Finding Treatment for Chronic Constipation

Chronic constipation is a condition of long term decrease in quantity and frequency of bowel movement, including difficulty in passing bowel movements. Constipation can afflict most people at some time, but it is rarely disabling or life threatening. Chronic constipation can be caused by different factors including colon cancer and neurological condition. Knowing its cause can go a long way in finding a specific treatment to resolve the condition.

Some of the signs and symptoms of chronic constipation include excessive straining while having a bowel movement, abnormally hard and dry stool, pain while passing bowel movement, bloated feeling, infrequent bowel movements, irritability and abdominal discomfort. Many patients with constipation have no underlying medical condition. These patients may have what is known as "functional constipation," a condition that can be resolved using self-help remedies.

Colonic disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can cause chronic constipation. Constipation can also be caused by pelvic floor dysfunction or secondary constipation such as colon cancer, diabetes, hypothyroidism, medications, Parkinson's disease, etc. Treatments for chronic constipation include the following:

Laxatives

Laxatives can be used in the treatment of recurring constipation. Fiber supplements or bulk-forming laxatives absorb water in the intestines. The stool becomes easier to pass. Stimulant medications induce contractions in the intestines while stool softeners such as ducosate provide fluid to hardened stools. Other laxatives contain lubricants such as mineral oil to help stool move easily through the intestines. They reduce the amount of straining while having a bowel movement.

Surgery

According to the Mayo Clinic, less than 1% of constipation sufferers undergo surgery to remove hardened stools. A subtotal colectomy or total colectomy may be performed to remove all or part of the colon. The amount of time that the food spends in the intestinal tract will be shortened, and the patient may have one up to four bowel movements a day.

Lifestyle Changes

One of the most effective treatments for constipation is lifestyle and diet changes. Consuming high-fiber foods such as carrots, bran, oats, barley, cabbage, fresh fruits, Brussels sprouts and the like can relieve constipation. Experts recommend a daily intake of 20 grams to 35 grams of dietary fiber for soft and bulky stools.

Oftentimes, drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water and physical exercise can effectively treat chronic constipation. Drinking tea or coffee also helps to stimulate the bowels, while jogging or brisk walking enhances the contraction and relaxation of stomach muscles to help the intestines pass stools through the digestive tract.