Constipation is a symptom when an individual has less than three bowel movements per week that are hard, dry, and difficult to pass. There are many causes: a low-fiber diet, lack of physical activity, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions. Over-the-counter remedies for constipation include fiber supplements, stool softeners, and laxatives.
| Causes | Celiac disease, Lactose intolerance, Gastroentritis |
|---|---|
| Remedies | Avoid certain medications, Avoid controlling bowel movements |
| Preventive Options | Diet Modification(fibre diet), Stay hydrated, Manage Chronic condition |
| Treatment Options | Medication(Stool softners, laxatives), Enema, Surgery |
| Specialist | Gastroenterologist |
Constipation is a common digestive problem characterized by infrequent bowel movements, difficulty passing stools, or hard, dry stools. The common symptoms include infrequent bowel movements, difficulty passing stools, abdominal pain, bloating, and gas. Constipation can be treated with lifestyle changes such as increasing fiber and fluid intake, regular exercise, and avoiding certain medications. In some cases, over-the-counter laxatives may be used.
The symptoms of constipation can vary from person to person, but some common symptoms include in the following.
There are several types of constipation, each with its own set of causes and characteristics. Some of the most common types include
There are several medical conditions that can cause diarrhea as a symptom, some examples include:
The diagnosis of constipation typically begins with a physical examination and a review of the patient's symptoms and medical history.
Treatment for constipation typically depends on the underlying cause, but some general treatment options include:
Constipation can be treated with over-the-counter medications such as the following.
Psyllium is a soluble fiber that can relieve constipation. It absorbs water in the intestines, which helps soften stools and makes them easier to pass.
Psyllium is available in several forms, including psyllium husk powder, capsules, and wafers. It's usually taken once or twice a day with plenty of water. It's important to drink enough water when taking psyllium, as not drinking enough can make constipation worse.
Methylcellulose is a type of soluble fiber commonly used to treat constipation. It increases the bulk and moisture of stools, making them easier to pass.
Methylcellulose is available as a powder, which can be mixed with water or other liquids and taken orally. It's usually taken once or twice a day, and it's important to drink enough water when taking methylcellulose to avoid worsening constipation.
Docusate is a type of stool softener that is commonly used to relieve constipation. It increases the moisture content of stools, making them softer and easier to pass.
Docusate is available in several forms, including oral liquids, capsules, and suppositories. It's usually taken once or twice a day, and it's important to drink enough water when taking docusate to avoid worsening constipation.
Senna is a type of laxative that is commonly used to relieve constipation. It works by irritating the intestines, which stimulates a bowel movement.
Senna is available in several forms, including oral liquids, teas, and tablets. It's usually taken once or twice a day, and its effects usually start within 6 to 12 hours after taking it.
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is an osmotic laxative commonly used to relieve constipation. This works by drawing water into the intestines, which helps soften stools and make them easier to pass.
Polyethylene glycol is available in several forms, including a powder that can be mixed with water and taken orally and a solution that can be used for colon cleansing before medical procedures. It's usually taken once or twice a day, and its effects usually start within 1 to 3 hours after taking it.
Docusate is a type of stool softener that is commonly used to relieve constipation. It increases the moisture content of stools, making them softer and easier to pass.
Docusate is available in several forms, including oral liquids, capsules, and suppositories. It's usually taken once or twice a day, and it's important to drink enough water when taking docusate to avoid worsening constipation.
Colonic resection is a surgical procedure for treating constipation caused by structural issues in the colon. The procedure involves removing a portion of the colon that is causing constipation. This can help improve the transit of stool and relieve symptoms. However, it is crucial to see any major surgery, and recovery can take several weeks or months. Additionally, colonic resection may also cause side effects, such as changes in bowel function and dietary restrictions.
Colonic inertia is a surgical procedure to treat constipation caused by the slow transit of stool through the colon. The procedure involves stimulating the muscles in the colon to improve its function. It could be achieved through various techniques, such as implanting a device to stimulate the colon muscles or using a surgical technique to remove the nerve that controls the muscles. Colonic inertia can relieve constipation, but it is important to note that recovery can take several weeks or months, and side effects such as changes in bowel function may occur.
Sacral nerve stimulation is a surgical procedure to treat constipation by stimulating the sacral nerve, which controls the muscles involved in evacuating stool. This is a procedure that involves the implantation of a small device. It sends electrical impulses to the sacral nerve to improve bowel function. This can help relieve symptoms of constipation and improve the transit of stool. It is important to note that sacral nerve stimulation is relatively new, and long-term effectiveness and safety have yet to be fully established. Additionally, side effects and risks, such as infection and device malfunction, may occur.
Many home remedies help to relieve symptoms of constipation in the given in following.
Drinking plenty of water and other fluids, such as herbal teas and clear broths, can help regulate bowel movements and soften stools.
Including foods like a high-fiber diet, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes helps to regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation.
Physical activity can help stimulate the muscles in the intestines and promote bowel movements.
Incorporating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and kefir into your diet can help improve gut health and regulate bowel movements.
Certain herbs, such as psyllium seed husk, flaxseed, and chia seeds, can help regulate bowel movements and relieve constipation.
Castor oil has been used as a natural laxative for many years. Taking a small amount of castor oil can help stimulate the intestines and promote a bowel movement.
Foods such as dairy products, processed foods, and low-fiber foods can contribute to constipation. Limiting or avoiding these foods can help prevent constipation.
There are several steps you can take to help prevent constipation:
It's a good idea to see a healthcare professional if you have persistent constipation or any of the following symptoms:
If you have constipation and are concerned about your health, it is important to seek immediate medical attention from a qualified constipation doctor. A doctor specializing in treating constipation, such as a Gastroenterologist, would be the right health professional to consult.
Here is a list of Top verified doctors for constipation. You can book an appointment with one to start your constipation treatment today.
Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Science and Research, New Delhi, Delhi NCR
Rs. 2,000 Consult Fees
Pushpawati Singhania Hospital and Research Institute, Delhi, Delhi NCR
Rs. 1,600 Consult Fees
Pushpawati Singhania Hospital and Research Institute, Delhi, Delhi NCR
Rs. 1,500 Consult Fees
A hospital can provide various services to help diagnose and treat your constipation. If you are experiencing constipation In that case, it is important to visit a constipation hospital for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Check a list of Top Hospitals for constipation treatment.
Multi Speciality Hospital
Established in 1918
🛌345 Beds
5+ Doctors 
Multi Speciality Hospital
Established in 1940
🛌220 Beds
5+ Doctors 
Multi Speciality Hospital
Established in 1947
🛌230 Beds
5+ Doctors Frequently asked questions and answers about constipation.
Can constipation cause other health problems?
Chronic constipation can lead to other health problems such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and rectal prolapse. It can also exacerbate existing conditions such as hemorrhoids and diverticulitis.
What are 3 signs of constipation?
Three signs of constipation include infrequent bowel movements, difficulty passing stool, and a feeling of incomplete bowel movements.
How long can constipation last?
The duration of constipation can vary depending on the underlying cause. Acute constipation usually lasts for a few days to a few weeks, while chronic constipation can last for several weeks or months.
How do I relieve constipation?
To relieve constipation, you can try drinking plenty of fluids, eating high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, exercising regularly, and taking over-the-counter laxatives or stool softeners if necessary. If your constipation is persistent or severe, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional.
Can constipation be treated at home?
In most cases, constipation can be treated at home with lifestyle changes such as increasing fiber and fluid intake, regular exercise, and avoiding certain medications. In some cases, over-the-counter laxatives may be used.
What is main cause of constipation?
The main cause of constipation is a lack of fiber in the diet, which can make it difficult for stool to pass through the digestive tract. Other factors that can contribute to constipation include dehydration, lack of physical activity, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions.
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