softeners, lubricants, such as mineral oil, and stimulants. 

Doctors prescribe stimulants in cases when constipation is severe or other treatments are not working. If you are habituated to laxatives for a long time, talk to your doctor and stop it slowly. Over time, your colon starts moving stool normally after stopping laxatives. Taking laxatives without the recommendation of your doctor or taking laxatives for a long time, both are harmful. 

 

6. Treatment of constipation by doctors

If you fail to treat your constipation, consult your doctor. He/ she may prescribe a medicine to treat your constipation. If you are taking medicines or supplements which can cause constipation, your doctor may change doses, stop it, or switch to a different medicine in order to relieve the symptoms. Don’t stop or change medicines or supplements without the recommendation of your doctor.  

 

a. Medicines

Your doctor may recommend some medicines to relieve the symptoms

Lubiprostone: Increases fluid in your digestive tract, which reduces abdominal pain and makes the stool softer. 

Linaclotide: These medicines are prescribed when you have constipation with irritable bowel syndrome or have constipation for a long time without a known cause.  

Prucalopride: This medicine helps the movement of stools through the colon when you have constipation for a long time without a known cause. 

 

b. Biofeedback Therapy

If the problem is with the muscles which control bowel movements, biofeedback therapy may be recommended to you by your doctor. This therapy can change how you make your muscles work. 

 

c. Surgery

If there is an anorectal blockage caused by rectal prolapse, surgery may be recommended to you. Your doctor may remove your colon if your colon muscles are not working properly. If surgery is recommended to you, ask your doctor about the benefits and risks associated with it. 

 

Suggestions for prevention from constipation

Certain changes in your regular habits may prevent you from constipation

  1. Include a moderate amount of fiber in your diet

  2. Increase your water and other liquid intakes

  3. Give time to have a bowel movement, in fact, try at the same time to have a bowel movement every day

  4. Do regular exercise

  5. Diet for constipation

  6. You should take enough fiber. Plenty of liquid is needed for fiber to work properly. So, intake of plenty of water is recommended in addition to fiber for a constipation patient. 

  7. Fiber: Depending upon age and sex, 25-30 gms of fiber per day is recommended. Talk to a healthcare professional, like a dietitian, who will prescribe a fiber-rich diet to you. A sudden change in dietary habits may trouble you. So, try to increase fiber intake slowly. 

  8. Fiber is found in considerable amounts in

  • Whole grains, including, oatmeal, bran flakes cereals, whole wheat

  • Nuts

  • Fruits, including, berries, pears, oranges, and apples

  • Vegetables, such as carrots, collard greens, broccoli

  • Legumes like, lentils, black beans, chickpeas, soybeans, and kidney beans

  • Plenty of liquid: Liquid is very important for the proper working fiber. So, include water, natural fruit and vegetable juices, and clear soups in your diet. This will make your stool softer and easier to pass. Plenty of water and other liquids also keep you hydrated. Staying hydrated help get rid of constipation and is also good for overall health. 

  • Foods to be avoided by a constipation patient: Ideally, a constipated patient should avoid every food item which contains very little or no fiber at all. You should avoid processed foods like frozen meals, hot dogs, meat, fast foods, and chips.