Constipation

Advancing ageSedentary lifestyleProlonged bed rest due to surgery or an accidentDiet that is high in fat and sugar, and low in fiber Symptoms Symptoms include: Abdominal painSensation of abdominal fullnessRectal pain and pressureDifficulty passing stool, despite strainingHard, dry, small stoolBlack stool"Rabbit pellet" appearance to stoolSensation of retained stool after defecating DiagnosisThere are over-the-counter medications to treat constipation called laxatives. However, changes in bowel habits, such as constipation, may indicate a more serious medical condition. Consult a doctor if you have: Constipation plus: Abdominal painBleedingBlack stoolDistended abdomenFeverConsistent and significant change in your bowel habitsConstipation that lasts longer than three weeks Tests to rule out other medical conditions include: Physical examDigital rectal examexamination of the rectum with the doctor's gloved, lubricated finger inserted into your rectumBlood testsAbdominal x-raysBarium enema x-ray enema of fluid into the rectum that makes your colon light up on an x-ray Flexible sigmoidoscopy a thin, lighted tube with a camera inserted into the rectum to examine the rectum and the lower colon Barium Enema 2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.

TreatmentTreatment may include: Understanding Normal Bowel MovementsTalk to your doctor about what is a normal frequency of bowel movements for you. The range of normal is quite broad. Some people have several stools a day; others have one stool every several days. Making Lifestyle ChangesEat a healthful, balanced diet that is high in fiber (unprocessed bran, whole-wheat grains, fresh fruit, and cereals).Exercise regularly.Drink at least eight, 8-ounce glasses of water each day. Taking Laxatives, Stool Softeners, or Glycerin SuppositoriesDo not regularly use laxatives or enemas; these can be habit forming and your bowels can become accustomed to these products and require them in order to produce a stool. Ask your doctor about how often and for how long to use these products. Treating Underlying Medical ConditionsWork with your doctor to treat other conditions that may be causing your constipation. Changing MedicationsIf you're taking a medication that causes constipation, ask your doctor for a less-constipating alternative. Prevention To reduce your chance of getting constipation: Eat a healthy, balanced diet that is high in fiber.Exercise regularly.Drink at least eight, 8-ounce glasses of water a day.In an effort to train your bowels, schedule a time daily to sit on the toilet just after a meal.Don't rush yourself when using the bathroom.If you feel the urge to defecate, listen to your body. RESOURCES:

American Gastroenterological Associationhttp://www.gastro.org National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseaseshttp://www.niddk.nih.gov CANADIAN RESOURCES: BC Health Guidehttp://www.bchealthguide.org/ Health Canadahttp://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html References: American Gastroenterological Association website. Available at: http://www.gastro.org . National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niddk.nih.gov . Primary Care Medicine . 4th ed. Lippincott, Williams, and Wilkins; 2000. Last reviewed November 2007 by Kari Kassir, MDPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.