Symptoms of constipation

Information on Constipation

Constipation is a one of the most common medical conditions and it may affect any person regardless of age. It means that a person cannot pass stools normally, has to strain more or cannot empty the bowels at all. Constipation may vary in severity from person to person. Chronic constipation can be rather painful and it can cause certain other medical complications such as fecal incontinence and fecal impaction.

Constipation is fairly easy to treat. Constipation may be characterized by certain symptoms such as change in the normal bowel habits, loss of appetite, bloating and nausea. Children who get affected may also feel a lack of energy, overall unwell feeling, irritation, soiling in the clothes, foul smells and abdominal pain. Constipation may be caused by numerous different factors.

They may include not eating enough fiber which can be found in cereals, vegetables and fruit. Other factors may include lifestyle changes, numerous different psychiatric problems, eating habit changes, depression, ignoring the urge to pass stools, anxiety, immobility, being overweight, lack of exercise, being underweight and not drinking enough fluids.

Constipation may be treated by one of the numerous different medications such as aluminum antacids, diuretics, antidepressants, calcium supplements, antiepileptics and antipsychotics. Constipation may also be quite common during pregnancy in some women because of the hormonal changes. The production of progesterone gets increased which makes the bowel muscle contraction much more difficult.

Constipation may be associated with numerous other different medical conditions such as colon cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, rectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, anal fissure, hypercalcaemia, spinal cord injury, underactive thyroid, Parkinson’ s disease, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis.

Constipation can be quite common in children and it is usually triggered by a poor diet or an improper toilet training. Improper toilet training leads to improper toilet habits. Sometimes constipation in children may be caused by Hirschsprung’s disease, cystic fibrosis, spinal cord abnormalities or Anorectal malformation.

Prevention

There are quite a few things that can be done in order to prevent constipation. One should intake plenty of fiber which can be commonly found in fruit, oats, vegetables, rice, seeds, wholewheat pasta and wholemeal bread in abundance.

Eating more fiber will keep your bowel movements regular because it helps food pass through your digestive system more easily. Foods high in fiber also make you feel fuller for longer. Fiber intake needs to be increased in a gradual manner otherwise it may lead to cramps, bloating and flatulence. Drinking plenty of fluids is very important. Exercises and mobility are of utmost importance.