Significant or Main Causes of Constipation
Main Causes of Constipation
Identifying the Primary Reasons for Constipation
It is fairly common for individuals to be confronted with constipation at some point in their life, with estimates indicating that 42 million Americans suffer from it. This issue is especially prominent in females, non-Caucasians, and elderly people, with figures showing that 40-60% of seniors are regularly battling with the condition.
A Definition of Constipation
Constipation is a condition in which the individual experiences difficulty in passing stools. It is typically characterized by infrequent, hard stools that are painful to eliminate.
The definition of constipation is typically linked to having lumpy, dry, and/or hard stools and having movements in the bowels fewer than three times in a week. It can be either acute or chronic.
Short-term constipation usually can be managed through alterations in habits and/or medication.
Constipation that persists over a long term can be particularly troublesome. Generally, small adjustments to habits don’t lead to the alleviation of chronic constipation and it can be disruptive to an individual’s daily routine.
A doctor should be consulted in order to diagnose and treat any issues related to constipation.
What are the Sources of Constipation?
The most prevalent causes of constipation are:
• Illness or injury that restricts mobility
• Growing older
• Not drinking enough water
• An alteration in bathroom behavior
• Not getting enough physical activity
• Mental or functional decline
• Specific medications (both non-prescription and prescribed)
Low-Fiber Diets Can Result in Constipation
A diet with limited fiber is a common factor in causing constipation. Fiber, which is located in fruits, vegetables, and grains, is a type of carb that our bodies cannot completely absorb. There are two classifications of fiber, namely soluble and insoluble.
Whole grains, wheat bran, non-sugary cereals, seeds, legumes, and many fruits and vegetables provide high amounts of insoluble fiber which is beneficial in preventing constipation. This type of fiber is advantageous in that it assists in introducing moisture into the stool while it’s making its way through the intestines, making it easier to pass and softening it at the same time.
Certain Health Conditions May Cause Constipation
There are various ailments that can elevate the chance of constipation, such as spinal cord damage or ailment, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, hypothyroidism, celiac disease, and irritable bowel syndrome. Further, pregnancy, surgery, hormonal alterations, and conditions influencing metabolism can also lead to a greater risk of constipation.
Medications are a Frequent Culprit of Constipation
Constipation can be a result of taking over-the-counter medicines such as diuretics, iron supplements, antihistamines, ibuprofen, naproxen, and antacids.
The use of certain drugs, such as opioid painkillers, medications for blood pressure, antispasmodics, anti-nauseants, some anti-depressants, and anticholinergics for treating urinary incontinence, is known to heighten the probability of constipation. Furthermore, extended use of laxatives can lead to an over-dependency on them to help with passing stool, thus raising the risk of constipation.
What Treatments are Available for Constipation?
To start with, when someone is constipated, it is suggested that they keep to a fixed schedule for bowel movements, exercise regularly, have a high-fiber diet, and stay hydrated. If these strategies do not help, a doctor may prescribe a laxative.
Various laxatives and stool softeners exist, all constructed to assist with bowel movements; however, they all work in their own way.
Talking to a medical professional is essential to decide which laxative is the most suitable for your individual circumstance.
Generally, docusate sodium is the first recommended treatment when it comes to stool softeners and is deemed safe, with minimal adverse effects.
The absorption of fluid from the intestines into the stool, which helps to bulk it up, is a technique used by osmotic laxatives to provide relief from constipation and stimulate a bowel movement.
Mineral oil can be used as a lubricant to assist stool in its passage through the colon.
When struggling with impacted stool and constipation, enemas may be employed as a potential treatment. However, since each enema functions differently in the body and pertains to different conditions, it is essential to speak with a doctor to determine which one is best suited for your needs.
Using a stimulant laxative like bisacodyl or sennosides (1)will create contractions in the intestines and lead to a bowel movement. While the effects may be felt quickly, it is not recommended to use these laxatives regularly as they can cause several adverse reactions including dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort.
1) Sennosides
Sennosides are used to treat constipation. They may also be used to clean out the intestines before a bowel examination/surgery. Sennosides are known as stimulant laxatives. They work by keeping water in the intestines, which causes movement of the intestines.
Two Products To Consider
ENEMEEZ® and ENEMEEZ® Plus
The advantages associated with the utilization of ENEMEEZ® and ENEMEEZ® Plus are numerous.
The ENEMEEZ® mini-enema, with its 283mg of docusate sodium, serves as a hyperosmotic laxative that softens the stool by drawing water into the bowels from other areas of the body, thus resulting in a bowel movement.
ENEMEEZ ® Plus are highly sought after for their swift yet reliable outcomes (generally within a span of two to fifteen minutes), the non-irritating composition, and the convenient design of the tip for effortless usage.