Digestive Conditions
Constipation Treatment in Ahmedabad
Constipation affects a substantial portion of the population and is particularly common in older adults, women and children. For most people it settles with changes to diet, fluids, toilet habits and activity, but some need tests to find the exact cause and a few need treatment for a muscle problem in the pelvic floor. This page explains what constipation is, what causes it, the symptoms, how it is diagnosed and treated, and the warning signs that should prompt you to see a doctor.
What is constipation?
Constipation is defined as straining, hard stools and an inability to have a bowel movement.
Bowel movement frequency varies widely among healthy people, from three bowel movements per day to three bowel movements in a week. There is no single number that is normal for everyone.
Causes of constipation
Constipation may follow from everyday habits, from medication, or from an underlying medical condition.
- Low fibre diet
- Inadequate fluid intake
- Low levels of physical activity
- Poor toilet training
- Medications
- Medical conditions, including diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, neurological disorders and colorectal diseases
Symptoms
- Stool frequency less than three times per week
- Abdominal discomfort or bloating
- Straining frequently while passing stool
- A sensation of incomplete bowel movements
- Having to apply manual pressure to have a bowel movement
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of constipation requires a detailed medical history and a physical examination, including a per rectal examination. The treating doctor will determine the exact cause of the constipation and treat it accordingly.
Medical tests
A colonoscopy may be advised for visualisation of the rectum and large bowel. A motility study or a colonic transit study may also be needed.
In a few patients, special tests such as defecography or a balloon expulsion test are required.
Treatment
Lifestyle modification and dietary changes are the most important components needed to relieve constipation.
- Dietary changes: food high in fibre, including vegetables and fruits, beans, high fibre cereals and breads. Plenty of fluid intake. Avoid caffeinated beverages.
- Toilet habits: allot sufficient time for undisturbed visits to the washroom. A bowel movement after breakfast is often the most productive. Do not ignore the urge to have a bowel movement.
- Physical activity: regular exercise, including walking, cycling or swimming.
Fibre supplements and laxatives
Along with lifestyle changes, you may require other treatment options.
Fibre supplements are usually natural supplements that make stools softer. They are safe to use daily.
Laxative is a common term for medications that promote bowel movements. Some medicines work by stimulating the bowel or rectum, while other drugs change the consistency of the stool. A few patients require various combinations of medications for their constipation.
Biofeedback therapy or surgery
Rarely, patients who have pelvic muscle dysfunction may need biofeedback therapy or surgery.
When to consult a doctor
See a doctor if you notice any of the following.
- An unexplained alteration in bowel habits
- Pain and straining while passing stool that does not improve after diet and lifestyle changes
- Stool mixed with blood
- Rectal pain or discomfort
- Constipation that alternates with diarrhoea
- Pencil-like thin stools
- Unexplained, unintentional loss of weight
- Something coming out from the rectum when you strain down
Frequently asked
What is constipation?
Constipation is defined as straining, hard stools and an inability to have a bowel movement.
How many bowel movements a week are normal?
Bowel movement frequency varies widely among healthy people, from three bowel movements per day to three bowel movements in a week.
Who gets constipation most often?
Constipation affects a substantial portion of the population and is particularly prevalent in older adults, women and children.
Are fibre supplements safe to take every day?
Fibre supplements are usually natural supplements that make stools softer, and they are safe to use daily.
Which tests may be needed for constipation?
A colonoscopy for visualisation of the rectum and large bowel, a motility study or a colonic transit study may be advised. A few patients need special tests such as defecography or a balloon expulsion test.
Does constipation ever need surgery?
Rarely. Patients who have pelvic muscle dysfunction may need biofeedback therapy or surgery.
When should I see a doctor about constipation?
See a doctor for an unexplained change in bowel habits, pain and straining that does not improve after diet and lifestyle changes, stool mixed with blood, rectal pain or discomfort, constipation alternating with diarrhoea, pencil-like thin stools, unexplained weight loss, or something coming out from the rectum when you strain down.
Where to go next
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