The Constipation treatment market is expected to reach US $ 26.54 billion by the end of year 2021 - about 1% of India’s GDP. Approximately 12.6 % of the world's population suffer from Constipation.
It is not that talked about, but it’s that serious and common…
In this article, we’ll learn about…
- What is Constipation?
- Types
- Causes
- Symptoms
- Diagnosis
- Home remedies
- Treatment
Seems like we have a lot to learn… Let’s start …
What is Constipation?
Constipation means infrequent or hard to pass bowel movements .
The normal frequency of passing stool ranges from three times a day to three times per week, yes. Some people have a bowel movement once every other day, which is completely OK if they feel fine.
- Bristol stool scale is used to decide the severity of the Constipation :
Type 1: Separate hard lumps, like nuts (difficult to pass and can be black)
Type 2: Sausage-shaped, but lumpy
Type 3: Like a sausage but with cracks on its surface (can be black)
Type 4: Like a sausage or snake, smooth and soft (average stool)
Type 5: Soft blobs with clear cut edges
Type 6: Fluffy pieces with ragged edges, a mushy stool (diarrhoea)
Type 7: Watery, no solid pieces, entirely liquid (diarrhoea)
Fact:
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 42 million people are suffering from Constipation in the United States.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 42 million people are suffering from Constipation in the United States.
Types: -
- Acute : Acute constipation is infrequent and generally caused by change in diet or routine. It gets back to normal once the normal pattern settles.
- Chronic : Chronic constipation lasts for more than several weeks. It can lead to Hemorrhoids or rectal prolapse - Part of intestine prolapse out from anus because of too much strain.
Additional knowledge:
Long travelling can result in change in bowel habits, which can cause Constipation.
Long travelling can result in change in bowel habits, which can cause Constipation.
Causes : -
Food remaining in the colon for too long -
Our Colon’s function is to absorb the water from the residual food as it passes through the digestive tract. And what is left after that is Stool.
Fecal matter remaining in the colon for an extended period of time will result in more water absorption from it - Lumpy stool.
Fecal matter remaining in the colon for an extended period of time will result in more water absorption from it - Lumpy stool.
Lack for fibre in the food -
Less than recommended intake of fibrous foods.
Less than recommended intake of fibrous foods.
Also Know :
Fibers are of two types, Soluble fibres and Insoluble Fibres.
Fibers are of two types, Soluble fibres and Insoluble Fibres.
When soluble fibres come in contact with water, they make a gel like material and will ease up the bowel moment. Skin of fruits and vegetables, oats and rice are the sources of it.
Insoluble fibres will remain unchanged throughout its passage from the digestive system. Root vegetables, nuts and seeds are some of the examples of this kind of fibres. It passes faster through the intestine.
Fibers will add bulk and mass to the stool, making it easier to defecate.
Also, below listed reasons can lead to Constipation….
Important :
If children swallow gum because of unawareness, it can block the digestive tract ; especially when consumed with other indigestible things , in a huge quantity.
If children swallow gum because of unawareness, it can block the digestive tract ; especially when consumed with other indigestible things , in a huge quantity.
- Stress
- Change in routine
- Lack of exercise
- Medications - Antacids high in calcium and certain painkillers, Overuse of laxatives
- Holding the urge to defecate
- Underlying diseases - Irritable bowel syndrome, Hypothyroidism, Diabetes, Stroke.
Symptoms: -
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Feeling of fullness even after defecation
- Strain while passing stool
When to consult a Doctor?
- Sudden changes in bowel movements
- Losing weight due to Constipation
- Blood in a stool
Important :
Bright coloured bloody stool means that the blood is fresh and the likely source of it could be hemorrhoids or anal fissure as a result of straining.
Bright coloured bloody stool means that the blood is fresh and the likely source of it could be hemorrhoids or anal fissure as a result of straining.
However, tarry black stool means that the blood in it is from the start of the digestive tract - which’s serious. Immediately call your Doctor , if that happens.
Diagnosis: -
Diagnosis is dependent on the symptoms that the patient comes up with. If the physical examination is required, Doctor might go for thyroid testing and rectal examination.
In severe cases, additional testing is necessary -
Marker study to observe the passage of food through the Digestive tract.
Barium enema and
Colonoscopy
Important :
Constipation will result in a person straining to defecate, which will raise his blood pressure momentarily. This can result in a brain stroke in high risk individuals.
Constipation will result in a person straining to defecate, which will raise his blood pressure momentarily. This can result in a brain stroke in high risk individuals.
Treatment: -
1). Maintaining proper hydration level -
Water is recommended for staying hydrated as compared to sweetened or caffeinated drinks.
8 * 8 rule of water consumption : Consume 8 8 ounce glasses of water on a daily basis.
8 * 8 rule of water consumption : Consume 8 8 ounce glasses of water on a daily basis.
2). Exercising Regularly -
By decreasing the time it generally takes for the food to move through the large intestine, exercise will result in less water absorption from the food making the passage of stool easy.
150 minutes of exercise per week is recommended for adults.
3). Limiting consumption of Coffee and Alcohol -
Coffee can result in the contraction of the digestive muscles and will make the passage of stool easy; but, alcohol and coffee are dehydrating agents that can worsen the root cause of constipation.
4). Probiotics -
It can improve the gut health and can soften the stool. For more information on the topic, click here.
5). Laxatives -
Stimulant laxatives : It works via shortening the time in which the food moves through the digestive tract, so less water will be absorbed from it.
Hence, the stool will be soft in consistency.
Hence, the stool will be soft in consistency.
Osmotic laxatives : It swells after coming in contact with the water and passes in the stool undigested, giving bulk and softness to the stool .
Caution:
Using laxatives for more than 2 weeks can make the digestive process of the body dependent on it, which is not recommended.
Using laxatives for more than 2 weeks can make the digestive process of the body dependent on it, which is not recommended.
Also, Castor oil should not be taken for a long time - 2 weeks as this can also interrupt the normal functions of the digestive muscles.
Helpful :
Prunes that are rich in insoluble fibres, work the same as the laxative Sorbitol called Nature’s Remedy to Constipation.
Prunes that are rich in insoluble fibres, work the same as the laxative Sorbitol called Nature’s Remedy to Constipation.
Massaging the belly will relax the abdominal muscles and help return to the regular bowel habits.
Conclusion: -
- Constipation is defined as infrequent and hard to pass bowel movements. Causes of constipation include travelling, stress, less water intake and many more.
- Home remedies are generally effective for treating constipation; but, some cases require doctor’s visit.
That’s all about constipation…
If you have any questions or want to know more about the topic,feel free to leave a comment below...