What is Constipation?
--------------------------
Constipation by definition is a condition which is characterised by fewer than normal bowel movement than usual.
It is accompanied by straining, incomplete evacuation and passage of hard stools.
Who gets Constipation?
----------------------------
It is particularly common among the elderly and younger children.
How do you get Constipation?
-----------------------------------
There are a few causes of constipation:
1. Insufficient fibre(fruits,vegetables) to form bulk in the stools.
2. Insufficient fluid in the diet(at least 8 glasses of water).
3. Insufficient time to go to toilet when there is the urge to pass motion.
4. Insufficient exercise to help the intestine to move especially after meals, common in
sedentary jobs and older people
5. Stress cause the constriction of the anal sphincter preventing the stools from passing.
6. Depression on the other hand depress the movement of the intestines.
7. Drugs like cough mixture containing codeine,antispasmodic, antacids may also reduce the
motility of the intestine.
8. Pregnancy in the later stage cause the womb to press against the intestine.
9. People with low thyroid hormone slows down the movement of the intestines.
10.People with piles or pelvic space occupying swelling which may press against the
intestine or rectum.
How to avoid Constipation?
--------------------------------
Avoidance of constipation include:
1. Increase in daily fibre intake to at least 15gm (eg. 1 bowl of bran cereal for breakfast),
fruits and vegetables).
Fibre increases the bulk of the stool allowing easy passage of stools through the large
intestine.
2. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day (2 litres). Water reduces the hardness of stools.
3. Regular exercises at least 2-3 times a day especially after meals. Exercise will enhance
intestinal movement.
4. Allow a distraction free period of 15 min a day for bowel movement. The strongest
intestinal movement occurs after breakfast.
5. Do not ignore or suppress the urge to pass bowel movement. This may impair the
sensation to detect initiation of bowel movement leading to constipation.
How to treat Constipation?
--------------------------------
1.Follow the advice above.
2.Consult your family doctor to exclude any abdominal swelling which may be blocking the
passage of stools.
A colonoscopy may be needed to check the large intestines for tumours or early cancer.
Your piles may be removed during the colonoscopy if found to be obstructing passage of
stools.
3.Try Yogurt or fermented milk with lactobacillus as a method to stimulate more
production of bulk in stools.
4.Try not to take laxatives unless it is deemed necessary by your doctor.
Most doctors preferred not to use medicine in combating constipation.
5. Learn to relax the anal sphincter by doing some pelvic exercises
--------------------------
Constipation by definition is a condition which is characterised by fewer than normal bowel movement than usual.
It is accompanied by straining, incomplete evacuation and passage of hard stools.
Who gets Constipation?
----------------------------
It is particularly common among the elderly and younger children.
How do you get Constipation?
-----------------------------------
There are a few causes of constipation:
1. Insufficient fibre(fruits,vegetables) to form bulk in the stools.
2. Insufficient fluid in the diet(at least 8 glasses of water).
3. Insufficient time to go to toilet when there is the urge to pass motion.
4. Insufficient exercise to help the intestine to move especially after meals, common in
sedentary jobs and older people
5. Stress cause the constriction of the anal sphincter preventing the stools from passing.
6. Depression on the other hand depress the movement of the intestines.
7. Drugs like cough mixture containing codeine,antispasmodic, antacids may also reduce the
motility of the intestine.
8. Pregnancy in the later stage cause the womb to press against the intestine.
9. People with low thyroid hormone slows down the movement of the intestines.
10.People with piles or pelvic space occupying swelling which may press against the
intestine or rectum.
How to avoid Constipation?
--------------------------------
Avoidance of constipation include:
1. Increase in daily fibre intake to at least 15gm (eg. 1 bowl of bran cereal for breakfast),
fruits and vegetables).
Fibre increases the bulk of the stool allowing easy passage of stools through the large
intestine.
2. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day (2 litres). Water reduces the hardness of stools.
3. Regular exercises at least 2-3 times a day especially after meals. Exercise will enhance
intestinal movement.
4. Allow a distraction free period of 15 min a day for bowel movement. The strongest
intestinal movement occurs after breakfast.
5. Do not ignore or suppress the urge to pass bowel movement. This may impair the
sensation to detect initiation of bowel movement leading to constipation.
How to treat Constipation?
--------------------------------
1.Follow the advice above.
2.Consult your family doctor to exclude any abdominal swelling which may be blocking the
passage of stools.
A colonoscopy may be needed to check the large intestines for tumours or early cancer.
Your piles may be removed during the colonoscopy if found to be obstructing passage of
stools.
3.Try Yogurt or fermented milk with lactobacillus as a method to stimulate more
production of bulk in stools.
4.Try not to take laxatives unless it is deemed necessary by your doctor.
Most doctors preferred not to use medicine in combating constipation.
5. Learn to relax the anal sphincter by doing some pelvic exercises
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