Constipation in adults

Recurring constipation is a problem that should not be ignored and attempted to be resolved on your own.

What is constipation?

Constipation is a violation of the bowel movement. Constipation is diagnosed if a person goes to the toilet three or less times a week, and also if he does it daily, but at the same time he has to push hard.

Causes of constipation in adults

The causes of constipation include a number of both medical conditions and social factors (lifestyle, stress, etc.). Temporary constipation in adults often occurs when there is a violation of the diet, when traveling, when taking certain medications and during periods of illness.

Among the causes of constipation, organic and functional are distinguished.

Organic causes of constipation

These include various diseases of the stomach and intestines that disrupt normal emptying:

• congenital anatomical anomalies of the intestine;
• the period after surgery on the intestines or stomach;
• inflammatory bowel disease;
• intestinal obstruction;
• neoplasms (tumors of the intestine or surrounding organs).

Functional causes of constipation

They are not associated with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

• Disorders of the emotional sphere (stress, depression, sleep disturbance, fears, conflicts, etc.).
• Violation of peristalsis, i.e. contraction of the intestinal muscles.

The reasons are the use of a small amount of liquid, malnutrition, lack of vegetable fiber in food. Fiber, i.e. vegetable fibers contained in vegetables, fruits, cereals increase the volume of feces and help the intestines to work properly. Another reason for impaired peristalsis is the lack of physical activity, which reduces the tone of the intestinal muscles, and they slow down their contraction.

• Taking certain medications can adversely affect intestinal motility and disrupt its emptying.

These groups of drugs include antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, Diclofenac), antispasmodics, antifungal drugs, etc.

Long-term use of laxatives can also have a negative effect, which contributes to the development of dysbacteriosis and a decrease in intestinal tone.

Constipation can lead to unpleasant consequences and significantly reduce the quality of life. Prolonged constipation is accompanied by pain in the abdomen, bloating, lack of appetite, gas formation, nausea. Prolonged lack of bowel movements increases the risk of:

• dysbacteriosis;
• poisoning the body with harmful substances (intoxication);
• hemorrhoids¹;
• violations of the work of internal organs;
• development of enterocolitis;
• development of polyps and other oncological diseases of the intestine.

Symptoms of constipation in adults

In most European countries, the Thompson scale is used to make a diagnosis. The diagnosis is made if one or more symptoms from the specified list are observed on a regular basis for one year.

• Every third or fourth act of bowel movement takes place with a clear effort.
• Hard stools every third or fourth bowel movement.
• The daily volume of feces does not exceed 35 g.
• The need for the use of aids for bowel emptying.
• Fragmented, dry feces.
• The frequency of spontaneous stools is less than 3 times a week.

Treatment of constipation in adults

In the treatment of constipation, an important role is played by proper and balanced nutrition, as well as the appointment of laxatives.².

Laxatives

Laxatives are divided into

• improving peristalsis (senna extract, Bisacodyl, etc.);
• increasing the amount of water in the intestines (various salts, lactulose, etc.);
• combining both those and other properties (Regulaks, etc.);
• enemas and microclysters that empty the large intestine.

However, most of the laxatives with long-term use contribute to the development of side effects, such as dysbacteriosis, a feeling of fullness in the intestines, dehydration, addiction.

What can be done at home

Medicines for the treatment of constipation in adults are prescribed exclusively by a doctor. The choice of drugs depends on the cause of constipation. So, for example, if constipation is caused by spasm, the appointment of some drugs is required, rather than in the case of intestinal obstruction. Therefore, self-administration of laxatives is contraindicated.

Diet for constipation in adults

Proper and balanced nutrition plays an important role in the treatment and prevention of constipation. You need to know a number of products that contribute to the development of constipation in an adult. These include mashed dishes (mashed potatoes), soft dishes, such as semolina, jelly, as well as strong tea, chocolate, red wines.

Foods that improve intestinal motility include:

• rye bread, bran;
• raw vegetables and fruits;
• buckwheat, oatmeal;
• lean meat;
• liquids (juices, mineral water, compotes);
• dairy.

However, before prescribing one or another diet, you should consult your doctor. The use of vegetable fiber in large quantities can contribute to flatulence, cause intestinal cramps and pain.

Prevention of constipation in adults at home

• Balanced diet.

Introduce as many fresh vegetables and berries into your diet as possible. Do not forget about healthy fats in the form of vegetable oils, nuts, avocados, sea fish. For breakfast, choose crumbly cereals with the addition of dried fruits.

Avoid fatty and fried foods. Eliminate fast snacks sandwiches and fast food from the diet.

• Drinking mode.

Every day, for the proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and the maintenance of the body as a whole, a person must drink his individual norm of water. Calculating it is quite simple. For every kilogram of body weight should be 30 ml of clean drinking water³. It is best to drink warm water regardless of the season.

• Physical activity.

A sedentary lifestyle is a direct path to intestinal problems. In order to maintain its proper functioning, weekly physical activity is necessary.⁴. Three training days a week will be enough. If for some reason you cannot afford to play sports, go to the gym or pool, start walking more, climb stairs without the help of an elevator, etc.

Popular questions and answers

Sources of

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