Dealing with Chronic Constipation

Constipation is a common digestive problem that affects people of all ages. It is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week, with stools that are hard, dry, and difficult to pass. Chronic constipation is a more severe form of the condition that lasts for an extended period, typically over three months. Chronic constipation can cause discomfort, pain, and distress, affecting a person's quality of life. In this article, we will explore the factors that can contribute to chronic constipation and how to resolve them.

Factors contributing to chronic constipation

1.  Diet: A diet low in fiber and high in fat can lead to chronic constipation. Fiber is essential for maintaining regular bowel movements, and it adds bulk to stool, making it easier to pass. Inadequate hydration can also contribute to constipation, as the colon absorbs more water from the stool, making it hard and difficult to pass.

2.  Lack of physical activity: Physical activity stimulates bowel movements by increasing muscle contractions in the intestines. A sedentary lifestyle, on the other hand, can lead to slow bowel movements and chronic constipation.

3.  Medications: Certain medications, such as opioids, antacids, and antidepressants, can contribute to chronic constipation by slowing down the movement of the intestines.

4.  Medical conditions: Several medical conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and hypothyroidism, can cause chronic constipation.

5.  Psychological factors: Stress, anxiety, and depression can affect the digestive system and lead to chronic constipation.

6. Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction: The pelvic floor muscles must relax for stool to come out. If they are not able to, the person might feel either they cannot completely empty, having to push, or constipated.

How to resolve chronic constipation

1.  Increase fiber intake: Adding more fiber to the diet can help regulate bowel movements and prevent chronic constipation. Good sources of fiber include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes. It is essential to increase fiber intake gradually to avoid bloating, gas, and discomfort.

2.  Drink more water: Staying hydrated can help soften stool and make it easier to pass. Drinking at least eight glasses of water per day can help prevent chronic constipation.

3.  Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can stimulate bowel movements and prevent chronic constipation. Walking, jogging, swimming, and cycling are all great forms of exercise that can help maintain regular bowel movements.

4.  Review medications: If medication is causing chronic constipation, speak to a doctor about alternative treatments or ways to manage the side effects.

5.  Manage medical conditions: Treating underlying medical conditions such as IBS, IBD, and hypothyroidism can help manage chronic constipation.

6.  Reduce stress: Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to chronic constipation. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help reduce stress and improve digestive health.

7.  Try over-the-counter remedies: Over-the-counter laxatives and stool softeners can provide relief from chronic constipation. However, it is essential to use them as directed and only for short-term relief.

8.  Seek medical advice: If chronic constipation persists despite making lifestyle changes and using over-the-counter remedies, it is important to speak to a doctor. Chronic constipation can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition that requires medical attention.

9. Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy: If you have tried everything and nothing has worked, it might just be that your muscles need some therapy. Working with a trained pelvic floor physiotherapist can help you determine the functioning of your muscles and how they can help with better bowel movements.

Conclusion

Chronic constipation can be a distressing and uncomfortable condition that affects a person's quality of life. Fortunately, many lifestyle changes and treatments can help manage chronic constipation. Increasing fiber intake, drinking more water, exercising regularly, reviewing medications, managing medical conditions, reducing stress, trying over-the-counter remedies, and seeking medical advice are all effective ways to manage chronic constipation. By adopting these strategies, people can improve their digestive health and maintain regular bowel movements.