Constipation (also constipation) is a well-known and common symptom. The main characteristic of constipation is difficult bowel movements. Bowel movements are usually delayed or irregular, and their consistency is usually hard or hardened.
What is constipation?
The main characteristic of constipation is difficult bowel movements. Bowel movements are usually delayed or irregular. Constipation is usually not an actual complete blockage of the gastrointestinal tract. Rather, the feeling of constipation is subjective on the part of the affected person, as normal bowel movements are difficult, delayed or hardened. This can also lead to pain during bowel movements. However, pathological constipation is present if the following criteria are met over a longer period of time and recurrently: 1. the stool is hardened or very hard; 2. the stool is passed only with strong and painful pressing. 3. the person feels that not all of the stool has been eliminated. 4. the fingers or hands must be used to empty the stool completely. 5. the patient is able to defecate less than three times a week. 6. the patient feels as if the bowel or anus is blocked. Constipation is one of the most common symptoms of the gastrointestinal tract, along with stomach pain. However, a majority of older women suffer from constipation.
Causes
The most common causes of constipation is an unbalanced and unhealthy diet. Stress and medication can also affect digestion and lead to uncomfortable constipation. Usually, functional constipation is harmless and passes after a few days. However, prolonged constipation can be the cause of another disease. Physiologically, there are several causes of constipation. Among them, mainly functional disorders of the intestine are responsible for constipation. For example, the movement of the stool in the large intestine may be slowed down. So here the intestine needs much more time to move the stool to the rectum. The digestive residue arriving from the small intestine then backs up and water is removed from the stool over time. This is also the main reason for hard and firm stools, which can then also lead to pain. If the large intestine is working normally but digestive problems still occur, the cause may be a voiding disorder in which the rectum may be blocked. Both causes just mentioned are mostly rather harmless and usually disappear quickly. As already noted, however, the main reasons for constipation are a low-fiber diet and lack of exercise. Sometimes suppressed stool due to lack of stress or time (e.g., traveling) also leads to constipation.
Diseases with this symptom
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Diabetes mellitus
- Hypothyroidism
- Volvulus
- Potassium deficiency
- Intestinal polyps
- Multiple sclerosis
- Colorectal cancer
- Hypercalcemia
- Diverticulitis
- Lactose intolerance
- Intestinal obstruction
Complications
Constipation can bring different complications if it occurs in the context of a serious underlying condition or develops in the course to a chronic complaint with the typical accompanying symptoms. Chronic constipation can lead to the formation of hardened fecal pads (scybala), often accompanied by anal fissure and hemorrhoids. In the course of time, this can lead to various complaints such as rectal prolapse or megacolon. In principle, constipation increases the risk of inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, which usually leads to diarrhea and pain, but can also lead to intestinal obstruction, depending on the patient’s constitution. In high-risk patients, i.e. bedridden and elderly people as well as patients after surgery, constipation is particularly likely to lead to intestinal obstruction. Complications range from nausea and vomiting to gastric rupture. If left untreated, mechanical ileus can lead to patient death. Chronic constipation can also contribute to the development of fecal incontinence or encopresis, causing permanent limitations in daily life. Treatment of constipation may involve diarrhea and stomach pain; if surgery is necessary, this may result in further complications.
When should you see a doctor?
A doctor should definitely be consulted in case of constipation if there is a feeling that it will not resolve on its own. The habitual bowel movement behavior is decisive here. In the case of someone who is used to daily bowel movements, constipation for about a week is far more unpleasant than for someone who has a bowel movement only every two or three days anyway. If laxatives do not help and the constipation does not resolve itself within about ten days, it is advisable to consult a doctor. After all, it is not advisable to put further strain on the digestive tract by using additional laxatives or untested home remedies if the constipation cannot be relieved. On the other hand, a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible in case of constipation lasting several days in combination with other symptoms. Fever, severe nausea, misery, pain and discoloration of the skin are warning signs. If constipation is already known to one’s own body and usually resolves on its own, the cause of it must be found and eliminated in one’s lifestyle – especially in one’s diet.
Treatment and therapy
As a rule, it is not necessary to see a doctor for constipation. Often, natural or herbal laxatives from the pharmacy are already sufficient. However, if the constipation occurs for a longer period of time and causes pain, medical treatment is advisable. If the doctor then finds a disease that can be considered as the cause, this should be treated first. If medication is the cause, it should be discontinued if possible. In the case of normal constipation, the treatment should mainly be carried out through a change in diet. Especially fiber-rich products have a swelling effect and also increase the water content of the stool. Whole grain products, fruits and vegetables, for example, are suitable for this purpose. In addition, a lot should be drunk. Chocolate, white bread, rolls, red wine and black tea should be avoided. Swollen flaxseed in water has also been shown to be helpful for constipation and should then be consumed. Laxatives should only be used in consultation with a doctor, as they can cause bloating and stomach upset.
Outlook and prognosis
In constipation, the prognosis is based on the cause and severity of constipation. Diet-induced constipation promises a positive prognosis. With a balanced diet, adequate fluid intake, and plenty of exercise, bowel movements can usually resolve on their own. In the case of constipation caused by medication, it is usually sufficient to adjust or discontinue the medication until the symptoms have subsided. In addition, laxatives and other preparations that eliminate the constipation symptoms can be taken in the company of the family doctor. If constipation is due to another condition, the prognosis depends on the course of the underlying condition. Concomitant therapies can alleviate the symptoms of constipation, but not eliminate them completely. In addition, concomitant conditions such as fecal stones often occur and must be treated separately. Chronic gastrointestinal disease further worsens the prospect of rapid recovery. In general, however, the chances of recovery are good if a doctor is consulted immediately if constipation is suspected. If complications have already developed, the constipation may need to be treated surgically. Preventive measures can sustainably improve bowel behavior and significantly improve the prognosis in the event of constipation.
Prevention
Above all, a diet rich in fiber and plenty of exercise are good preventive measures against constipation. Refrain from white flour products, chocolate and red wine. Eat more raw vegetables and whole grains. Do more sports in the fresh air or move their body through gardening.
Home remedies and herbs
- Sloth tree bark is effective for liver and gallbladder problems and helps against constipation.
What you can do yourself
Constipation can burden everyday life with unpleasant accompanying symptoms such as abdominal pain or bloating. However, there are many ways to alleviate these symptoms yourself, which are easy to implement in everyday life and can eliminate constipation. One important factor is diet. Foods that aid digestion and are high in fiber, such as vegetables, fruits and products made from whole grains, can help relieve constipation. Prunes, dried figs or grapes are particularly effective.Recommended vegetables for constipation include spinach, cabbage, peas and beans. High-fat food should be avoided during constipation. This has a very long residence time in the stomach and makes additionally flabby. However, a teaspoon of linseed or olive oil in the morning has a positive effect and can boost digestion. In addition, sufficient fluid intake is important. The less liquid taken in, the harder the stool. For good digestion, it is important to include enough exercise in everyday life. Lack of exercise makes the gastrointestinal tract sluggish. Therefore, especially in the case of constipation, exercise should be done to get the bowels moving. Abdominal massages can also be helpful in the case of constipation. These can be carried out at any time. To do this, it is recommended to make circular hand movements around the navel in a clockwise direction. This massage can take place several times a day and should last approximately 10 minutes.
