Hemorrhoids: Everything That You Should Know

Chronic Constipation Q&A

 

When it happens once, constipation can be an annoying, uncomfortable, and all-around unpleasant experience. When it occurs day after day for a prolonged period of time, this health condition can affect your life in many ways. For example, people who suffer from chronic constipation often find themselves shying away from activities that they formerly enjoyed due to the fear that bloating and discomfort that they experience will detract from the experience. And even if you make a serious effort to continue with your day-to-day life, those negative symptoms follow you.

Fortunately, managing chronic constipation is possible. This can sometimes be done on your own, using a combination of healthy lifestyle changes and simple home remedies. In more serious or persistent cases, you may need to visit a doctor who can help diagnose the root cause of the issue, rule out any serious underlying conditions, and ease your symptoms.

Learning more about chronic constipation can help you make smarter, more effective health care decisions in order to limit your symptoms and control any greater medical risks. Read on to discover a few of the most important facts regarding this common condition.

 

How Often Should I Have A Bowel Movement?

As a general rule, a “normal” frequency of bowel movements can range anywhere from three times per day to three times per week. If you find yourself going less than three times per week for at least two weeks on end, then you probably need some type of lifestyle change and/or medical attention.

 

Is Chronic Constipation a Common Problem?

Yes! Chronic constipation, defined as difficulty passing stool, infrequent stool movements, or other waste-disposal problems that last longer than three weeks, actually affects upwards of 20% of Americans at some point during their lives. So there is no sense in feeling shy or embarrassed about this common condition — if you are suffering, then reach out and get the help you need!

 

What Causes Constipation?

In most cases, this problem is the result of one or more of the following issues:

 

    • Dehydration, which causes stool to become hard and dried out.
    • Lack of fiber, which deprives your digestive system of the bulk it needs to pass stool in a time-effective manner.
    • “Holding it” too frequently, which causes you to miss out on the natural window of opportunity in which your body would be facilitating a bowel movement, thus causing stool to spend extra time in the colon, during which it becomes harder.  

 

  • A serious health condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome, colorectal cancer, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, depression, or thyroid imbalances.

 

 

Is Failing to Pass Stool for a Prolonged Period of Time Dangerous?

Despite common misconceptions, your body doesn’t “absorb toxins” when you are constipated, and unless you go over a month without passing stool, the issue itself doesn’t pose any direct danger. However, constipation does increase your risk for developing hemorrhoids, and the cramping, pain, and discomfort can have a negative impact on your lifestyle. Moreover, as we mentioned before, constipation can sometimes be a sign of a serious health condition, which is why getting this problem checked out by a medical professional is recommendable.

 

How Can I Control My Symptoms?

If your constipation is not severe or prolonged, then you can start by trying these simple steps:

 

  • Eat a healthier diet with more fiber and less processed food.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Try an over-the-counter medicine or herbal remedy.

 

If your condition is severe, has been going on for a long period of time, or doesn’t respond to the remedies listed above, then you should make an appointment with a local specialist who can treat your symptoms and the underlying problem.