Constipation

Constipation is a condition classified as a standalone disease by ICD-10 (the international classification of diseases) and has specific causes and treatments. However, according to the World Gastroenterological Organization, constipation is a symptom of some pre-existing disease in humans.

Constipation in adults is a common problem. The primary clue that the disorder is present is delayed bowel movements (bowel movements). It is important to note that normal frequency of defecation varies from person to person. Normally, bowel movements should occur once a day. However, in some people, this process occurs 2 to 3 times a week. However, they feel well and have no other signs of constipation.

However, if the infrequent bowel movements make a person uncomfortable, worsen their general condition, decrease their appetite, make their stools dry and hard, and make an effort to defecate, they should see a specialist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Constipation in Adults

Constipation in adults is mostly related to lifestyle and diet. Stress, such as a change in diet or the environment due to a move to another country, can also delay bowel movements. Such cases are rare, occur for a short time, and require little or no treatment.

But regular constipation, in which problems with defecation are chronic, must be examined to understand the cause and treat, as this condition leads to disruption of the entire gastrointestinal tract and, as a result, negatively affects the body as a whole.

According to statistics, up to 50% of the adult population experienced irregular bowel movements. Women are three times more likely to be constipated than men. In addition to stool retention, manifestations of disease include

Increased density of stool (which makes stool hard and dry)
Feeling that defecation is incomplete
heaviness in the abdomen
the need for muscle effort to perform the act of defecation.

Constipation female

Constipation is common among women. Some changes in hormone levels may cause this stool disturbance. The feeling of fullness in the abdomen, pain in the bowel, weakness caused by intoxication due to retention of stool, and the amount of time a woman has to spend fighting constipation make life difficult. At the same time, due to the sensitivity of the problem, they do not always turn to a specialist for advice, examination and treatment, preferring to escape folk remedies and drugs known from commercials. However, it should not be forgotten that the cause of chronic constipation can be a serious disease, which can be treated only by a doctor.

Constipation in pregnancy is a problem that affects about 60% of women. Some begin to have problems with defecation late in life, whereas others begin early in life. The main causes of constipation during this period are hormonal changes, sedentary lifestyle, as well as the growing uterus, which is putting increasing pressure on the intestine.

Delayed bowel movements can lead to intoxication of the body, which negatively affects the woman's overall condition. Another danger of constipation during pregnancy is the need to make efforts during defecation. Constipation forces the woman to push.

Manifestations such as general malaise, headache, irritability, and abdominal distention affect both the physical and the moral state of a pregnant woman. An additional complication is that pregnancy places significant limitations on the use of drugs to treat constipation.

Constipation male

Constipation is less common among men than women. The main causes of problems with defecation are poor nutrition, consumption of a large amount of fatty food, insufficient physical activity, alcohol abuse. However, constipation may result from another disorder or from a symptom.

Constipation may be caused by chronic emotional distress and by high levels of stress.

Uncontrolled use of drugs and nutritional supplements often contributes to constipation.
Laxative for constipation is often an alternative to seeing a doctor. However, this artificial stimulation of bowel movements may worsen the problem later, causing tolerance and greatly complicating the natural defecation process.

Symptoms of Constipation in Adults

The main manifestation of constipation is the absence of stool for more than three days. But the presence of a disease should be judged on the basis of the characteristics of the patient. In addition to defecation, the associated signs of constipation are

Pain along the large intestine and sometimes cramps in the intestine Abnormal fecal accumulation and impaction stretch the intestine, irritating the receptors and causing pain.
bloating, which is directly related to the duration of constipation The longer the person is unable to pass bowel movements, the greater the stool in the intestine, and the greater the distention.
Decreased appetite due to malfunction of the digestive system
belching and an unpleasant taste in the mouth that occurs due to the prolonged stay of stool in the intestine and the subsequent intoxication of the body,
a feeling of incomplete bowel movement,
a small amount of stool. Because peristalsis is disrupted, the intestine is difficult to empty completely, and only a small amount of stool may be passed during bowel movements.
Toxicity caused by the retention of stool can lead to headaches, weakness, depressed mood. The increased stiffness of the stool often causes pain during bowel movements.

Dietary changes.

In order to get rid of constipation, it is recommended to include in the menu more products containing fiber, as well as products with a light laxative effect. The increased amount of fluid will also benefit the bowel and constipation may decrease.

Increased physical activity
Because hypodynamia is a common cause of constipation, following a mandatory exercise day may help with bowel function. Special physical therapy will also be useful.

Normalization of psychological state.
Stresses and nerves can interfere with bowel movements. Stress management is therefore a component of comprehensive treatment of constipation. Outdoor exercise, relaxing massage and positive emotions will help to bring emotional state to normal.

Exclusion of other disorders in which constipation is a symptom
If defecation problems have been present for a long time and the treatments that are prescribed do not bring about the expected improvements, people should undergo a more complete evaluation to rule out (or detect and treat) other disorders.

Constipation diet

Diet for constipation is the main means of correction, because the health of the intestines of any person is determined by what he eats. It is necessary to include more fruits and vegetables in your menu, as well as useful dried fruits - prunes, dried apricots.

Meat and fish are permissible only in limited quantities, and it is better to cook such products by cooking or stewing. Soups and broths of low-fat meat varieties are also suitable for constipation.

The following foods should not be used when stool is delayed:

pastries
Fatty varieties of meat and fish, broths of them
Alcohol, strong tea and coffee
Rice in large quantities
Spicy dishes
Garlic, onion
Chocolate and cream
Pears and bananas

Of course, consult a doctor

Forlax (Macrogol)

Forlax is a solution powder used to treat constipation, which increases the volume of intestinal contents and makes it easier to move. Forlax is recommended for people of all ages, including pregnant women