Constipation – Introduction and Causes
Laxatives Speed Bowel Movements but are They a Solution?
Mar 2, 2009
Constipation is not a disease but this doesn't make it more enjoyable. In fact, though, more often than not, constipation can be a symptom of a serious disease, so the fact that bowel movements are infrequent is not something to take lightly.
What is Constipation
There are many definitions of constipation but more or less all sources define constipation as: “Infrequent (and frequently incomplete) bowel movements”. The slippery part in the definition of constipation is “infrequent” because the normal frequency varies from one individual to the other.
For some people it is common to have a bowel movement after each meal, while for other having a bowel movement three times a week is usual. For many people having a bowel movement once a day – usually in the morning before or after breakfast – is the typical scenario. Also, there are individuals whose stools are firmer even without constipation, so when one hasn't had bowel movements for 2 or 3 days in a row and his or her stools are dry, this is still not a reason to think that one is constipated.
People of all walks of life can have constipation but toddlers and people over 65 are generally the most affected group. Still, not every toddler and not every old person should be labeled as constipated, if he or she doesn't have a bowel movement every day.
Causes of Constipation
Some of the causes of constipation can be very frightening (i.e. colon cancer, poisoning, mechanical injuries to the bowel, etc.) but generally constipation causes are very prosaic and there is no reason to fear. Some of the most common causes for constipation are: nutrition and lack of exercise, medication, travel and other changes in the daily regime, overuse of laxatives, irritable bowel syndrome, disease.
Nutrition and Lack of Exercise can Cause Constipation
When low fluid intake and low fiber intake are combined with eating foods rich in animal fat or refined sugar over a prolonged period of time, this can cause constipation even in people who rarely experience it. Add lack of exercise to this and it is no wonder why so many people nowadays complain of constipation.
Medication is Another Common Reason for Constipation
Medication is also known to cause constipation. Sometimes the documentation of the pills a doctor has prescribed to a patient lists constipation as a possible side effect. That is why if somebody is taking medication and this has resulted in constipation, he or she should check the medication documentation first and then discuss the issue with a doctor.
Travel can Lead to Constipation
Travel and other changes in the daily regime can make bowel movements infrequent. This is especially a serious issue for people whose business requires a lot of traveling, getting up early, going to bed at different times, eating foreign food, etc.
Overuse of Laxatives can Cause Constipation
It is best when constipation is treated without laxatives but sometimes this is not possible. However, the overuse of laxatives can make bowels lazy and there is the risk that a constipation sufferer might become dependent on laxatives.
The Irritable Bowel Syndrome is Also a Reason for Constipation
The Irritable Bowel Syndrome is one of the most common causes of constipation. The irritable bowel syndrome involves changes in the bowel function and in addition to constipation, it could also lead to abdominal pains, bloating, gas, etc.
Many Diseases Result in Constipation
Finally, the most frightening, but fortunately the least frequent cause of constipation, is disease. Here the list is endless and it includes cancer, intestinal obstructions, etc. Pregnancy and surgery could also lead to temporary constipation.
As can be seen from the list above, there are many causes for constipation. Depending on the cause, the treatment of constipation is different.
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