Constipation: Causes, Signs, and Symptoms

In layman's term, constipation is difficulty in bowel movements or infrequent bowel movements. A one-time difficulty in bowel movement does not necessarily mean that a person is constipated. If however a person finds himself straining during a bowel movement more than 25% of the time, has observed hard stools more than 25% of the time, has incomplete evacuation more than 25% of the time, and has had two or few bowel movements in a week for at least three months, if you fall under the category; then you are constipated.

There are so many reasons why a person has constipation. For one, it can be due to a disorder of bowel function rather than a problem with the bowel structure. But not everyone has structural problems, so it must be the other reason. Bowel function can be influenced by the adequacy of water intake and fiber in the diet. Sometimes, changes in the regular diet and routine can lead to constipation, like when you are traveling. Immobility and lack of exercise also causes constipation. Factors such as stress, eating large quantities of dairy products, and resisting the urge to eliminate, are guaranteed to give you constipation. Overuse of laxatives weaken bowel muscles and can cause difficulty in bowel movement. Patients with conditions like hypothyroidism, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis, tend to have constipation. Antacids with calcium and aluminum, as well as strong pain drugs such as narcotics, antidepressants, and iron pills, make one constipated. Other factors that can cause constipation include: pregnancy, depression, irritable bowel syndrome, eating disorders, and colon cancer.

Constipation is usually not without accompanying symptoms and they are: pain, vomiting, swollen abdomen or abdominal pain, and infrequent or difficulty in eliminating.

To prevent constipation, one must consume fiber regularly. High fiber foods such as fruits and vegetables, beans and whole-grain cereals and bread are good for fighting constipation. Try to limit intake of foods that contain too much fat and sugar, and are low in fiber content. Examples of these types of foods are: ice cream, cheese, and processed foods.

It is important to have daily and regular exercise such as walking, biking, and swimming. Never delay the call of nature. If you have to go, then go. The more water the stool absorbs, the harder it becomes. You can add fiber supplements to your diet, but you still need to drink plenty of water and other fluids every day. If you don't your constipation could get worse, because these fiber supplements cause constipation without enough water intake.

In order to avoid problems with gas, slowly introduce the fiber supplement to your diet. Try not to depend too much on laxatives. Laxatives cause your intestinal muscles to contract. Therefore, habitual use of them can damage the bowels and make your constipation worse. You may try using saline laxatives like milk of magnesia. Saline laxatives act by pulling water towards the colon and allowing stool to pass easier. Also, you might try warm liquids in the morning to help you in your morning ritual.