Chronic Constipation

People mean many things when they say they have constipation. Infrequent passing of stools, difficulties in voiding, sense of incomplete voiding are all suggestive of constipation. The normal reference range for bowel movements is very varied. Some people have bowel movements three times a day; others, only one or two times a week.

Medically, constipation is defined as fewer than three bowel movements in a week. Constipation may be considered severe, when there is less than one bowel movement in a week.

Chronic Constipation1

Symptoms

Infrequent stools with no other complaints is rarely abnormal. Women are more affected than men. The elderly and children are however most prone to constipation.

  • Hard, difficult to pass stools which require straining or manual removal with fingers – felt more than 25% of times.
  • Stools infrequent, less than three times a week.
  • Sensation of incomplete voidance.

Other symptoms that a person with constipation may feel are:

  • The abdomen may seem bloated, distended or crampy.
  • The bowel sounds may seem enhanced.

Causes

Many factors contribute to development of constipation. Different people will have different set of causative factors.

  • Insufficient fiber intake in diet.Chronic Constipation2
  • Not chewing the food properly / eating hurriedly.
  • Reduced water intake.
  • Various medications
  • Iron supplements
  • Antidepressants, tri-cyclic anti-depressants.
  • Anti-consultants.
  • Diuretics.
  • Stopping cigarette smoking.
  • Abuse of laxatives.
  • Medications containing calcium and aluminium.
  • Endocrine disorders like – under active thyroid.
  • Any severe illness like stroke, paralysis.
  • Major changes in life like pregnancy, old-age or traveling.
  • Psychosomatic causes like depression and anxiety neurosis.
  • Biochemical imbalance ‘ low potassium levels in blood.
  • Lead poisoning.
  • Conditions that obstruct the normal passage of the stools within the intestines ‘ foreign bodies in intestines, strictures, adhesions, tumors, etc.
  • Abdominal surgeries.
  • Weakened pelvic floor muscles.
  • Constipation can occur sometimes as part of a condition called ‘irritable bowel syndrome’ where it alternates with diarrhea.

Prevention

Constipation is a condition easier to prevent than to cure. Tackling the problem at its onset can prevent many years of discomfort and sufferings.

Chronic Constipation4

Tips to Prevent Constipation

  • Have more fibers
  • Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water.
  • Cut down on soft drinks and alcohols.
  • Check your medicine closet.
  • Don’t curb your natural tendencies! Do not ignore your body’s natural urge to defecate.
  • Stop the regular use of laxatives and enemas.
  • Exercise, Exercise, Exercise!!

Homeopathic treatment for Constipation:

Homeopathy offers promising cure for constipation. Chronic constipation results from various constitutional problems such as stress, genetic predisposing, altered sleep pattern, etc. Homeopathy offers treatment which is based on the patient’s individual case pattern. Homeopathy is strongly recommended for all cases of constipation.

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