Passage of hard stool
Constipation is a condition that almost everybody has experienced. Constipation occurs when bowel movements become difficult or less frequent. In many communities, women and the elderly are more commonly affected. Though not always serious, constipation can be a concern and discomfort.One is considered constipated if she/he has two or more of the following for at […]
Constipation is a condition that almost everybody has experienced. Constipation occurs when bowel movements become difficult or less frequent. In many communities, women and the elderly are more commonly affected. Though not always serious, constipation can be a concern and discomfort.
One is considered constipated if she/he has two or more of the following for at least 3 months:
1.Straining during a bowel movement more than 25% of the time.
2.Hard stools more than 25% of the time.
3.Incomplete evacuation more than 25% of the time.
4.Two or fewer bowel movements in a week.
Constipation is usually caused by a disorder of bowel function rather than a structural problem.
Common causes of constipation include:
1.Inadequate water intake.
2.Inadequate fiber in the diet.
3.A disruption of regular diet or routine; traveling.
4.Inadequate activity or exercise or immobility.
5.Eating large amounts of dairy products.
6.Stress.
7.Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement, this is sometimes the result of pain from hemorrhoids.
8.Overuse of laxatives (stool softeners) which, over time, weaken the bowel muscles.
9.Antacid medicines containing calcium or aluminum.
10.Medicines (especially strong pain medicines, such as narcotics, antidepressants, or iron pills).
11.Depression.
12.Eating disorders.
13.Pregnancy.
14.Colon cancer.
15.In some cases, lack of good nerve and muscle function in the bowel may also be a cause of constipation.
Symptoms of constipation can include:
1.Infrequent bowel movements and/or difficulty having bowel movements.
2.Swollen abdomen or abdominal pain.
3.Pain.
4.Vomiting.
Tests your doctor may perform to diagnose the cause of your constipation include:
1.Blood tests if a hormonal imbalance is suspected.
2.Barium studies to look for obstruction of the colon.
3.Colonoscopy to look for obstruction of the colon.
Majority of patients with constipation do not have any obvious illness to explain their symptoms and suffer from one of two problems:
1.Colonic inertia. A condition in which the colon contracts poorly and retains stool.
2.Obstructed defecation. A condition in which the person excessively strains to expel stool from the rectum.
Recommendations for you are;
1.Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fiber. Good sources of fiber are fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole-grain bread and cereal (especially bran). Fiber and water help the colon pass stool.
2.Drink 1 1/2 to 2 quarts of water and other fluids a day (unless fluid restricted for another medical condition). Liquids that contain caffeine, such as coffee and soft drinks, seem to have a dehydrating effect and may need to be avoided until your bowel habits return to normal. Some people may need to avoid milk, as dairy products may be constipating for them.
3.Exercise regularly.
4.Move your bowels when you feel the urge.
5.Try warm liquids, especially in the morning.
6.Add fruits and vegetables to your diet.
7.Eat prunes and/or bran cereal.
8.If needed, use a very mild stool softener or laxative.
9.Do not use laxatives for more than two weeks without calling your doctor, as laxative overuse can aggravate your symptoms.