Oftentimes, knowing the cause of a problem is the first step in knowing how to prevent the problem. This can be true of chronic constipation as well. Although there are many causes that cannot be prevented, there are some that can be understood and taken to heart to prevent chronic constipation from occurring.

In theory, constipation is caused by food simply moving too slowly through the digestive tract and colon. However, there are underlying reasons that this occurs and having an understanding of these reasons can help prevent chronic constipation from occurring and possibly help treat it if it does occur.

Diet

Dietary problems can be the root of chronic constipation. Diets that are low in fiber are practically a guarantee that constipation will occur. The digestive system needs roughage or fiber in order to push food through and out of the body. This is usually part of a well-balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables and grains. However, many people fail to take in an adequate amount of fiber and wind up with chronic constipation.

Lack of Water

Water is necessary to keep the stool soft and easy to pass through the colon and out of the body. People who don’t drink enough water have a tendency to have constipation more often than those who drink the suggested eight (8 oz.) glasses of water daily.

Stress

Stress can cause the body to behave in odd ways. It can cause the over production of hormones or an underproduction of hormones. Hormones are part of the digestive system and any disruption can cause constipation.

Medication

Many medications are responsible for constipation. Painkillers are particularly prone to causing chronic constipation and at times must be stopped in order to get the bowels back on track. Other medicines that are known to cause constipation include certain antidepressants, anticonvulsants, iron, and some calcium channel blocking drugs. Sometimes the doctor can simply switch the medication to another one that does the same thing; otherwise, the doctor may have to add a fiber supplement or other medication to help with bowel movements.

Laxatives

This may seem like a contradiction; however, people who abuse laxatives can actually find that they are chronically constipated as a result. Abusing stimulant laxatives, as is often done by people with weight disorders, can cause the body to be unable to have a bowel movement without the aid of the stimulant. The stimulants are thought to cause damage to the colon muscles.

Hormonal Disorders

Stress is not the only thing that causes hormonal disorders. There are health conditions that cause hormonal problems and thus cause chronic constipation. If the thyroid produces too little or too much of the hormone parathyroid, constipation can occur.

An increase in estrogen or progesterone can also cause constipation. This often occurs during a woman’s menstrual cycle. The good news is that this cause usually rectifies itself and the bowels go back to normal without any intervention.

Lack of Sleep and Exercise

Poor sleep habits and a lack of exercise can lead to chronic constipation. Exercise stimulates the digestive tract and leads to healthy bowel movements. A lack of sleep often leads to a lack of exercise and constipation is the end result.

Parasites

Parasites can enter the body in many different ways, such as walking barefoot through grass or handling and many other ways. Parasites can be responsible for a host of health issues including constipation. This reason for constipation is not easy to diagnose and typically requires a doctor to treat.

Disease

There are many different diseases that are responsible for chronic constipation and can only be treated by a doctor. These diseases typically affect the muscles that control the colon and help push food through the colon. Some of these diseases include diabetes, Chagas disease, scleroderma, and Hirschprung’s disease.  Cancer can also be a leading cause of constipation if it is in the colon and causing a blockage.

While it might seem odd to think that brain and spinal cord injuries can cause constipation, it is true. Spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease are all examples of central nervous system diseases that can cause chronic constipation.

Birth Defects

There are several birth defects that can cause chronic constipation. The two most common are colonic inertia and pelvic floor dysfunction. These are conditions that typically are birth defects or occur later in life but are simply a failure on the part of the colon muscles or the lower pelvic muscles that are a part of the rectum, to function normally. The cause of these defects is not known.

Regardless of the cause of chronic constipation, the goal of anyone who suffers with it is to find relief and get their bowels back on a normal schedule. Knowing the cause behind the constipation is the first step in knowing how to treat it and be well.

Understanding Chronic Constipation

Chronic constipation may need the intervention of a medical doctor and yet many people are embarrassed to go to their doctor for what they feel should be a private and easily treated matter. The truth is, many cases of chronic constipation are caused by medical conditions and if left untreated can lead to severe health conditions and even death. Doctors have a variety of chronic constipation treatments to choose from and even procedures that can be used if necessary.

What is Chronic Constipation?

Constipation is the inability to have a bowel movement for a period of time. However, the time period that defines chronic constipation varies from person to person. Everyone has a different bowel schedule and so it is important that people know what their normal bowel routine is and thus be able to identify when it is off schedule and constipation is the cause.

Some people may have a bowel movement once or twice daily while others may have one every other day. In addition to knowing what normal frequency is, everyone should be aware of their normal stools and know when they are developing harder stools that are more difficult to pass. This is a common sign of constipation as well. If constipation reaches the chronic stage it may be necessary to see a doctor to determine what should be done to restore the bowels to their normal function.

Medical Advice

In the beginning the doctor may recommend changes in the diet to help facilitate bowel movements. The doctor will most likely provide information on diet and lifestyle changes that should help get bowel movements back to normal. Some of the most often recommended changes include the following.

• Diet: A diet high in fiber is conducive to normal bowel movements. It is recommended that at least 20 to 35 grams of fiber be included in the daily diet to help the formation of soft stools that are easy for the body to pass. Fiber can be found in fruits, vegetables, beans, legumes and grains. It can also be added through the addition of wheat germ or phylum husk. Processed foods, meats and cheeses should be limited.

• Fluids: Plenty of fluids should be included in the daily diet. At least 8 glasses of water should be included in the daily diet. Water and other liquids assist the body in keeping stools soft which in turn makes them easier to expel from the body.

• Exercise: Exercise has been proven to stimulate the intestinal tract and help with defecation.

• Training and Time: Many people have found that setting aside time to have a bowel movement and going the same time every day helps train their bowels to move. It is also important to go to the bathroom anytime the urge strikes, holding it back can lead to constipation.

Laxatives

Doctors try to avoid laxatives as much as possible as they can be habit forming. However, there are some laxatives that they will prescribe for use when diet and exercise are not working. There are many types of laxatives and supplements that doctors can choose from and typically they choose the least harsh when prescribing them. The various types of laxatives available include:

• Fiber: These are laxatives that are derived from fiber and include such names as Metamucil, FiberCon and more.

• Lubricants: These are stool softeners and can be suppositories or mineral oil that is ingested.

• Stool softener pills: These pills help prevent the colon from dehydrating which causes constipation.

• Saline laxatives: This type of laxative uses saline to pull water into the colon in order to help the stool pass. Milk of magnesia is a saline laxative.

• Stimulants: This type of laxative causes contractions in the colon which then cause the body to pass the stools. This is the main type of laxative to avoid as the body can become addicted to the laxative.

Doctors try to use diet and exercise to help their patients get their bowel movements back to normal. If necessary, they can have them try laxatives; however, in the event that laxatives do not work, there are more aggressive medical techniques that can be used.

Medical Procedures

If diet, exercise and laxatives do not solve the chronic constipation, there are more aggressive medical techniques that can be used, such as manual manipulation or surgical procedures. Manual manipulation is typically done to remove a blockage or impaction that is preventing stools from passing through and out of the body. Surgical procedures include removing part of the colon that is causing the problem so that normal bowel movements can resume. These are typically considered a last resort when nothing else has worked.

Medical treatment for chronic constipation is often needed to provide relief from chronic constipation and knowing this makes it possible to get that relief and stop the suffering sooner than later.

Chronic Constipation

Chronic constipation is a miserable feeling; it causes bloating, pain from straining to pass hard stools and an overall feeling of unease. There are many treatment options that can be successfully employed from home; however, some chronic constipation requires the intervention of a doctor to get complete relief. The following information should help provide the relief needed and help determine when a doctor should be contacted.

Laxatives

The first thing that should be understood is how laxatives affect the colon. Laxatives are an excellent aid for the occasional bout with constipation; however, long term use can cause the colon to become dependent on them and thus cause constipation to worsen when they are not used.

This does not mean that laxatives cannot be successfully used. There are times when the body has episodes of constipation that are short term and can be treated successfully using over the counter laxatives. However, there are alternatives to harsh chemical laxatives that can be used to keep bowel movements regular. An overview of these options follows.

Home Remedies for Constipation

Home remedies for constipation are typically diet based. These remedies add foods to the diet that help to keep the bowels moving regularly. Some of the foods that are suggested include:

• Grain products: A minimum of six ounces of grain products should be included in the diet on a daily basis. This includes products such as whole grain bread, cereal, barley flour and grits.

• Starchy fruits and vegetables: Starchy fruits and vegetables contain fiber that naturally fights constipation. Some of the best vegetables for fighting constipation include broccoli, cauliflower, apples, prunes, berries, tomatoes, oranges, corn, peas and more. In fact, practically all vegetables and fruits will aid in preventing constipation and when constipated, adding prunes to the diet can help remedy the situation.

• Dried beans: Legumes and dried beans such as pinto beans, navy beans and lima beans are full of fiber and protein. The fiber makes them an ideal constipation combatant while the protein makes the nutritious.

These daily dietary additions will not only help prevent and treat constipation, they are also healthy additions that will keep the body functioning properly.

Other Home Treatments

There are many other home treatments that have proven successful in treating constipation and in some cases preventing it from occurring. Some of these include the following:

• Coffee: It has been found that a cup of hot coffee can stimulate the digestive tract and promote bowel a movement. Many people have trained their bowels to move after having their morning coffee.

• Mineral and olive oil: Adding olive oil to salads or having a spoon of mineral oil daily can provide lubrication to the gastrointestinal tract that will help make bowel movements more regular.

• Exercise: Exercise has been proven to help stimulate bowel movements and keep the body regular.

Treatment for Chronic Constipation

When constipation goes beyond one or two days and the normal home remedies and preventatives are not working, there are some other home treatment options that can be tried before seeking medical treatment.

Juices are a natural home remedy that can often break through even the toughest bout of constipation. Prune juice, tomato juice and even sauerkraut juice have been used to effectively cure constipation. Aloe Vera juice is another frequently used home remedy for chronic constipation. Once the chronic bout is cured, the juice can be continued daily as a preventative.

Psyllium husk and wheat germ are fibers that are found in many over the counter constipation medications. This is usually either mixed into a juice or water and drank or sprinkled over food. The fiber helps to push food through the digestive system and relieve constipation.

Honey is another home remedy that has shown great success in treating constipation. It can be used in foods or as a sweetener in hot tea or simply taken by the spoonful when constipation attacks.

Medical Intervention

If home remedies do not work to break up chronic constipation, medical intervention may be necessary. This intervention can help determine what the cause of the constipation is and provide any medication indicated by the cause.

Impactions are often the cause of chronic constipation. This condition can be relieved by either manual manipulation or through the use of a colon cleanser such as an enema.

If pain medication is used on a daily basis, it could be the cause of the chronic constipation and may need to be adjusted in order to stop the constipation episodes from occurring.

There are other medical conditions that can cause chronic constipation and the doctor will be able to identify these and ultimately treat the condition in order to treat the constipation.

Treatment for constipation and chronic constipation varies depending on the cause; however, there are many home treatments, as has been shown herein. The best treatment option is prevention and following a healthy diet is the first step in preventing chronic constipation.

Most people don’t like to discuss their bowel movements and other bodily functions; however, if constipation becomes a chronic problem, there can be many health problems that arise as a result. It is important to know the signs and symptoms of chronic constipation and when a doctor should be consulted.

The first ting to note is that there is one definition of normal when it comes to defining frequency of bowel movements. Everybody’s body is different and what is normal for one person might be abnormal for the next. The only thing that can be defined is what a normal stool should be and then use that as a gauge. Normal stools should not be hard or lumpy; rather they should be formed and slightly soft. This allows them to pass through the bowels without straining. If this is not the case or the bowel movements suddenly change, a doctor should be consulted.

Common Signs of Constipation

It is important to recognize the signs of constipation so that a medical doctor can determine if there is something wrong with the bowels that need to be medically treated. While it is true that everyone’s bowel movements are different, there are certain symptoms that cannot be overlooked. Some of these include:

• Reduced bowel movements: The frequency of bowel movements varies from person to person; however, a person should know their own body and how often their bowels move. Once the realization occurs that the bowels are not moving as often as they should, this should be considered a symptom of constipation.

• Harder than normal stools: Again, this is going to be unique to each individual. However, when it becomes obvious that the stools are harder than normal, constipation is most likely the culprit.

• Straining and difficulty having a bowel movement: If passing stools becomes difficult and staining is involved in having a bowel movement, constipation should be considered and a doctor consulted if this lingers.

• Incomplete emptying of bowels: If, after emptying the bowels, the body still feels as though it needs to be emptied, then constipation is the culprit. The feeling of incomplete emptying of the bowels is an uncomfortable feeling.

• Alternating diarrhea and constipation: Chronic constipation can cause the bowels to go through periods of diarrhea and constipation. The diarrhea is not truly diarrhea but more of a backup of fecal matter that is able to get around the obstruction that is causing the constipation and thus appear to be diarrhea.

• Bloating: Chronic constipation can cause bloating due the body not emptying the contents of the stomach as is should. This bloating can be uncomfortable and cause swelling.

These symptoms alone are not indicative of chronic constipation. In order to be considered chronic, the symptoms must have been longstanding or at least longer than what is normal for the person that has not had a bowel movement. However, if the constipation has bleeding or severe pain, a doctor should be consulted regardless of the timeframe.

Possible Causes

Constipation is typically a symptom of another medical condition, not necessarily the condition. A visit to the doctor will be needed if the constipation starts suddenly or doesn’t respond to typical home remedies such as adding fiber to the diet or taking a laxative.

The doctor will ask a series of questions and possibly do tests in order to determine what is causing the constipation. Some of the typical causes include obstruction of the bowels, muscle control, medical illnesses and more.

If an obstruction is the cause of the constipation, the doctor can manually remove the impaction or prescribe an enema. Once the impaction is removed, bowel movements should revert to normal.

If an illness is the cause of the constipation, the doctor will first have to treat the illness in order for the constipation to go away. This can vary from person to person and case to case.

Many medications can cause constipation, such as pain killers. Individuals who have to take these medications for long periods of time may need to include additional fiber in their diet in order to keep their bowels moving regularly.

Doctors can use many different tools to determine what is causing constipation. Today, there are microscopic cameras that can be swallowed in a pill. These cameras record the entire digestion process and show doctors what is occurring in the body. This allows them to get to the root of the constipation and treat it appropriately.

Chronic constipation is an uncomfortable condition that can affect everyday routines. Eating becomes near impossible due to the overly full feeling in the stomach; straining to pass stools can cause tears in the skin tissue which is known as hemorrhoids and the pain can be severe. The family doctor should be consulted if constipation lasts for more than a few days and doesn’t respond to normal treatment.

In healthy people, the number of regular bowel movements will vary from person to person. There is no set norm for how many bowel movements a person should have daily or weekly. One person may have bowel movements three times a day, while someone else, who is just as healthy, may only have three or four per week. However, if your regularity pattern decreases, then you may be constipated. Apart from having less frequent bowel movements, one of the most common symptoms of constipation is a feeling of bloatedness. A feeling of sluggishness is also a typical symptom of constipation.

Constipation occurs when the colon absorbs an excessive amount of water. This hinders the easy movement of the stool through the colon, resulting in dry, hard stools. If a symptom of constipation persists, despite the use of a laxative, you should contact a doctor, as you may be chronically constipated. What is the cause of constipation? Constipation is caused by varying factors which include a lack of exercise, certain medications and not enough fiber in the diet.  A lack of fiber is the most common cause of constipation. High-fiber foods include fruit and vegetables, whole grain bread, meat, cheese and eggs. The ADA (American Dietetic Association) recommends a daily intake of 30g of fiber every day.

The insufficient intake of liquids is also a cause of constipation. Liquids, especially water, assist in softening the contents in the colon, thereby making the stool easy to pass. People who suffer constipation problems should drink at least eight glasses of water every day. Stay away from fizzy drinks and caffeine as these can dehydrate the body. IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) can also cause constipation. IBS is also known as ‘spastic colon’ and it can affect bowel movements in the form of constipation and diarrhea. IBS can be stress induced and can cause a person discomfort throughout their life, even though it is not a life-threatening condition.

Be cautious with the use of laxatives. The myth that an adult should have at least one bowel movement every day has led to the use, and abuse, of laxatives. With continued use of laxatives, the colon can become lazy by relying on the laxative to bring on bowel movements. Eventually the use of laxatives over a long period of time will interfere with the colon’s ability to function.

Ignoring the urge to pass a stool also leads to chronic constipation. If ignored often enough, this urge can completely disappear. People will often suppress the urge because they do not want to use a public toilet due to its unhygienic state. Children will also often ignore the urge to pass a stool if they are in an unfamiliar environment, or simply because they do not want to interrupt an enjoyable activity.

Chronic constipation is also known as functional constipation. People who suffer with functional constipation do not respond to conventional treatments. Functional constipation is often caused by a physical problem, for example, the muscles and nerves in the colon, anus or rectum may not be functioning correctly. Functional constipation is therefore also referred to as anorectal dysfunction because the muscles that allow a stool to be passed are dysfunctional. If a person feels the urge to pass a stool, but experiences difficulty or pain in following through, the problem may be due to a pelvic dysfunction.

In cases of functional constipation, the treatment used is called biofeedback training. Sensors and electrodes, attached to the patient’s body, provide feedback on the patient’s physical condition, i.e. body temperature, brain function, heart rate and muscle tension. This information is used to help the patient make changes in their lifestyle. Biofeedback training has been successful in the treatment of chronic constipation.

Scientific tests for the treatment of chronic constipation have revealed excellent results, the most exciting being the development of drugs that react directly on the colon, to either inhibit or stimulate the muscles to enable healthy bowel movements. These drugs are considered to be a major breakthrough in the treatment of chronic constipation and, while they are still in the stages of trial, they will be available in the very near future.

As with most medical conditions, prevention is better than cure. To prevent constipation, occasional or chronic we need to follow certain steps.