WHY AM I CONSTIPATED?

The occasional bout of constipation is an almost universal experience. As many as 60% of us will suffer from occasional or chronic constipation at some point in our lives. As we age, the condition becomes more common as well, and constipation is a frequent complaint among seniors.

Symptoms of Constipation

Constipation is typically characterized by the following symptoms:

• Hard, dry stools


• Stools that are difficult or painful to pass


• Straining or feeling like you can’t completely empty your bowels


• A feeling of fullness or bloating in your abdomen


• Loss of appetite


• Nausea


• Gas


• Headache

Causes of Constipation

There are many different factors that can cause constipation, including:

1. Diet: A lack of fiber in your diet is a common cause of constipation. Fiber adds bulk to your stools and helps them move more easily through your intestines.
2. Dehydration: Not drinking enough fluids can also lead to constipation. Fluids help to soften your stools and make them easier to pass.
3. Medications: Some medications, such as opioids, antidepressants, and antacids, can cause constipation as a side effect.
4. Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis, can also lead to constipation.
5. Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can slow down the movement of food through your intestines, leading to constipation.
6. Sedentary Lifestyle: A lack of physical activity can also contribute to constipation. Exercise helps to stimulate the muscles in your intestines and move stools along.
7. Stress: Stress can also trigger constipation, as it can slow down the movement of food through your intestines.

Home Treatments for Constipation

In many cases, constipation can be treated with simple home remedies, such as:

1. Increasing Fiber Intake: Add more fiber to your diet by eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You can also try adding fiber supplements, such as psyllium husk or methylcellulose, to your diet.
2. Drinking More Fluids: Aim to drink eight glasses of water per day. You can also drink other fluids, such as juice, tea, or soup.
3. Getting Regular Exercise: Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
4. Using Laxatives: If home remedies don't work, you may need to try a laxative. Laxatives can help to soften your stools and make them easier to pass.

When to See a Doctor

See your doctor if:

• Your constipation is severe or lasts for more than two weeks


• You have blood in your stools


• You have abdominal pain


• You are vomiting


• You have a fever

Conclusion

Constipation is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of factors. In most cases, constipation can be treated with simple home remedies. However, if your constipation is severe or lasts for more than two weeks, you should see a doctor.

FAQs

1. What are some common causes of constipation?

Some common causes of constipation include a lack of fiber in the diet, dehydration, certain medications, medical conditions, pregnancy, a sedentary lifestyle, and stress.

2. What are some home treatments for constipation?

Some home treatments for constipation include increasing fiber intake, drinking more fluids, getting regular exercise, and using laxatives.

3. When should I see a doctor about constipation?

You should see a doctor if your constipation is severe or lasts for more than two weeks, if you have blood in your stools, if you have abdominal pain, if you are vomiting, or if you have a fever.

4. How can I prevent constipation?

You can help prevent constipation by eating a healthy diet that includes plenty of fiber, drinking plenty of fluids, getting regular exercise, and managing stress.

5. What are some foods that can help relieve constipation?

Some foods that can help relieve constipation include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans.