From time to time, everyone has had a difficult time during bowel movements, whether it either is painful, challenging, or uncomfortable. This is due to constipation, which can either be an isolated problem or a symptom of an underlying condition. Constipation has several solutions available with or without medical attention. If you are experiencing constipation in San Antonio, read on to get hacks on how to deal with it.
What is Constipation?
Constipation is the challenging passage of bowels for some weeks or longer. Chronic Constipation has less than three bowel movements in a week. Constipation that occurs occasionally is normal for many people, but it may hinder your ability to carry out your everyday activities when it persists and becomes chronic. Chronic Constipation may result in extreme strain when having bowel movements.
Treatment of Chronic Constipation is reliant on the underlying cause:
Signs and Symptoms of Constipation
Chronic Constipation has signs and symptoms that include:
- Hard or lumpy stool
- Bowel movement being less than thrice a week
- A sensation as if you cannot fully empty your stool from your rectum
- A feeling your rectum has blocked hindering bowel movement
- Difficulty of bowel movement
Constipation is termed chronic if you persistently have two or more of the above symptoms for at least three months.
Causes of Constipation
Constipation usually happens when the waste moves too slowly in the digestive system or cannot be efficiently removed from the rectum, causing the stool to be dry and hard.
Chronic Constipation is caused by:
Blockages that are in the colon or rectum are caused by:
- Colon cancer
- Blockage in intestines
- Tears in the skin around the anus
- Colon narrowing
- Rectal cancer
- Other forms of abdominal cancer
- Bulging of the rectum through the wall behind the vagina
Problems with the nerves around the rectum and colon
Several neurological conditions may affect nerves, causing rectum and colon muscles to contract and move stool through the intestines. Causes are such as:
- Stroke
- Spinal Cord injury
- Nerve damage to nerves that are in charge of bodily functions
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
Difficulty with muscles associated with stool removal
Issues with the pelvic muscles that control bowel movement may result in chronic constipation and include:
- Pelvic muscles which do not coordinate contraction and relaxation well
- Pelvic muscles that are unable to perform a bowel movement
- Weak pelvic muscles
Conditions that affect body hormones
- Pregnancy
- Overactive parathyroid gland
- Underactive thyroid
- Diabetes
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis is normally made via a physical exam and additional tests such as:
- X-ray
- Blood tests
- Evaluation of anal sphincter muscle function
- Colonoscopy and rectum examination
- Examination of the colon, sigmoid, and rectum
- Evaluation of food movement in the colon
Treatment may involve lifestyle and diet changes like:
- Regular exercise
- Increase in fiber intake
- Various laxatives may be used:
- Stimulants
- Fiber supplements
- Osmotics
- Stool softeners
- Lubricants
Constipation can be one of the most disturbing conditions you could face. Bowel movement is supposed to relieve you and your digestive tract; thus, constipation is such a nuisance. If you are going through any signs of chronic constipation, visit our website or call our offices in San Antonio, TX.
