Gastroenterology: The Side Effects of Constipation

Constipation is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements in a week. For some people, this can mean hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass. For others, it may simply be having a bowel movement less often than they're used to having one. Regardless of the definition, constipation is a common problem. In fact, it's estimated that constipation affects up to 30 percent of the population. 

 If you're like most people, you don't think about your digestive health until something goes wrong. And when it comes to constipation, many people just accept that it's a normal part of life. But did you know that being constipated can lead to other problems? In this article, we'll discuss the side effects of constipation and how gastroenterologists can help. 

Signs and Symptoms of Constipation

Some symptoms of constipation you may experience include: 

• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Feeling like you can't empty your bowels completely
• Feeling that something is blocking or preventing bowel movements
• Having difficult bowel movements or straining to go
• Passing small hard or lumpy stools
• Having less than three stools a week
• Having to push on your belly with your hands or use a finger to remove stool from your rectum 

These symptoms can be uncomfortable and lead to other problems. For example, abdominal pain can interfere with your daily activities, and bloating can make it difficult to wear certain types of clothing. 

What causes constipation?

Older adults and women are more likely to experience constipation. However, there are many other different causes of constipation. Some may include:

• Lack of fiber in the diet
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Eating too much dairy products such as milk and cheese
• Taking certain medications such as narcotics, antidepressants or iron medications
• Digestive disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
• Medical conditions such as diabetes, colon cancer, Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis
• Changes in your diet or activity
• Inactivity or sedentary lifestyle
• Being pregnant
• Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement
• Stress
• Taking too many laxatives 

Preventing Constipation

For some people, constipation may be a temporary problem that can be resolved with lifestyle changes. You may need to consult your doctor before making some changes. Some things you can do to prevent constipation include: 

• Increase your physical activity or exercise. By being more active, the muscles in your intestines move more too.
• Eat more beans, fruits and vegetables
• Eat foods that include whole wheat and bran
• Eat less processed foods and diary products
• Drink more water. Try drinking at least two to four glasses of water a day.
• Don’t ignore your urge to go to the bathroom
• Manage stress 

But for others, constipation may be a chronic condition that requires medical treatment. If constipation is not treated, it can lead to other problems such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures and rectal prolapse. 

When to schedule an appointment with a doctor

Contact a doctor such as a gastroenterologist if you are experiencing the following:

• Home remedies and changes in your diet haven't helped
• Extreme pain when having a bowel movement
• Blood in your stool
• Sudden unexplained weight loss
• Constipation lasting for more than two weeks
• Sudden changes such as consistency, size and shape in your stool 

In addition, people who are constipated often experience bloating, cramping, and a feeling of fullness. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to see a gastroenterologist near you for treatment. 

Gastroenterologists are digestive health experts who can help you find the cause of your constipation and develop a digestive treatment plan. The gastroenterologist may also recommend a stool softener, laxative, or enema to help relieve constipation. 

If your constipation is caused by a digestive disorder such as IBS, the gastroenterologist will work with you to develop a treatment plan that may include medication, changes in diet and stress management. 

Tests a gastroenterologist may conduct include :

• Blood tests
• Stool tests
• Colonoscopy
• X-ray of the digestive tract
• Anorectal manometry - a noninvasive test that checks the rectal and anal muscles 

In some cases, constipation can be resolved with lifestyle changes such as eating more fiber and drinking more fluids. For other people, medication may be necessary or could be an indication of something more serious. If you're experiencing chronic constipation, don't suffer in silence. If you are constipated or have any other concerns regarding your digestive health, schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist near you today.