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DIGESTIVE HEALTH / "Breaking the Silence: Understanding and Preventing Constipation"

"Breaking the Silence: Understanding and Preventing Constipation"

Constipation is a medical condition characterised by difficulty in passing stools or infrequent bowel movements, medically defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week. Stools may sometimes become hard, dry, or challenging to expel, signalling disruptions in the normal functioning of the digestive system. Constipation can vary in severity, ranging from occasional discomfort to a chronic condition requiring medical attention.

Types of Constipation
Constipation can be classified into various types based on its causes, duration, and underlying factors. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for determining the appropriate approach to treatment and prevention.
1. Acute Constipation
Description: Sudden onset and short-term, often linked to temporary conditions.
Common Causes: Dietary changes, dehydration, travel, or stress.

2. Chronic Constipation
Description: Persistent or recurring constipation lasting several weeks or longer.
Common Causes: Poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, underlying health conditions.

3. Functional Constipation
Description: Occurs without an identifiable medical cause and often linked to habits or diet.
Common Causes: Insufficient fibre, low water intake, ignoring bowel urges.

4. Slow-Transit Constipation
Description: Caused by a delayed movement of stool through the colon, leading to infrequent bowel movements.
Common Causes: Poor muscle activity in the colon, neurological disorders.

5. Outlet Dysfunction Constipation
Description: Involves difficulty expelling stool due to mechanical or muscular issues.
Common Causes: Pelvic floor dysfunction, rectal prolapse.

6. Secondary Constipation
Description: Caused by an underlying medical condition or medication side effects.
Common Causes: Hypothyroidism, diabetes, certain painkillers or antidepressants.

Common Symptoms:
1. Infrequent Bowel Movements: Fewer than three bowel movements per week.
2. Difficulty Passing Stool: Straining or experiencing pain during bowel movements.
3. Hard or Lumpy Stools: Stool consistency that is dry, hard, or pebble-like.
4. Feeling of Incomplete Evacuation: A sensation that the bowels are not fully emptied after defecation.
5. Abdominal Discomfort or Bloating: A feeling of fullness or pressure in the abdomen.
6. Rectal Blockage Sensation: The perception of stool being stuck in the rectum.
7. Loss of Appetite: A reduced desire to eat due to discomfort or bloating.
8. Fatigue or Lethargy: General tiredness, often linked to the body's discomfort or toxin buildup.

Common Causes of Constipation:
1. Dietary Factors
- Low Fibre Intake: A diet lacking in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can slow bowel movements.
- Dehydration: Inadequate water consumption leads to hard, dry stools, causing painful constipation.
- Excess Processed Foods: Diets high in sugar and low in nutrients can disrupt regular bowel function.
2. Lifestyle Factors
- Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity slows the digestive system.
- Ignoring the Urge: Delaying bowel movements can lead to harder stools and chronic constipation.
3. Medical Conditions
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A condition that alternates between constipation and diarrhoea.
- Hypothyroidism: Low thyroid hormone levels slow metabolism, affecting bowel movement.
- Neurological Disorders: Conditions like Parkinson’s or spinal injuries can impact colon function
4. Medications
- Painkillers (Opioids): Often lead to slow bowel movements.
- Antidepressants or Antacids: May cause constipation as a side effect.
5. Other Causes
- Stress or Anxiety: Emotional distress can disrupt digestive rhythms.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and pressure on the intestines can cause constipation.
- Ageing: Slower digestion and decreased muscle activity in the colon.

What Happens if Constipation Is Left Untreated for a Long Time?

Below are the potential consequences of prolonged or severe constipation:

1. Haemorrhoids
2. Anal Fissure
3. Faecal Impaction
4. Rectal Prolapse
5. Digestive Discomfort
6. Systemic Issues
7. Psychological Impact

How to Prevent and Deal with Constipation?
Below are practical strategies to maintain gut health and address constipation effectively:

1. Stay Hydrated
2. Eat a Fiber-rich diet
3. Stay Active
4. Don't ignore the urge
5. Limit Processed Foods
6. Establish a Routine
7. Manage Stress
8. Use Laxatives Sparingly
9. Seek Medical Advice

Constipation is a common yet often overlooked health concern that can significantly reduce quality of life if left unaddressed. With the right knowledge, preventive measures, and timely medical intervention, managing and overcoming constipation is not only achievable but also essential for maintaining a healthy gut.