Complications of Constipation

7 causes of constipation and 9 ways to solve constipation!

Constipation refers to the difficulty in passing stool or the decrease in the frequency of defecation.

According to hospital health education instructions, the medical definition of constipation is less than three bowel movements per week.

Or you need to exert a lot of effort every time you go to the toilet, and you feel like your bowel movements are not clean. These are all signs of constipation.

Generally speaking, the normal frequency of bowel movements is 3 bowel movements per day, or once every 3 days is within the normal range.

However, there are a few people who only have a bowel movement once a week or more, but they do not feel any discomfort.

So, if your bowel movement frequency exceeds this range and you feel uncomfortable, it can be defined as constipation.

1.    What are the symptoms of constipation? What are some ways to tell?

Constipation is a common digestive problem characterized by difficult or infrequent bowel movements.

People often experience some symptoms when they are constipated, not only a decrease in the frequency of defecation, but also hardening of the stool texture.

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Here are 6 ways to diagnose constipation:

a. Anal pain during defecation

Hard feces can cause pressure and friction on the anus during defecation, causing pain or other discomfort.

b. Difficulty defecation

During constipation, stools lose water and become dry and hard, resembling small stones or marbles, making defecation difficult.

c. I found blood stains on the toilet paper when I went to the toilet.

After going to the toilet, you find blood stains on the toilet paper you wiped. It may be due to excessive force during defecation, which may lead to anal fissure and other conditions.

d. Feeling of unclean defecation

If you still feel that you have not cleared your bowels after defecation, feel that your abdomen is bloated, or there is still feces in your anus, it may be a symptom of constipation.

e. Abdominal pain and discomfort

If your intestines feel bloated and your stomach feels full, it may be constipation.

f. Loss of appetite

The accumulation of feces in the intestines can cause discomfort such as bloating and abdominal pain, which can make people not want to eat.

In addition, constipation can bring psychological stress and anxiety, and these negative emotions can also affect people's appetite.

2.    Normal defecation frequency

How often is it normal to defecate?

Clinically, it depends on age, eating habits, daily activities and physical constitution. The normal frequency of defecation is once every three days or three times a day.

3.    Classification of constipation

Constipation can be divided into three main types: flaccid constipation, rectal constipation and spastic constipation, each with different causes:

(1)    flaccid constipation

Flaccid constipation is mainly caused by insufficient intake of high-fiber foods such as vegetables and fruits.

Insufficient fiber intake will increase harmful bacteria and reduce beneficial bacteria in the intestines

It can also slow down the frequency of intestinal peristalsis and cause intestinal contents to accumulate, similar to a "puddle of stagnant water" state, making it difficult to pass stool even if the stool is not hard.

And flaccid constipation can make farts smell strong.

(2)    Rectal constipation

Rectal constipation is caused by the habit of ignoring or suppressing the urge to have a bowel movement.

Ignoring the urge to defecate for a long time will make the rectum less sensitive to the feeling of defecation, thus reducing the frequency of defecation.

(3)    Spasmodic Constipation

Spastic constipation is characterized by alternating constipation and diarrhea, as well as gastrointestinal discomfort, with symptoms similar to those of irritable bowel syndrome.

4. What are the causes of constipation? Why am I constipated?

Constipation is caused by a variety of factors, including dietary habits, lifestyle, and physical and mental health.

In addition, certain diseases and medications may block intestinal peristalsis and cause constipation.

(A)     Why does constipation occur?

    (1). Inadequate water intake

        Insufficient water intake leads to a decrease in intestinal water content,                 causing the stool to become dry and hardened, making it difficult to pass.

    (2). Insufficient fiber intake

        Insufficient fiber intake or excessive intake of refined foods will weaken                intestinal peristalsis.

    (3). Bad bowel habits

        Irregular defecation habits and habitual procrastination may lead to less             sensitive bowel movements and eventually constipation.

    (4). Emotions and stress factors

        Excessive emotional stress, stress or depression may affect the nerves that control bowel movements, resulting in reduced gastrointestinal motility.

    (5). Lack of exercise

        The elderly, those who work in offices and those who are bedridden for a long time live either sedentary or lying down for long periods of time and have very little activity in a day, which can easily lead to insufficient intestinal peristalsis.

    (6). Side effects of drugs

        Including painkillers, antidepressants, and antipsychotics, they may slow down gastrointestinal motility.

    (7). Specific diseases

        Diseases such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, intra-abdominal tumors or nerve damage may slow gastrointestinal motility and cause constipation.

(B) What are the causes of long-term constipation?

    When constipation changes from occasional to long-term constipation, it may be accompanied by discomfort such as bloating and abdominal pain.

    There are many causes of long-term constipation, including unbalanced diet, lack of exercise, excessive stress, side effects of medications, and certain diseases.

   (1). Unbalanced diet

        Fiber helps add bulk to stools, making them easier to pass, while water prevents stools from becoming dry and hard.

Therefore, a lack of these nutrients will make it difficult to pass stool and cause constipation.

    (2). Lack of exercise

        Long-term lack of exercise will reduce the mobility of the intestines.

    (3). Intestinal diseases

      Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal inflammation, or intestinal obstruction can affect the normal function of the intestines.

     (4). Metabolic diseases

    Metabolic diseases such as hypothyroidism and diabetes can affect the peristaltic function of the intestines.

    (5). Drug side effects

    Drugs such as antidepressants and analgesics can slow down intestinal motility or increase stool hardness.

    (6). Life stress

        Long-term mental stress can affect the autonomic nervous system and interfere with the operation of the intestines.

    (7). Poor bowel habits

        Ignoring the urge to defecate or delaying defecation for a long time will cause the intestines to become less sensitive to the urge to defecate, which may lead to constipation over time.

    (8). Age factor

        As we age, the strength and peristaltic ability of the intestinal muscles weaken, leading to difficulty in defecation.

    (9). Pregnancy

        Hormonal changes in pregnant women and pressure from the uterus on the intestines can cause constipation, which will become more obvious in late pregnancy.

(C) What are the causes of constipation and stomachache?

Stool builds up in the intestines, causing intestinal distension and increased pressure, which may cause stomach pain.

In addition, hardened stool may cause the bowels to move frequently in an attempt to push the hardened stool, which may also cause pain.

In some cases, constipation and abdominal pain may be the result of a more serious problem, such as a bowel obstruction, inflammatory bowel disease, or other digestive disorder.

    (1). Intestinal obstruction

        The intestines become blocked due to stones and tumors, preventing food and liquid from passing through normally.

    (2). Inflammatory bowel disease

    Such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, these diseases cause long-term inflammation of the intestines.

    (3). Irritable bowel syndrome

        Irritable bowel syndrome is a common condition that affects the large intestine, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea.

    (4). Hypothyroidism

        Inadequate secretion of thyroid hormone can slow down body metabolism, including intestinal motility, leading to constipation and abdominal pain.

    (5). Rectal laceration or hemorrhoids

        Long-term constipation and straining to defecate can cause rectal lacerations or hemorrhoids, making defecation painful.

3. What to do about constipation? 9 tips to improve constipation symptoms

a. Don’t delay going to the toilet

When you feel the urge to defecate, you should go to the toilet immediately to expel feces. Try not to delay or hold back, so as to avoid constipation.

b. Develop regular bowel habits

Even if you don't have an obvious urge to defecate, try sitting on the toilet at the same time every day to defecate.

Helps train the intestines to move according to a fixed time, so that bowel movements can be more regular.

c. Increase fiber intake

High-fiber foods help increase stool bulk and make it easier to pass through the intestines.

High-fiber foods include leeks, celery, vegetable stems, bamboo shoots, etc., which can help maintain intestinal health and prevent constipation.

d. Adequate water intake

Maintaining adequate fluid intake can help soften stools, while lack of water in the body can cause stools to become dry and hardened, making it difficult to pass.

Try to replenish 2,000c.c. of water every day. In addition to drinking water, you can also drink juice, soup and other non-caffeine drinks to increase your water intake.

e. Reduce stress

Stress and anxiety can have a negative impact on bowel function.

When you are stressed, try to relax yourself. Through deep breathing, yoga or meditation, you can help reduce stress and slow down the occurrence of constipation.

f. Exercise regularly

Regular exercise can help speed up digestion and promote intestinal peristalsis. Some simple activities, such as walking for 30 minutes a day, can significantly help improve constipation.

g. Environmental changes

When the living environment changes, people are likely to suffer from constipation.

However, constipation caused by environmental changes is usually temporary and can be improved as long as you maintain normal eating and exercise habits.

h. Take probiotics in moderation

Probiotics can regulate intestinal flora, and proper intake can help improve intestinal health and promote defecation.

i. Use laxatives with caution

Long-term dependence on laxatives will lead to intestinal dependence on drugs and weaken its own defecation function.

Laxatives should be used as short-term relief from constipation, not as a long-term solution.