The therapy of constipation comprises many very different measures, which have to be weighed against each other depending on the cause and extent of the constipation. The final therapy should therefore always be discussed with the patient and tailored to the individual case. What could also interest you: EnemaThere are many household remedies for constipation.
These include above all high-fiber food, the intake of which also serves to prevent constipation. Water or fruit juice in the morning causes many people to defecate, and strong coffee can also trigger bowel movements in people who do not consume it regularly. Dried fruit (especially plums or figs) and sauerkraut have the same effect.
Massage of the abdomen can also help, but it is important to remember that you massage along the natural course of the colon (i.e. from the right lower abdomen in an arc to the left). In addition, regular exercise and a sufficient fluid intake stimulate digestion. In addition, swelling and filling agents can be used, although it is important that these are always taken with sufficient water, otherwise they can further increase constipation.
Linseed, bran and psyllium can be used as swelling agents. These do not develop their effect acutely, but over a longer period of time and should be dosed carefully, otherwise they can cause flatulence. Then there are osmotically effective laxatives such as macrogol or lactulose, which treat constipation by firstly liquefying the stool, which is thus easier to get rid of, and secondly by swelling itself, i.e. achieving an increase in volume, which leads to a defecation stimulus.
Other osmotic agents such as Glauber’s salt or Epsom salts are not recommended because they empty the bowel very quickly, which results in a massive sudden loss of electrolytes. Lubricants are especially helpful against constipation if it is caused by hard excrement bales in the rectum. Most of these agents contain glycerine and are administered as suppositories or enema.
This treatment is particularly suitable for pregnant women and children. Another group of drugs are the intestine-stimulating preparations such as bisacodyl, sennosides, black alder bark, aloe or sodium picosulfate. These ensure that the food in the intestine is transported faster and they also increase the excretion of electrolytes and fluid into the intestine.
For this reason, however, they should also be used with caution, as they can quickly cause the electrolyte balance in the body to become unbalanced, which can lead to serious complications such as cardiac arrhythmia. In rare cases, constipation can only be treated by surgery. However, it should only be used if all other treatment options have been tried and failed. Indications for surgery include Crohn’s disease (a chronic inflammatory bowel disease) if it is accompanied by intestinal constriction, megacolon, relocation of the intestinal lumen due to tumors or adhesions (bridging) that may occur postoperatively.
