A constipation (also Constipation) is a known and common symptom. Difficult bowel movements are characteristic of constipation. The bowel movement is usually delayed or irregular and its consistency is usually hard or hardened.
What is constipation?
Constipation is usually not an actual total blockage of the gastrointestinal tract. Rather, the feeling of constipation on the part of the person concerned is subjective, since normal bowel movements are difficult, delayed or hardened. This can also lead to pain when defecating.
Pathological constipation, however, occurs when the following criteria are repeatedly met over a long period of time: 1. The stool is hardened or very hard. 2. The stool is only excreted with strong and painful pressing. 3. The person concerned feels that not everything has been eliminated. 4. In order to completely empty the entire chair, fingers or hands must be used. 5. The affected person can defecate less than three times a week. 6. The patient has the feeling that the bowel or anus is closed or blocked.
Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal symptoms, along with stomach pain. However, the majority of older women suffer from constipation.
causes
The most common cause of constipation is an unbalanced and unhealthy diet. Stress and medication can also affect digestion and lead to uncomfortable constipation. Functional constipation is usually harmless and disappears after a few days. However, persistent constipation can also cause another illness.
There are several physiological causes of constipation. Above all, functional disorders of the intestine are responsible for the constipation. For example, the movement of stool in the colon may be slowed. So here the intestine needs a lot more time to move the stool to the rectum.
The digestive residues arriving from the small intestine then build up and water is withdrawn from the stool over time. This is also the main reason for the hard and firm stool, which can then also lead to pain.
If the large intestine is working normally and indigestion still occurs, the cause may be an emptying disorder in which the rectum may be blocked. Both of the above-mentioned causes are mostly harmless and usually go away quickly.
As noted, the main reasons for constipation are a low-fiber diet and lack of exercise. Sometimes suppressed stool due to a lack of stress or lack of time (e.g. when traveling) leads to constipation.
You can find your medication here
➔ Medication for constipation and intestinal problemsDiseases with this symptom
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Diabetes mellitus
- Hypothyroidism
- Volvulus
- Potassium deficiency
- Intestinal polyps
- multiple sclerosis
- Colon cancer
- Hypercalcemia
- Diverticulitis
- Lactose intolerance
- Intestinal obstruction
Complications
Constipation can have various complications if it occurs as part of a serious underlying condition or if it develops into a chronic complaint with the typical accompanying symptoms. Chronic constipation can lead to the formation of hardened feces (skybala), often associated with an anal fissure and hemorrhoids.
In the course of this, various complaints such as rectal prolapse or megacolon can develop. Basically, constipation increases the risk of inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, which can usually lead to diarrhea and pain, but depending on the patient's constitution, can also lead to an intestinal obstruction. In high-risk patients, i.e. bedridden and elderly people as well as patients after an operation, constipation often leads to an intestinal obstruction.
The complications range from nausea and vomiting to a gastric perforation. If left untreated, mechanical ileus can lead to patient death. Chronic constipation can also contribute to the development of fecal incontinence or encopresis and thus cause permanent restrictions in everyday life. Treating constipation can cause diarrhea and stomach pain; If an operation is necessary, further complications can result.
When should you go to the doctor?
A doctor should definitely be consulted in the event of constipation if the feeling prevails that it will not resolve on its own. The usual bowel movements are crucial here. If you are used to having daily bowel movements, constipation is far more unpleasant for about a week than for someone who only has a bowel movement every two to three days anyway.
If laxatives do not help either and if the constipation does not resolve itself within ten days, it is advisable to see a doctor. Finally, further straining the digestive tract by using other laxatives or untried home remedies is not advisable in the case of constipation that cannot be resolved.
However, a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible in the event of constipation for several days in combination with other symptoms. Fever, severe nausea, miseries, pain and discoloration of the skin are warning signs.
If constipation is already known to your own body and usually resolves on its own, the cause for it can be found in the lifestyle - especially in the diet - and eliminated.
Doctors & therapists in your area
Treatment & Therapy
Usually there is no need to see a doctor in case of constipation. Often natural or herbal laxatives are enough from the pharmacy. However, if the blockages persist and cause pain, medical treatment is advisable. If the doctor then finds a disease that comes into consideration as the cause, this must be treated first. If medication is the cause, it should be discontinued if possible.
For normal constipation, treatment should be mainly through diet change. High-fiber products in particular have a swelling effect and also increase the water content of the stool. Whole grain products, fruits and vegetables are suitable for this. In addition, you should drink a lot. You should avoid chocolate, white bread, rolls, red wine and black tea.
Flaxseed swollen in water, which should then be consumed, has also proven to be helpful in the case of constipation. Laxatives should only be used in consultation with a doctor, as they can cause gas and stomach upset.
Outlook & forecast
In the case of constipation, the prognosis is based on the cause and severity of the constipation. Diet-related constipation promises a positive prognosis. With a balanced diet, sufficient fluid intake and plenty of exercise, bowel movements can usually regulate itself again. In the case of drug-induced constipation, it is usually sufficient to adjust or suspend the medication until the symptoms have subsided. In the company of the family doctor, laxatives and other preparations can also be taken that eliminate the symptoms of constipation.
If the constipation is based on another disease, the prognosis depends on the course of the underlying disease. Concomitant therapies can alleviate the symptoms of constipation, but not completely eliminate them. Often there are also comorbidities such as fecal stones, which have to be treated separately. Chronic gastrointestinal diseases also worsen the prospect of a quick recovery.
In general, however, if you see a doctor immediately if you suspect constipation, the chances of recovery are good. If complications have already developed, the constipation may need to be treated surgically. By taking preventive measures, bowel behavior can be improved in the long term and the prognosis in the event of constipation can be significantly improved.
You can find your medication here
➔ Medication for constipation and intestinal problemsprevention
other home remedies ↵ for constipation Above all, a high-fiber diet and plenty of exercise are good preventive measures against constipation. Avoid white flour products, chocolate and red wine. Eat more raw vegetables and whole grains. Do more exercise in the fresh air or exercise your body through gardening.
Home remedies & herbs
- Buckthorn bark is effective against liver and gallbladder problems and helps against constipation.
You can do that yourself
Constipation can burden everyday life with unpleasant side effects such as abdominal pain or flatulence. However, there are many ways to alleviate these symptoms yourself, which can be easily implemented in everyday life and can clear the constipation. Diet is an important factor.
Digestive and high fiber foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can help relieve constipation. Plums, dried figs or grapes are particularly effective. Recommended vegetables for constipation include spinach, cabbage, peas and beans. High fat foods should be avoided during constipation. This remains in the stomach for a very long time and also makes you limp. However, a teaspoon of linseed or olive oil in the morning has a positive effect and can stimulate digestion. Adequate hydration is also important. The less fluid is absorbed, the harder the stool is.
For good digestion it is important that enough exercise is integrated into everyday life. Sedentary lifestyle makes the gastrointestinal tract sluggish. Therefore, exercise should be done, especially with constipation, to get the bowels going. Abdominal massages can also be helpful for constipation. You can do this yourself at any time. To do this, it is advisable to make circular hand movements around the navel in a clockwise direction. This massage can take place several times a day and should last about 10 minutes.
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