Constipation happens when a person finds it hard to pass stool.
Causes of Constipation
Constipation happens for different reasons, such as when the passing of stool through the colon is too slow. When stool moves through the digestive tract slower, the colon ends up absorbing more water. Feces also ends up becoming harder.
At times, constipation could happen due to a blockage in the small and large intestine. In such a case, urgent medical attention is necessary.
Aside from these, lacking dietary fiber could result in constipation. This is due to how fiber promotes bowel movements that are regular, especially when it is combined with proper hydration.
Foods that are rich in fiber include nuts, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, chickpeas, lentils, and other legumes.
Another possible reason for constipation is physical inactivity. Though the exact reason for this still remains a mystery, researchers think that this is due to how physical activity could aid stool in passing through the colon.
There are also certain medications that can increase constipation risk. These medications include diuretics, anticonvulsants, antispasmodic, anticholinergics, antacids that contain aluminum and calcium, narcotic pain medications, and calcium channel blockers.
Other health conditions could also boost a person's constipation risk or directly cause it. These conditions include celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, stress, depression, Parkinson's disease, intestinal obstruction, diabetes, other metabolism-affecting conditions, hypothyroidism, and inflammation due to diverticular disease or proctitis. At times, treating underlying health conditions could aid in alleviating constipation symptoms.
Constipation can also result from insufficient water drinking, age-related bowel movement changes, and abuse or overuse of laxatives.
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Constipation in Infants, Babies, and Pregnant People
Infants and babies may also experience constipation. If a newborn baby does not pass their first stool, or meconium, within their first 48 hours after birth, they may have a condition known as Hirschsprung's disease. Such a condition involves missing nerve cells from an area in the large intestines. In such a case, stool cannot move through the affected region of the colon, leading to a backup.
In most cases, healthcare professionals can spot symptoms and recommend the baby to undergo surgery as treatment. Babies who are born with this condition usually have a good outlook.
Young infants may also experience constipation during potty training, weaning, and stressful times.
Moreover, when it comes to pregnancy, it has been found that roughly 40% experience it during this time. In fact, it could be quite common as the pregnancy reaches its end. This could be due to physical changes, hormonal changes, dietary changes, and a decline in physical activity.
Treating Constipation
There are natural remedies that could aid with relieving constipation. Such remedies include drinking sufficient water, taking enough dietary fiber, engaging in sufficient physical activity, and sticking to a schedule for bowel movement.
Laxatives, which are a kind of medication, could also help with constipation. It is recommended that laxatives should not be taken for over a week. If a person takes laxatives for over a week, they may need to treat an underlying medical condition that causes constipation.
If laxatives do not relieve the constipation, a physician could recommend undergoing colonoscopy or abdominal imaging test to examine for a possible underlying condition. If this is present, certain prescription medications or even surgery could be necessary. Depending on the results of the test and the response of a person to surgical or medical therapy, further treatment could be necessary.
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