WHAT IS CONSTIPATION?
Constipation means that bowel movements are difficult or occur less frequently than normal. Another name for constipation is constipation.
Almost everyone gets constipated at some point in their life. Almost everyone gets constipated at some point in their life. Although constipation does not usually cause a serious health problem, the individual will feel much more comfortable when the symptoms are gone.
The normal time between bowel movements varies from person to person. Some people go to the toilet three times a day, while others go to the toilet only a few times a week.
However, not being able to go to the toilet three or more times is a long time. Under normal conditions, after the third day, going to the toilet becomes difficult due to the hardening of the stool. Urinating less than three times a week is defined as constipation.
What are the causes of constipation?
Constipation can have many causes, usually based on lifestyle. These may include changes in the normal diet and activities of daily living.
Not taking enough water or fiber during nutrition is another reason. Consuming too much dairy product can cause constipation in some people. Stress is another reason for constipation. Strong drugs, painkillers, pills, antidepressants, iron pills, calcium or aluminum content. Antacid medications may also cause constipation.
Various eating disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, pregnancy, problems with the nerves and muscles in the digestive system, neurological problems such as colon cancer, Parkinson's disease, or multiple sclerosis, and medical problems such as an underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism can also cause constipation symptoms.
What are the diseases that cause constipation?
Large Intestine Diseases;
Irritable bowel syndrome
large intestine cancer
Diverticulitis
Crohn's disease
Continuous use of laxatives
Pelvic floor damage
anal diseases
Neurological Diseases;
multiple sclerosis
Parkinson's disease
Paralysis
spinal cord injury
pseudoobstruction
Uremia
Systemic Diseases;
amyloidosis
Lupus
scleroderma
Surgery - surgical treatment (intra-abdominal adhesions)
Poor eating habits (excessive caffeine intake, irregular feeding times)
Don't exercise less
Drinking less fluid
Voluntary obstruction of bowel movements
It is stress and anxiety.
When to See a Doctor?
It is usually a temporary condition that can be easily corrected. However, it can sometimes indicate more serious problems. If you have one of the following conditions, you need to go to the doctor and get examined (constipation examination);
Persistent constipation and unexplained constipation
Change in bowel habits (increase or decrease in frequency)
Thinning of stool diameter (thin stools) and bloody stools
Constipation that lasts longer than seven days despite dietary changes and a constipation diet
Blood in the stool, abdominal pain or tenderness
Extremely painful defecation (painful defecation)
Constipation and diarrhea attacks follow each other
Having other signs and symptoms along with constipation that suggest there may be a problem in the body
There is no specific area (that is, a constipation doctor) to apply for constipation complaints. You can apply to the internal medicine, gastroenterology (digestive system diseases department) and general surgery departments of hospitals.
