Constipation is one of those unpleasant topics to talk
about. If you've suffered from this problem, though, you know it can be both
painful and frustrating. Almost everyone has constipation some time during his
or her life. Though not serious, constipation can be a concern.
What is constipation?
Constipation occurs when bowel movements become difficult or less frequent. The normal length
of time between bowel movements (also known as "stools") ranges widely
from person to person. Some people have bowel movements three times a day;
others only one to two times a week. Going longer than three days without a
bowel movement is too long. After three days, the stool becomes harder and more
difficult to pass.
What causes constipation?
Constipation is most commonly caused by inadequate fiber in the diet or a disruption of the
regular diet or routine. Chronic constipation may be due to a poor diet,
dehydration, certain medications (such as antidepressants and narcotics), stress,
or the pressure of other activities that force you to ignore the urge to empty
the bowel.
Rarely, various medical conditions can cause or aggravate constipation. Some
of the more common medical conditions that cause constipation include endocrine
problems, such as poor function of the thyroid gland or diabetes. Colorectal
cancer is another medical condition that can cause constipation. Common causes
of constipation include the following:
- A diet low in fiber
- Not drinking enough water
- Lack of exercise
- Travel or another change in routine
- Eating large amounts of milk or cheese
- Stress
- Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement
- Antacid medicines containing calcium or aluminum
- Other medicines (especially strong pain medicines such as narcotics,
antidepressants, and iron pills)
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Pregnancy
How is constipation evaluated?
Most people do not need extensive testing to evaluate constipation. Only a small
number of patients with constipation have a more serious medical problem (such
as poor function of the thyroid gland, diabetes, or colorectal cancer).
If you have chronic constipation for more than two weeks, you should see a
doctor so he or she can determine the source of your problem and treat it. For a
patient who has colorectal cancer, early detection and treatment may be
life-saving.
Standard evaluation for constipation includes performing blood tests and
examining the colon by barium enema or colonoscopy, a procedure in which a
special instrument is inserted into the rectum to view the rectum and colon.