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Overview for Dietary and Lifestyle or Treatment info
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Constipation is a common condition in which stools become delayed
in transit through the bowel, hard and difficult to pass. It is often
equated with the number of times a person passes a motion and there
are varying opinions as to what is normal. The fact is that normality
varies with the individual. Once or twice or more per day or even
only one motion every 2 or 3 days could be considered normal.
The problems of hard stools can usually be corrected by developing
healthier eating habits. In the United Kingdom our fibre intake is
considered to be too low which can lead to constipation and a number
of other undesirable conditions, including haemorrhoids, anal fissures
and diverticulitis.
Other problems that directly or indirectly may contribute to
constipation include:
conditions often caused by constipation which may perpetuate the disorder,
such as anal fissure or haemorrhoids, which may make defecating painful
resulting in a reluctance to go to the toilet. These conditions can
be corrected by local applications or by surgery.
lack of exercise which has some adverse affects, mainly in connection
with muscle tone.
work conditions such as shift work, where the natural body rhythms
are disturbed, when access to toilet facilities are inadequate and
the individual waits to go to a known environment.
emotional problems
over-use of laxatives, which is counter-productive
There are times when constipation is not to be ignored.
The warning signs are:
Pain on passing a motion for no apparent reason.
Abdominal pain.
Loss of weight that cannot be explained.
Change in bowel habits, e.g. intermittent diarrhoea.
Rectal bleeding.
It would be advisable to obtain a medical opinion if in doubt.
Naturally, people wish to correct their constipation by taking medical
aids. The number and variety is considerable. You should not take
laxatives regularly for the very good reason that you are developing
a bad habit not a natural one and you may be masking a secondary condition
which requires action.
Suppositories can be helpful and enemas are effective but neither
are advised without seeking a medical opinion. Your doctor may advise
you to have your lower bowel examined, possibly by X-ray technique
to eliminate any serious problems.
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