Suffering from hard stool

 I have been having difficulty passing stool for over a year now. It comes  on and off and with pains. Please I need information. B Y Q. Your condition falls under the definition of   constipation, a condition that many people are also experiencing. Constipation occurs when bowel movements become difficult or less frequent. In […]

 I have been having difficulty passing stool for over a year now. It comes  on and off and with pains. Please I need information.

B Y Q.

Your condition falls under the definition of   constipation, a condition that many people are also experiencing. 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 he/she has two or more of the following for at least three 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 are:

1.     Inadequate water intake.

2.     Inadequate fiber in a diet.

3.     A disruption of regular diet or routine such as during traveling.

4.     Inadequate activity or exercise or immobility.

5.     Eating large amounts of dairy products and stress.

6.     Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement, this is sometimes the result of pain from hemorrhoids.

7.     Overuse of laxatives (stool softeners) which, over time, weaken the bowel muscles.

8.     Taking regularly Antacid medicines that contain calcium or aluminum and medicines (especially strong pain medicines, such as narcotics, antidepressants, or iron pills).

9.     Depression.

10.                        Eating disorders.

11.                        Pregnancy.

12.                        Colon cancer.

Symptoms

1.     Infrequent bowel movements and/or difficulty having bowel movements.

2.     Swollen abdomen or abdominal pain.

3.     Vomiting.

Tests that may be performed to diagnose the cause of your constipation include:

1.     Blood tests if a hormonal imbalance is suspected.

2.     Barium studies and/or colonoscopy to look for obstruction of the colon.

The vast 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

1.     Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fiber. Good sources of fiber are fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole-grain bread and cereal. Fiber and water help the colon pass stool.

2.     Drink good quantity 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.     Add fruits and vegetables to your diet.

5.     Eat prunes and/or bran cereal.

6.     If needed, use a very mild stool softener or laxative.

7.     Do not use laxatives for more than two weeks without calling your doctor, as laxative overuse can aggravate your symptoms.