What is constipation?
Constipation is a very common problem that most of us have probably experienced at some point of time during our lives. To most, constipation means difficulty in passing motion, or a need to strain excessively. Struggling to pass hard pellet-like stools or infrequent bowel habit may also be interpreted as suffering from constipation. Frequent straining to pass motion may lead to other. Some people also go less often than usual.
What causes constipation?
Brief periods of constipation are normal and many people may have experienced it occasionally especially when they are travelling or during National Service in-camp training. Common causes include a change in diet, insufficient fibre and water intake, and sedentary lifestyle. Constipation may also be made worse by repeatedly ignoring the urge to pass motion.
Bowel habits are determined by what you eat. Exercise is also helpful for proper functioning of the colon.
Certain medications can cause constipation
Medications like cough syrups, painkillers and iron supplements can cause or worsen constipation. If you have constipation after taking a new medication, do check with your doctor.
Sometimes, constipation may be due to other medical conditions like thyroid disease, stroke or Parkinson’s disease. More serious causes of constipation include growths or areas of narrowing in the colon due to colon cancer.
When to see a doctor
If you have persisting constipation as well as any of the conditions listed below, it may be caused by a more serious underlying health problem:
- Blood in stool
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever
- New constipation after age 50
- Persistent change in bowel habits
- Family history of colorectal cancer
- Lump in the abdomen
How is constipation treated?
The important task of the doctor is to identify the cause of your constipation and to treat it specifically. It is not just about prescribing laxatives. Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in Singapore. Your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy, performed by a specialist to check your large intestines internally before the treatment of your constipation.
Many patients with constipation can be successfully treated. Everyone should eat a well-balanced diet regularly. If you have not been eating much vegetables and fruits in your meals, take additional fibre. Foods high in fibre include vegetables and fruits, as well as bran, wholemeal bread and unpolished rice.
Drink about 8 glasses of water daily. Increase in exercise will also help bowel function. A short course of mild laxative may be required to regulate the bowel.
Important facts
- Normal bowel habits vary (3 times/day to 3 times/week)
- You don’t need to pass stool daily
- Constipation does NOT cause “toxins” to build up
- Too much fibre can worsen severe constipation
Prevention is still the best
Dietary and lifestyle modification are usually all that are required to prevent constipation. A balanced diet with sufficient intake of fibre and plenty of fluids will go a long way in ensuring good general health. Regular exercise is also beneficial, not just for the heart, but also for constipation!