💃🏽 🆎 🚶🏻 Atonic constipation: symptoms and treatment, diet 📙 🤹 🖖🏿

Atonic constipation is a very common problem that people face, regardless of age and gender. The disease is equally often diagnosed in infants and adult patients. Of course, violation of bowel movements negatively affects the quality of life of the patient. That is why it is worth familiarizing yourself with information about this pathology, finding out what the symptoms of atonic constipation cause and what constitutes the therapy of this disease.

General information about the disease. Classification scheme

Atonic constipation is a fairly common problem. The disease is accompanied by a decrease in the tone of the walls of the rectum (their atony). The weakening of the intestinal walls affects peristalsis, as a result of which stool can not move to the anal sphincter. Thus, fecal lumps become more and more solid, which leads to constipation.

The causes of atonic constipation will be discussed in more detail below. But etiology is extremely important for the classification of the disease. The following forms are distinguished:

functional constipation - a form of ailment that often develops under the influence of psychological factors;
neurogenic - associated with impaired motility of the wall of the digestive tract;
Alimentary - develops against the background of malnutrition;
hypodynamic - associated with a sedentary lifestyle;
endocrine - develops against a background of hormonal disruptions (for example, with functional thyroid disorders);
proctogenic - associated with a disease of the rectum, in particular hemorrhoids;
medication - develops while taking certain drugs;
spastic - associated with spasms of the intestinal wall (sometimes it is psychosomatic);
idiopathic - they say about this form of the disease if the cause could not be found.

The main causes of the development of the disease

In fact, atonic constipation can develop under the influence of a variety of factors:

According to statistics, in most cases, problems with bowel movements appear in people who, due to various reasons, lead a sedentary lifestyle. Lack of physical activity (observed, for example, against the background of sedentary work or in those cases when a person is forced to observe bed rest for a long time) is accompanied by a weakening of the pelvic muscles and a decrease in the tone of the smooth muscles of the intestine.
Another common cause of atonic constipation is malnutrition. If the diet is dominated by fatty and meat dishes, then the appearance of problems with bowel movements is quite natural. Do not forget that plant fiber is a mechanical stimulator of intestinal motility. That is why it is so important to include fresh vegetables, fruits and cereals in the daily menu.
The food mode also matters. Constipation occurs if a person bites on the run all the time and refuses first courses.
Dehydration is another cause of constipation. It must be remembered that a person should consume at least 2 liters of water per day.
By the way, the quality of the liquid you drink also matters. If there is too much lime in the water, this can lead to constipation.
Risk factors include inflammatory processes in certain parts of the digestive tube. Potentially dangerous are erosive and ulcerative lesions of the mucous membranes.
Overuse of cleansing enemas and laxatives can lead to the so-called lazy bowel syndrome. If bowel movements are constantly stimulated by medications, then the intestines gradually lose their ability to do this on their own.
Infectious diseases are also potentially dangerous, since intoxication is accompanied by the loss of a large amount of fluid.
Risk factors include the ingestion of toxins.
Atonic constipation can occur against the background of a general depletion of the body.
In women, similar problems can occur during pregnancy or after childbirth.
Potentially dangerous is emotional and mental stress, constant stress.
Constipation sometimes develops against the background of diseases of the organs of the endocrine system. By the way, women also face a problem during menopause, since this period is accompanied by serious changes in the hormonal background.
Risk factors include overweight, obesity.
Sometimes atonic constipation develops after surgery on the organs of the abdominal cavity or pelvis.
Prolonged, uncontrolled intake of certain medications is also dangerous (constipation develops with the use of antispasmodics, antacids, beta-blockers, sedatives, calcium antagonists).

Of course, in the diagnostic process it is important to find out what caused the appearance of constipation. Eliminating the cause of the development of the disease is part of its successful treatment.

Symptoms of atonic constipation

Symptoms of the disease can be different. Unfortunately, patients often pay attention to them too late:

Many patients complain of abdominal pain and discomfort. The fact is that against the background of constipation, a large amount of feces accumulates in the intestine. As a result of this process, the intestinal walls are stretched, which leads to compression of nearby organs, blood vessels and nerve endings.
Bowel movement occurs less than once every 2 days (of course, against the background of normal, adequate nutrition).
Defecation is difficult. The patient has to exert effort by straining the abdominal wall in order to empty the intestines. The process is often accompanied by pain, which is associated with severe distension, and sometimes damage to the distal rectum and anal sphincter.
Feces have a solid, dry structure.
Many people complain of a feeling of fullness in the stomach.
Mucous and blood streaks may be present in feces, which is associated with damage to the intestinal mucosa by solid feces.
Problems with bowel movements affect the general condition of the body. Patients often complain of general weakness, loss of appetite. Occasionally, an increase in body temperature, chills, nausea is observed.

When these symptoms appear, do not hesitate - consult a doctor.

Possible complications

According to statistics, atonic constipation in adults (as well as in children) in most cases is well treatable. If the therapy was started too late, or if the person did not go to the doctor at all, then there is a likelihood of complications. The list of them, fortunately, is small:

Constant problems with bowel movements sometimes lead to the development of hemorrhoids (or its progression, if the disease is already present).
Occasionally, atonic constipation leads to the formation of painful anal fissures.
The disease sometimes turns into a chronic form, which is much more difficult to treat.
There is always a chance of developing inflammatory processes in the intestine, as well as secondary infection of the tissues of the anal sphincter and mucous membranes of the rectum.

That is why it is not worth embarrassing such a problem - it is better to consult a specialist in time and take a course of therapy.

Diagnostic measures

The success of treatment for atonic constipation largely depends on the correct diagnosis. After all, the doctor needs not only to make a diagnosis, but also to determine what caused the atony of the intestinal wall and whether there are concomitant complications. That is why, after reviewing the complaints and collecting a medical history, the patient is sent for additional tests.

First of all, an analysis of feces is carried out. In this case, the laboratory assistant draws attention not only to the chemical composition of feces, but also to their physical characteristics (structure, consistency, the presence of undigested food, etc.).
A general blood test is performed.
If there is reason to believe that constipation is caused by hormonal disorders, then the patient gives blood samples to determine the level of hormones. If during the analysis it was determined that the ailment is associated, for example, with thyroid disorders, then an ultrasound of the organ is performed.
Sigmoidoscopy and irrigoscopy are mandatory - such examinations help to study the structure of the intestine.
If cancer is suspected, a tumor marker test is performed.

Drug therapy

How to treat atonic constipation? The treatment protocol is largely dependent on the cause of the problem. Sometimes the patient just needs to adjust the diet and do therapeutic exercises in order to normalize the stool. If such events are not enough, then medications are used:

Sometimes the doctor prescribes the use of drugs that stimulate intestinal motility. Anticholinesterase drugs are considered effective, in particular, Ganaton, Coordinate, Peristil, Proserin. Of course, you can’t take such drugs on your own. In this case, it is important to accurately determine the dosage. Excessive therapy can lead to even weaker intestinal walls.
If the disease is accompanied by severe pain, then the patient is prescribed antispasmodics. Such drugs as No-Shpa, Spazmalin, Spazmalgon, Drotaverin, Papaverin, and Maxigan are considered effective.
Laxatives are used only as a last resort. Castor oil is considered effective, as well as drugs such as Regulax, Bisadil, Lizalak.

Are enemas effective?

Sometimes some procedures are included in the treatment regimen. In particular, an enema is considered effective. With atonic constipation, such manipulations help cleanse the intestines.

Hypertonic (saline solutions) are sometimes injected into the intestines. Such products soften hard feces and irritate the intestinal wall, increasing motility and facilitating the process of defecation.
A cleansing enema for atonic constipation is also effective. For the procedure, ordinary, purified water is used. As a rule, 1-2 l of liquid is injected into the intestine, which facilitates the process of bowel movement. Sometimes a decoction of oak bark, calendula and chamomile flowers can be added to the water.
Oil enemas are indicated if feces are too hard and there is a risk of damage to the intestinal mucosa during bowel movements. For constipation, castor, olive, petroleum jelly, linseed, pumpkin oil are used. At a time, no more than 150 ml of liquid can be injected into the intestine. It is better to heat the oil in a water bath to 38-39 degrees. The procedure is best done before bedtime. The effect appears after 8-9 hours.

It is immediately worth saying that such procedures are carried out only with the permission and under the supervision of a doctor. Self-medication can lead to dangerous consequences.

Diet for atonic constipation and bloating

Of course, drug treatment is effective. But an integral part of therapy is diet. With atonic constipation, it is important to include vegetables and fruits in the diet (apricots, plums, carrots and beets are considered especially useful). The menu can include poultry, low-fat fish, pasta hard varieties, dairy products, vegetable soups, unsweetened juices, rye breads, berries, buckwheat.

There are also potentially dangerous products that should be discarded at least temporarily. Their list includes chocolate, smoked meats, fatty meats and fish, eggs (in their pure form), coffee, mustard, mushrooms, white bread, semolina, garlic, alcohol, canned food, hot spices, radishes, onions, radishes, white rice . Dishes should be baked, boiled or steamed.

Alternative methods of treatment

Treatment of atonic constipation can be supplemented with some means from the arsenal of traditional medicine. Naturally, they can be used only with the permission of the attending specialist.

Some folk healers recommend drinking pickled cabbage brine, half a glass a day (it is advisable to slightly warm it before taking).
Effective for constipation is a compote of dried apples and cherries.
A decoction of oats will be useful, which softens the stool and has astringent properties.
As a preventive measure, doctors recommend drinking kefir and / or natural yogurt daily.
Pronounced laxative properties have fresh spinach or beetroot juice. You can only use these remedies from time to time.
With a discomfort in the abdomen, a decoction of dill seeds will help to cope (not too concentrated).
A honey drink (in a glass of warm water you need to dissolve a tablespoon of honey) helps to start the intestines.
Before going to bed, you can drink a decoction of flax seeds, which helps soften the stool.
A natural laxative is a decoction of senna grass.

Such remedies really cope with constipation. However, they cannot be used constantly. It is important to identify the causes of problems and eliminate them. Only then can we talk about a full recovery.

Preventive actions

You already know about the main symptoms and treatment of atonic constipation. But sometimes it’s much easier to prevent the development of the disease. There are no specific means of prevention. Doctors recommend only following some rules:

eat right, avoiding fast foods, too fatty and fried foods, preservatives and other harmful foods;
adhere to the drinking regime (it is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of clean, still water per day);
keep fit, regularly take walks in the fresh air;
do not abuse enemas and do not use a laxative without a doctor's prescription;
It will be useful to massage the abdomen, especially when it comes to constipation and a small child;
Doctors recommend avoiding stress and strain, as all this affects primarily the hormonal background and, accordingly, the work of the whole organism.

Atonic constipation is a very complex problem. If you notice the symptoms described above, then you should tell the doctor about it - the sooner therapy is started, the more chances there are for a quick and complete recovery of the body.

Atonic constipation: symptoms and treatment, diet