Constipation: An in Depth Look at Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
ConstipationChronic constipation can bring on a variety of incontinence issues. While patients with incontinence feel that they may "never go" as they seek treatment they may experience everything from loose bowels to complete bowel incontinence before the constipation is resolved. This makes it imperative that anyone who is experiencing chronic constipation have access to the right incontinence products. From wearing incontinence pads to using adult diapers these can all be tools that help to manage the condition until it is resolved.
Constipation occurs when the body is unable to remove feces from the body. This can be due to several different causes. Some of the causes of constipation include but are not limited to:
• Not chewing well enough - You may be surprised to learn that how well you chew your food will determine how easily it passes through your body. You need to chew your food well in order to break it down for your stomach and allow the nutrients to be absorbed. When your food has not been chewed enough it makes it a lot harder to pass it through your system.
• Not having enough fiber - This is problem for many people. The fiber is what absorbs water while the food is passing through the colon. Fiber is what makes it easy for the entire waste removal process of the body to function. When there is not enough fiber in the body the colon will create much harder stools which in turn will make defection harder to do.
• Not having enough water - Many people are surprised to learn that the human body is made up of nearly 70% water. However, the less water that you take in the less you will have in your system. Because of this deficit the colon will absorb water from the stools in your body in order to make up the difference. This can in turn lead to constipation.
Symptoms of constipation most often include the following:
• An inability to move stool through the rectum - The patient may feel that they just cannot move their stools despite continued pushing.
• An overwhelming urge to defecate - Because of the continued buildup of stool the patient with constipation may feel an almost constant urge to defecate.
• An abdominal pain that ranges from mild to serious - While the colon is trying to deal with the backup of stool many patients report abdominal pain that can be anything from mild to severe.
Treatment for constipation can include the following:
• Diet and lifestyle changes - This can include eating more fiber, drinking more water, getting regular exercise and taking time for regular bowel movements.
• Laxatives - These types of medications can be habit forming, so it is important that these are considered only when diet and lifestyle change are not working.
• Other medications - These medications are usually only prescribed when diet and lifestyle changes along with the use of laxatives are not working. Your doctor will determine what type of medication is right for you.
• Procedures - There is a variety of procedures (both surgical and non - surgical), that can be tried should the above listed treatment options not be successful. Keep in mind that these are usually only done as a last resort.
While treatment for constipation can seem embarrassing it is imperative that you seek out help if the problem is chronic. Chronic constipation can bring on several serious medical conditions if it is left untreated. While pursing treatment it is also important to use the right kind of incontinence product that will help to make dealing with this problem much easier.
Incontinence products Dianna Malkowski is a Board Certified Physician Assistant and Mayo Clinic trained nutritionist specializing in diabetes, cancer, wound healing, therapeutic diets and nutrition support. Visit the Care Giver Partnership for more info on Incontinence supplies.