20 years
What are the causes of constipation? What is the treatment? Could constipation cause increase in weight ? And could loss of weight be a reasonof it?
Aug 9, 2014
It is a very common problem and more frequently seen as we age
Constipation is a common complaint that may be due to a variety of causes. Appropriate management requires an evaluation for secondary etiologies, such as systemic disorders and drugs.
Usually most commonly constipation occurs when waste or stool moves too slowly through the digestive tract, causing it to become hard and dry.
Chronic constipation(where the patient stay constipated most of the time) has many causes;
Some are causes related to colon itself some are related to nerves and the nerve bundle in the colon,some are of muscle cause ,others are from a hormonal cause
>Anal fissure
the patient has beside constipation burning pain which make him afraid of making a bowel movement and this will lead to stool stay in the colon and thus more water absorbtion and thus constipation
>Bowel obstruction any obstruction in any place of the colon will lead to constipation beside symptoms of vomiting or abdominal pain
>Colon cancer
>Narrowing of the colon (bowel stricture)
>Other abdominal cancer that presses on the colon
>Rectal cancer
>Rectocele
NERVE CAUSE OF CONSTIPATION :
these affect the nerves that cause the muscles to pass stools like :
Neurological problems can affect the nerves that cause muscles in the colon and rectum to contract and move stool through the intestines. Causes include:
Autonomic neuropathy/Multiple sclerosis/Parkinson's disease/Spinal cord injury/Stroke
PELVIC MUSCLES PROBLEM CAUSES ARE :
>Inability to relax the pelvic muscles to allow for a bowel movement
>Weakened pelvic muscles
>Pelvic muscles don't coordinate relaxation and contraction correctly
Diabetes
Overactive parathyroid gland (hyperparathyroidism)
Pregnancy
Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
OTHER FACTORS ARE :
-Aging
-Women has more constipation problems than men
-dehydration and loss of fluid intake and water consumption
-low fiber diet
-laziness and no physical activity
-some medicines like sedatives, narcotics or certain medications to lower blood pressure
Treatment has two branches ,first branch is treating the constipation symptom by lifestyle changes and diet ,other branch treating the cause if possible
LIFESTYLE AND DIET CHANGES :
>adding more fiber in your diet increases the weight of your stool and speeds its passage through your intestines. fibers include more fresh fruits and vegetables each day.Choose whole-grain breads and cereals
A sudden increase in the amount of fiber you eat can cause bloating and gas, so start slowly and work your way up to your goal over a few weeks.
>increase your physical activity exercise more often
>DONOT ignore the urge to have a bowel movement
Take your time in the bathroom, allowing yourself enough time to have a bowel movement without distractions .
>Drink more water and fluids
IF the above measures are not effective the patient might take a fiber supplement if he can't consume enough fibers , stool softeners ,laxatives BUT NOT FOR TOO LONG ELSE WHERE IT CAUSE intestine laziness and dependent on laxative,osmotic laxatives like lactulose
if also the above measure donot relieve constipation ,you must check with the doctor for the underlying cause the doctor may order tests and diagnose to treat the condition beside some medications on prescription
YES indeed ,a constipation that stay for several days ,where the stools are stored in your colon and digestive tract for several days will increase your weight due to the over loaded stools there ,and consequently when constipation relieved and stools gone then the weight will apparently decreases .
IN CONCLUSION ,constipation has many causes related to the anatomy of the colon itself ,try to strict on a healthy diet rich in fibers and drink more often ,,exercise more often for the sake of a healthy bowel movement and preventing constipation .
•
