When the bowel movement is disrupted and is unusual, the resulting stool is difficult to excrete. This condition is termed constipation.

Symptoms

• You may find the colour of the stool unusual, and sometimes it may include blood.
• The stools are extremely hard, which stops them from passing through the rectum smoothly.
• You may suffer from abdominal pain or cramps.
• Your body provides less than three bowel movements per week.
• Feeling of not completely cleaning your stomach after excreting.
• You may feel like vomiting.

What Causes Constipation?

Constipation can be caused by three main factors :

Your Lifestyle

• When your body lacks enough water.
• Intake of food with low fibre.
• Intaking much of dairy products, e.g., cheese, milk, etc.
• If you’re suffering from mental stress or trauma.
• Intervening in your bowel movement.

Medical history

• Irritable bowel syndrome.
• Neurological dysfunction, e.g., stroke.
• Multiple organ issues, e.g., scleroderma.
• Endocrine disorders, e.g., hypercalcemia.

Medications

• Narcotics and pain killers.
• Anti-depressing pills.
• Anti-allergic pills.
• Seizure medicines, e.g., gabapentin.

Treatment

• Drink an adequate amount of water daily and avoid alcohol and caffeine products.
• Change your position on the toilet.
• Only focus on the bowel movements while excretion.
• Medicated pills such as lactulose, Plecanatide, linaclotide, etc., are prescribed to treat constipation.
• The doctor may suggest surgery in case of colon dysfunction, e.g., obstruction in the colon.

Prevention

• Stay hydrated- you should at least drink 3 litres of water per day and enough fluids.
• Avoid smoking and consumption of alcohol.
• Change your diet into a healthy one with an abundant amount of fibre which can be found in fruits and vegetables.
• Get going! Exercise daily, keep your body engaged in some sort of physical activity.

Dr Abhijit Gotkhinde from Ultra Care Clinic has successfully treated several patients suffering from constipation. From prescribing medications to surgery, he suggests the appropriate solution regarding your extremity of the issue.