Constipation

<p>Constipation refers to very hard stools or bowel movements that are hard to pass.</p><p>You may also:</p><p>• Need to strain</p><p>• Feel like you did not completely empty your bowels</p><p>• Have cramping, pain, bloating or nausea</p><p>Common causes of constipation are</p><p>• not enough fiber in the diet</p><p>• lack of physical activity (especially in the elderly)</p><p>• medications</p><p>• milk</p><p>• irritable bowel syndrome</p><p>• changes in life or routine such as pregnancy, aging, and travel</p><p>• abuse of laxatives</p><p>• ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement</p><p>• dehydration</p><p>• specific diseases or conditions, such as stroke (most common)</p><p>• problems with the colon and rectum</p><p>• problems with intestinal function (chronic idiopathic constipation)</p><p>Medications</p><p>Some medications can cause constipation, including</p><p>• pain medications (especially narcotics)</p><p>• antacids that contain aluminum and calcium</p><p>• blood pressure medications (calcium channel blockers)</p><p>• antiparkinson drugs</p><p>• antispasmodics</p><p>• antidepressants</p><p>• iron supplements</p><p>• diuretics</p><p>• anticonvulsants</p><p>Specific Diseases</p><p>Diseases that cause constipation include neurological disorders, metabolic and endocrine disorders, and systemic conditions that affect organ systems. These disorders can slow the movement of stool through the colon, rectum, or anus.</p><p>Conditions that can cause constipation are found below.</p><p>• Neurological disorders</p><p>• multiple sclerosis</p><p>• Parkinson’s disease</p><p>• chronic idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction</p><p>• stroke</p><p>• spinal cord injuries</p><p>• Metabolic and endocrine conditions</p><p>• diabetes</p><p>• uremia</p><p>• hypercalcemia</p><p>• poor glycemic control</p><p>• hypothyroidism</p><p>• Systemic disorders</p><p>• amyloidosis</p><p>• lupus</p><p>• scleroderma</p><p>Medical History</p><p>The doctor may ask a patient to describe his or her constipation, including duration of symptoms, frequency of bowel movements, consistency of stools, presence of blood in the stool, and toilet habits - how often and where one has bowel movements. A record of eating habits, medication, and level of physical activity will also help the doctor determine the cause of constipation.</p><p>The clinical definition of constipation is having any two of the following symptoms for at least 12 weeks - not always consecutive - in the previous 12 months:</p><p>• straining during bowel movements</p><p>• lumpy or hard stool</p><p>• sensation of incomplete evacuation</p><p>• sensation of anorectal blockage/obstruction</p><p>• fewer than three bowel movements per week</p><p>How is constipation treated?</p><p>Although treatment depends on the cause, severity, and duration of the constipation, in most cases dietary and lifestyle changes will help relieve symptoms and help prevent them from recurring.</p><p>To help prevent constipation:</p><p>Drink at least 8-10 cups of liquids each day. Warm or hot drinks may help your bowels move more easily. Eat high fiber foods such as bran cereal, whole grain breads, raw vegetables, fresh or dried fruits, nuts and popcorn. Fiber helps move stool through your body.</p><p>An illness is like garbage in your house. It has to be thrown out. Covering or pushing it aside will not make you secure against its harmful effects. Similarly, an ailment is a foreign element in the body and must be taken out. It is a folly to keep it covered and let it remain inside the body.<br>Homepathy operates on the principle of removing the garbage and not putting it aside.</p>