How to Treat Constipation

Being constipated is a serious matter because it can cause severe damage to the digestive system. Constipation is just a symptom and not yet a disease so it is crucial that you know how to treat constipation particularly during the early stage so that more serious diseases like appendicitis, rheumatism, cataract and cancer among others can be prevented. Constipation can easily be identified because it is a common result of inactive lifestyle and unhealthy diet. The most common causes of constipation include absence of physical exercise, not taking enough fluids especially water, and you are not getting enough amounts of fiber from your regular diet. Holding back stools is another common cause of constipation. Irregular eating habits and incorrect chewing of the food can also be added on the list. Once constipation becomes chronic, complications may soon follow like fecal impaction wherein the dry and hard stool is collected directly from the rectum, and fecal incontinence wherein the stool becomes liquid already and it leaks.

People of all ages can be constipated. Babies, children and adults can suffer from constipation although adults are more prone compared to children. Studies also show that women are more likely to experience constipation than men. Pregnant women are commonly constipated also during pregnancy. The common treatment for constipation is to change your lifestyle. You may want to start eating fruits and vegetables to increase your fiber intake. If you don’t drink water that much on a daily basis, this is the right time you start drinking more water, at least 3 liters per day. Take note also that you should exercise regularly.

Some cases of constipation are treated immediately but there are cases also that take months before regular bowel movement is achieved. There may be cases when changes in diet and lifestyle is not effective especially if you have been constipated for quite a while already. You may resort to using laxatives but make sure you take laxatives with precaution. Docusate and bisacodyl are the alternatives to your laxatives. They may be in form of pills, liquids or powder.

For more severe cases, some use enemas or undergo surgery. However, these two are your last resorts and should be used only when the other treatments are not producing positive results. Another technique called biofeedback can also be used. This technique is behavioral in nature. It helps the person to have control of his body which includes the muscles in the bowel.

The best way on how to treat constipation is to determine the exact cause of your condition. You can be constipated due to lack of dietary fiber, lack of water and lack of proper exercise. Fiber softens the stool. Fruits and vegetables are rich in fiber. In the same manner, your body needs enough water for constipation to clear up. In the case of exercise, your body needs it to be in good shape when dealing with constipation.