Constipation (also known as costiveness or dyschezia), refers to bowel movements that are infrequent or hard to pass. ( Typically three times or fewer per week). This is a difficulty during defecation (straining during more than 25% of bowel movements or a subjective sensation of hard stools), or the sensation of incomplete bowel evacuation.
Constipation is a common cause of painful defecation. Severe constipation includes obstipation (failure to pass stools or gas) and fecal impaction, which can progress to bowel obstruction and become life-threatening. Constipation is a symptom with many causes. These causes are of two types: obstructed defecation and colonic slow transit (or hypomobility). About 50% of patients evaluated for constipation at tertiary referral hospitals have obstructed defecation. This type of constipation has mechanical and functional causes. Causes of colonic slow transit constipation include diet, hormonal disorders such as hypothyroidism (low thyroidism), side effects of medications, and rarely heavy metal toxicity. Because constipation is a symptom, not a disease, effective treatment of constipation may require first determining the cause. Treatments include changes in dietary habits, laxatives, enemas, biofeedback, and in particular situations surgery may be required.
CAUSES OF CONSTIPATION
The causes of constipation can be divided into congenital, primary, and secondary. The most common cause is primary and not life-threatening .Constipation can be caused or exacerbated by a low fiber diet, low liquid intake, or dieting.. In the elderly, causes include: insufficient dietary fiber intake, inadequate fluid intake, decreased physical activity, side effects of medications. In children, constipation usually occurs at three distinct points in time: after starting formula or processed foods (while an infant), during toilet training in toddlerhood, and soon after starting school (as in a kindergarten)
After birth, most infants pass 4-5 soft liquid bowel movements (BM) a day. Breast-fed infants usually tend to have more BM compared to formula-fed infants. Some breast-fed infants have a BM after each feed, whereas others have only one BM every 2–3 days. Infants who are breast-fed rarely develop constipation. By the age of two years, a child will usually have 1–2 bowel movements per day and by four years of age; a child will have one bowel movement per day
The causes of constipation can be divided into congenital, primary, and secondary. The most common cause is primary and not life-threatening .Constipation can be caused or exacerbated by a low fiber diet, low liquid intake, or dieting.. In the elderly, causes include: insufficient dietary fiber intake, inadequate fluid intake, decreased physical activity, side effects of medications. In children, constipation usually occurs at three distinct points in time: after starting formula or processed foods (while an infant), during toilet training in toddlerhood, and soon after starting school (as in a kindergarten)
After birth, most infants pass 4-5 soft liquid bowel movements (BM) a day. Breast-fed infants usually tend to have more BM compared to formula-fed infants. Some breast-fed infants have a BM after each feed, whereas others have only one BM every 2–3 days. Infants who are breast-fed rarely develop constipation. By the age of two years, a child will usually have 1–2 bowel movements per day and by four years of age; a child will have one bowel movement per day
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| Image showing Faeces of individual with constipation |
TREATMENT : The main treatment of constipation involves the increased intake of water and fiber (either dietary or as supplements). The routine use of laxatives is discouraged, as having bowel movements may come to be dependent upon their use. Enemas can be used to provide a form of mechanical stimulation. However, enemas are generally useful only for stool in the rectum, not in the intestinal tract.
1) Laxatives :If laxatives are used, milk of magnesia is recommended as a first-line agent due to its low cost and safety. Stimulants should only be used if this is not effective. In cases of chronic constipation, polyethylene glycol appears superior to lactulose.
2) Frequent physical exercise is recommended to improve bowel movement.
ADEQUATE NUTRITION, HEALTHIER SOCIETY.
FOR MORE INFO.
Kenneth Mercy (B.sc Human Nutrition & Dietetics)
Consultant Nutritionist
http://mercynutritioncorner.blogspot.com
kennethmercy@yahoo.com
+234 806 134 4343
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