Each of us faces constipation at least once in a lifetime. However, women and older people suffer from this disorder most often. Symptoms of constipation usually disappear on their own and rarely pose a health hazard. Also, a violation of the intestines may be a sign of any other disease.
Symptoms of constipation, and in general - what is constipation?
This disorder is caused by the fact that the intestine pushes its contents poorly or does it intermittently. For each person, the intestines work differently: someone goes to the toilet three times a day, and someone once or twice a week. If the urge to the toilet is not observed for more than 3 days, then this is considered a very long time. After three or more days, the stool becomes very stiff, and it is difficult for the intestines to push it through. We can say that you have symptoms of constipation, if within 3 months in more than 25% of cases:
- there were difficulties with bowel movements;
- you had a hard chair;
- there was incomplete emptying;
- bowel movements occurred 2-3 or less times a week.
What are the symptoms of constipation and what causes them
The most common symptoms of the disorder are:
- infrequent bowel movements and / or difficulty during bowel movements;
- heaviness in the stomach;
- pain and nausea.
Most often, constipation is caused by disruption of the intestines for many reasons. These include:
- inadequate water intake;
- insufficient fiber in the diet;
- violation of food intake;
- insufficient physical activity of the body or long-term immobility;
- the consumption of a large number of dairy products;
- symptoms of constipation can even be caused by stress or depression;
- intentional retention of the chair for any reason;
- excessive consumption of laxatives: over time, the intestinal muscles become too weak to function;
- hypothyroidism;
- multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease;
- the use of antacids with calcium, iron or aluminum, painkillers, antidepressants, drugs;
- digestive tract disorders;
- irritable bowel syndrome;
- pregnancy;
- colon cancer and many other causes.
How to eliminate the symptoms of constipation?
To independently get rid of this ailment, experts recommend using the most common methods. If the intestines do not work well, constipation can be tried by one of the following procedures:
- drink more water;
- in the morning you can drink something hot;
- add more fruits and vegetables to your diet, try to avoid sticky and heavy foods;
- eat prunes and bran bread;
- if necessary, you can try a mild laxative available in pharmacies. Do not use these drugs for more than 2 weeks without the recommendation of doctors, because the symptoms of constipation can become even more severe.
If the bowel does not normalize within 2-3 weeks, then you should go to the clinic. If even a laxative has helped, but after constipation the symptoms manifest themselves again after a few days, you should also consult a doctor. You may have any other bowel problems that may require diagnostic procedures to detect.