The frequency of moving stool varies from individual, ranging from three time a day to twice a week. Constipation happens when this function is unduly delayed from normal pattern. Occasional constipation is not serious but long standing disruption of his pattern, and changes in the appearance and consistency of the stool maybe sign of more serious disorder ( e.g. intestinal cancer, hypothyroidism).
Symptoms
* Delay or difficulty in bowel movement.
* Pellet-like stool (small, dry, and hard).
* Pain which may come and go in waves.
* Flatulence ( excessive gas in bowels) and frequent passing of air.
* Abdominal distension and discomfort.
Common causes
* Change of diet.
* Insufficient fluid and fiber in the diet.
* Too little exercise, causing the colon contractions that push the stool down weaken.
* Ignoring the urge to pass stool when busy.
* Hemorrhoids ( piles ) or anal fissures ( tears in the skin around the anus), which cause pain when passing stool.
* Certain medicines and minerals and cough mixture with codeine.
* Pregnancy in which the fetus pushes down on the bowel.
* Illness which causes loss of body fluids, alters the diet, or hinders a person's mobility.
* In bottle fed infants, feeding formulas that are too strong.
* Aging process. The abdominal muscles gradually weaken with age.
What you can do
* Eat plenty of fibers daily.
* Drink 8-10 glasses of water a day.
* Eat at regular hours.
* Exercise everyday Walk briskly for at least half an hour.
* Consult a doctor if the measures listed fail.
What your doctor can do for you
* Rule out hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and the more seriopus causes of constipation ( colon or rectal cancer).
* Emphasize exercise and diet strategies.
* Prescribe a strong laxative.
* Prescribe suppositories or an enema (passing fluid into the rectum through a tube inserted into the anus to induce bowel movement).
* Treat the complications.
Prevention Tips
* Take plenty of fluids and vegetables daily.
* Avoid eating foods which promote hardening of stool e.g. apples.
* Exercise regularly.
* Keep regular hour for your meals.
* Follow a regular pattern for bowel movement. Do not ignore the urge to pass stool.
