Constipation Causes and Relief Options

Answer 1

The sluggish and painful effects of constipation can have anyone seeking a quick and easy remedy at some point in their lifetime. Constipation occurs when slow contractions cause stool to move too slowly throughout the colon. Due to these sluggish contractions, water is absorbed by the colon before the stool has time to exit the body. The stool then becomes hard and is difficult to expel. There are many options in treatment available, and sometimes the key to treating this ailment is to know what caused it in the first place.

What causes constipation?

Constipation is typically caused by a poor diet and is almost always a temporary condition. The most common causes are: lack of fiber in the diet, insufficient water consumption and lack of physical activity. Many medications like narcotics and antidepressants have the side-effect of inducing constipation. There are several medical conditions, including pregnancy and certain intestinal disorders, that can cause a person to suffer from constipation.

Drinking water, eating fruits and vegetable and consuming foods high in fiber can help the colon and bowels functioning properly. What treatments are available?

The most common cure for constipation is the use of over-the-counter laxatives. If constipation becomes a chronic condition, a change in lifestyle habits and diet is often suggested. For more serious cases, biofeedback therapy is used to monitor the muscles of the colon in hopes of diagnosing possible intestinal disorders. If a problem is found, surgery is sometimes required.

By following a few simple tips, most people can avoid constipation without having to resort to medication and embarrassing medical procedures. Those that have increasingly frequent bouts should consider making these changes. Eating a well-balanced diet, drinking plenty of fluids and participating in frequent exercise is often the best treatment available when fighting the dreaded condition called constipation.