| Constipation, in fact, has many causes. The cause of your
constipation may be a poor diet, lack of exercise and water, or
something more serious. This article will review the main causes
on constipation in the hope we can pinpoint the cause of
constipation for you.
If you’re like many Americans, constipation is something
you’ve experienced. Over 4 million people each year report being
constipated. To understand why you may be suffering, you first
need to know exactly what constipation means.
Defining Constipation
Being constipated means that you have difficulty passing
stools. Many people have been taught that constipation is
related to the number of times you have a bowel movement.
In reality, constipation has relatively little to do with how
many times you’ve had a
bowel movement. It’s normal for someone to have anywhere
from 3 bowel movements per week to 3 bowel movements a day. If
your stools are soft and pass easily and you pass them at least
3 times per week, you’re not constipated.
In order to be diagnosed with constipation, you must have at
least two of the following symptoms for at least 12 months:
• Hard or pellet-like stools at least 25% of the time
• Straining with bowel movements at least 25% of the time
• A feeling that you don’t completely empty your bowels at least
25% of the time
• Fewer than 3 bowel movements per week
• Fewer than 2 bowel movements per week with no other symptoms
The Cause of Constipation
The most common cause of constipation is a lack of adequate
amounts of
water
and fiber in the diet. The longer the stool sits in the large
intestine waiting to be passed, the harder and less easy to pass
it becomes.
There are many other reasons that you may find yourself
constipated. Common causes of constipation include:
• A change in schedule, such as traveling or anything that
changes your daily routine
• Waiting to have a bowel movement
• An increase in your stress levels
• A lack of exercise
• Loss of activity as a result of injury or aging
• Pregnancy
• Medication use
Constipation may also be a result of another health problem,
such as irritable bowel syndrome or diabetes.
Older people (over the age of 65) experience constipation more
often than other adults. This is often due to an increase in
medications and loss of mobility.
A more uncommon cause of constipation results from an actual
obstruction in the large intestine. This can be caused by an
obstruction such as a tumor or
gallstone
that is wedged in the intestine.
The bowel may also be obstructed if the large intestine has
twisted on itself. Another possible cause of bowel obstruction
is from connective tissue diseases such as lupus or scleroderma.
If you’re experiencing symptoms from constipation for more than
two weeks, it’s a good idea to seek the advice of your doctor.
Together you can pinpoint the causes of your constipation and
choose the best treatment options.
by Dr. Edward F. Group III
Related topics:
Constipation and bowel movement - Learn how to have more
bowel movements.
Constipation remedy - A proven effective cure for
constipation sufferers.
Stool and bowel movement - analyze your health by the
color, smell and shape of your stool. |
