Constipation

Are you experiencing bowel movements that are hard and dry, less frequent than usual, and difficult or painful to pass? If you answered "yes" to any of these, you may be experiencing constipation.

Occasional constipation affects almost everyone, including young children and the elderly. Constipation also tends to be more common in women. Pregnancy, childbirth, and surgery can also contribute to constipation.

On the other hand, not everything that seems like constipation is. You may think you're constipated if you don't have a bowel movement every day, or if your stool is firm. But these by themselves don't necessarily equal constipation. "Normal," in terms of bowel movement frequency, depends on your age, physiology, diet, social and cultural influences, and other individual factors. There is no right or wrong number of bowel movements that you should have per day or per week. For example, while the normal frequency of bowel movements in Western society may range from 1 to 3 per day to 1 to 3 per week, in countries where a high-fibre diet predominates, normal bowel movements may occur as often as several times a day.

How does constipation happen? Water is absorbed from the food you eat as it moves through the colon (large intestine). What's left is a waste product, which doctors refer to as stool. As the muscles in the colon contract, the stool is pushed down towards the rectum. But when the muscles of the colon are sluggish, the colon absorbs too much water, and the stool becomes hard and dry, which makes it difficult to pass. This results in painful and difficult bowel movements.

What commonly causes constipation? Constipation can be caused by:

• a low-fibre diet
• not drinking enough fluids
• lack of exercise
• ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement
• a change in routine, such as travel
• pregnancy hormones
• older age
• certain chronic illnesses, such as irritable bowel syndrome or an underactive thyroid
• recovering from surgery
• taking certain medications.

There are several kinds of medications that can cause constipation. For example, up to 95% of people who take narcotics or opioid medications to control pain, either after surgery or for other reasons, experience constipation. Other constipation-causing medications include:

• antacids that contain aluminum or calcium
• antispasmodic drugs
• antipsychotic drugs
• iron supplements
• anticholinergics
• anticonvulsants for epilepsy
• antiparkinsonism drugs

However, if you have tried different treatments and lifestyle modifications unsuccessfully, but the constipation has not gone away, and it's been going on for a period of 3 months or more, you may be suffering from chronic constipation, also known as idiopathic or functional chronic constipation. Your doctor will use addition criteria to determine a diagnosis of chronic constipation, such as the frequency of bowel movements per week, how often you need to strain to have a bowel movement, feeling of incomplete evacuation, and consistency of stool. Seniors are particularly prone to chronic constipation because of age-related decreases in bowel function, diets low in fibre, lack of physical activity, and use of medications that promote constipation.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Constipation

When you realize you're constipated, getting some exercise, eating more fibre, and drinking lots and lots of water usually helps. But what do you do when this is just not enough? There are other options you can choose from to give you relief.

Laxatives – products that relieve constipation – are commonly used, and there are many kinds available.

As with any medication, there are some side effects associated with the use of laxatives, such as diarrhea, stomach cramping and pain, nausea, vomiting, dehydration, gas, decreased absorption of certain vitamins and minerals, and rectal irritation. Generally, it is recommended to try gentler agents first.

Stimulant laxatives, such as senna, a natural source product, and bisacodyl, make the muscles in your intestine work to push the stool along more quickly.

Osmotic laxatives, such as lactulose, magnesium-containing laxatives, and polyethylene glycol, (PEG) draw water into the colon to help increase the frequency of bowel movements and allow for easier passing of stool. These also include glycerin suppositories, which work faster than osmotic laxatives that are ingested.

Mineral oil or phosphate enemas work by stimulating the colon to contract by expanding it with liquid or reducing water loss from your stool.

Stool softeners, such as docusate sodium, help to soften and prevent dryness of the stool.

Lubricants, such as mineral oil, allow stool to travel more easily through the intestines by making the stool greasy.

Bulk-forming agents, such as psyllium, add volume and draw water into the stool, promoting regularity. These are among the most popular – even some breakfast cereals contain psyllium.

If you experience constipation during pregnancy, get your doctor's advice on which of these treatments is right for you.

Not all treatments are safe for everyone. Factor like your age, medical conditions, and medications you're taking can impact which treatment option is right for you. All treatment options come with some side effects. Before starting any new laxative, be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Constipation

Are your child's bowel movements hard and dry, difficult or painful to pass, and less frequent than usual? Is your child complaining of having cramps and stomach ache? If you answered "yes" to any of these, your child might be experiencing symptoms of constipation.

The good news is that constipation can be prevented. Encourage your child to eat fibre-rich foods such as cereals, fruits and vegetables. Offer your child whole fruit rather than fruit juice to increase fibre. Make sure your child is drinking plenty of fluids, especially water.

In some cases, drinking cow’s milk can trigger constipation in children, particularly if they have recently transitioned to it. Avoiding milk for 2 to 4 weeks may be helpful in these instances.

Constipation is also more likely to occur if your child is not staying active and does not get enough exercise. Regular activity and exercise is a good habit to get into early in life. It builds healthy habits that will prevent health problems in the future.

Constipation can make bowel movements painful and uncomfortable. Pain can also be caused by a crack or tear around the anus. To avoid pain, your child may try to hold in a bowel movement. Watch for signs such as fear of using the toilet, as your child may avoid going to the toilet and hold back a bowel movement.

Teach your child not to ignore the urge to have a bowel movement. This may happen if they feel embarrassed to use a public bathroom, if they are afraid or lack confidence to have the bowel movement in the absence of a parent, or if they are just not willing to interrupt their activity or break away from play.

Take time with toilet training your child. Rushing can be stressful for some children, and they can worry and hold back bowel movements. Ease into it, and get your child accustomed to a regular daily toilet routine.

If you can't determine what might be causing your child's constipation, ask your doctor or pharmacist if medications or a disease could be the culprit.

Whatever the cause, if you have taken the preventative measures but the constipation continues or becomes painful, take your child to see a doctor. Constipation is usually harmless, but sometimes it can be a signal of a more serious problem. Talk to your family doctor if you feel your child is constipated often.

There are treatment options available depending on your child's age and the severity of the problem. Talk to your child's doctor or pharmacist about which one is right for your child.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Constipation

Working shifts means working against your body's natural rhythms, which can affect your health. Shift workers are often less physically active and tend to have poor eating habits, which can cause digestive and stomach problems. Because of this, there are special nutritional considerations for those who work shifts.

Our bodies work according to a natural sleep-wake cycle, also referred to as a circadian rhythm, which controls our body temperature, our hormone levels, and the way our organs and body systems work – including the digestive system. You may eat in a rush, or have a tendency to snack on "junk" food at night, when the digestive system is working less efficiently. Because shift work affects your eating habits, shift workers often experience more digestive problems such as constipation, diarrhea, gas, indigestion, heartburn, stomach ulcers, or changes in appetite and weight (either gain or loss), than do workers who work during "normal" hours.

During the day, your body works more efficiently than at night. In the evening and at night, as your body temperature drops, your biological processes slow down, resulting in decrease in strength, alertness, and digestion. Your circadian rhythm is at its lowest point between 2 am and 4 am. Shift work creates a conflict between your body and its natural rhythm. After a night shift, you go home and want to sleep, but your body may think it is time to wake up.

Do you consume caffeine in the form of coffee, tea, iced tea, colas, or chocolate during work to stay alert and awake? Too much caffeine causes the kidneys to excrete excess water and leads to dehydration. Dehydration can cause feelings of fatigue – and it may lead to constipation. Keep a water bottle at your work station and drink regularly throughout your shift. Staying hydrated will make bowel movements softer and easier to pass.

And what about your food choices? When it's just you and the vending machine, it's easy to choose foods that are high in fat and sugar. But while snack food high in sugar can give you the jolt of energy you need, it will lead to feelings of fatigue later in the shift. And take-out food can be high in fat, which is difficult to digest and leads to weight gain. These low-fibre choices contribute to constipation. Carbohydrate-rich foods high in fibre and low in fat, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole-wheat breads, will help reduce digestive problems, especially constipation, and help you stay regular regardless of what time of day it is. Find healthy alternatives to the chocolate. Go for foods such as cereal or breakfast bars, apples, berries, carrot sticks and small cans of baked beans.

And when the lifestyle-change approach by itself does not provide the relief you need, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options that are available.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Constipation

The best way to manage constipation is to prevent it. There are a number of preventative options to choose from.

Dietary changes such as increasing fluids and dietary fibre can help you stay regular. Fibre comes in two types: soluble, found in some fruits and vegetables, legumes, oat bran, and insoluble, found in the skins of fruits and vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and wheat bran. Insoluble fibre shortens the time it takes for stool to travel down the intestine. Soluble fibre mixes with stomach contents to create a gel-like material, slowing the digestion of food.

Regular physical activity helps stimulate bowel movement. As little as 30 minutes of walking a day can improve your bowel function.

Try establishing a regular routine for bowel movements. Because bowel movements usually occur when you first get up in the morning or following breakfast, try to give yourself enough uninterrupted time for bowel movement during this optimal time of day.

And if you have made appropriate lifestyle changes and still can't get things moving again, consider talking with your doctor or pharmacist.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Constipation

Try these useful resources to find out more information about constipation.

• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
  www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases
  This site provides a good overview of constipation and how to deal with it.
  
• HealthLink BC Files on managing constipation in adults
  www.healthlinkbc.ca
  Developed by the British Columbia Ministry of Health Services, the BC HealthFiles are a series of fact sheets on as variety of public and environmental health and safety issues.
   
• Caring for Kids with constipation
  www.caringforkids.cps.ca
  This website for parents was developed by the Canadian Paediatric Society.
    
• Canadian Society of Intestinal Research
  www.badgut.org
  The Canadian Society of Intestinal Research provides self-help support groups for people who suffer from an intestinal disease or disorder. Here you can find a support group dealing with constipation, provide and exchange information, offer or receive support, and share experiences and ways of dealing with constipation. To find out about a Support Group in your community, call 1-866-600-4875.
  E-Mail Address: info@badgut.org
   
• Canadian Digestive Health Foundation
  www.cdhf.ca
  Telephone Number: 905-847-2002
  E-Mail Address: info@CDHF.ca
   
• The Canadian Continence Foundation – National Office
  www.canadiancontinence.ca
  Toll Free Number: 1-800-265-9575
  E-Mail Address: help@canadiancontinence.ca
   
• United Ostomy Association of Canada Inc. – National Office
  www.ostomycanada.ca
  Toll Free Number: 1-888-969-9698
  E-Mail Address: info1@ostomycanada.ca

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Constipation