Constipation: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

A person suffering from constipation will not have regular bowel movements. Infrequent bowl movements, hard stools and straining when passing stools are some symptoms of constipation. Adults, children and even babies are prone to constipation.

A normal bowel movement is passing stool once or twice a day or between 40 -45 hours after eating food. Babies can have up to several bowel movements a day. Breast fed babies are likely to pass stools more often than babies who are bottle fed. The reason for this has been attributed to breast milk being easier to digest than formula milk.

Constipation can cause obstructed defecation and colonic slow transit in adults.

Obstructive defecation syndrome (ODS)

A person suffering from obstructed defecation constipation will not be able to empty the rectum successfully. Obstructed defecation constipation can be caused because of weak pelvic muscles. Women who have weak pelvic muscles due to child birth or old age are more susceptible to this type of constipation. Some women resort to inserting their fingers into the rectum in order to flush out the build up stools or may use laxatives or enemas. The following are some of the symptoms associated with obstructive defecation syndrome (ODS).

Symptoms of obstructive defecation syndrome (ODS) are:

• Straining to pass stools
• Taking a long time for a bowel movement
• Passing only a little of the stool

Treatments used for obstructed defecation:

• Following a diet rich in fiber
• Using laxatives and enemas
• Pelvic floor physiotherapy
• Stapled Transanal Rectal Resection (STARR) Procedure.

Colonic slow transit

The passing of stools through the large intestine in an unusually slow way can cause constipation and uncontrollable soiling. This type of constipation is called colonic slow transit constipation and stools which accumulate in the colon can push down on the colon wall stretching it. Severe cases of colonic slow transit constipation requires surgery but mild cases can be treated with laxatives or enemas.

Tips to prevent constipation in adults and children

• Sit on the toilet seat by leaning forward with elbows resting on your knees. By sitting in this position the anal canal is straightened allowing the stools to be released without difficulty. When sitting upright on a toilet seat the anal canal is bent which can make it difficult to pass stools.
• Drink a glass of warm water with 1-2 drops of lime/lemon juice first thing in the morning and before you go to bed at night.
• Have a glass of warm water with your breakfast.
• Eat foods rich like fruits, vegetables and cereals.
• Certain medications can cause constipation if taken in excess e.g. Tylenol #3, Elavil, iron supplements.
• Use the bathroom when you feel the urge to have a bowel movement and refrain from holding it back.
• Refrain from taking an excess of laxatives e.g. Senokot, castor oil.

Some tips to treat constipation in adults and children

• Drink at least 6 – 8 glasses of water a day. This will help to loosen the stools and release it from the rectum.
• Include fruits such as papaya, cantaloupes, prunes and pears in your daily diet since these fruits are rich in fiber and help in digestion and preventing and treating constipation.
• Include vegetables such as cucumber, spinach, carrot and cabbage in your daily diet since these vegetables are rich in fiber and are ideal for treating constipation.
• Eat cereals which are made from barley, buckwheat, millet, oats, rye, and whole wheat as its rich in fiber and helps in digestion and constipation.
• Get adequate exercise. Exercise helps in maintaining a good digestive system.

Tips to prevent constipation in babies

• Mothers who bottle feed their babies should correctly mix the formula powder and water according to their baby’s age. Too much or too little of either can affect the baby’s bowel movements.
• Changing to a new brand of formula milk can trigger constipation in a baby. Make sure to consult your baby’s doctor and get his advice before changing to a new product of formula.
• Babies who have newly started on solids are at risk of constipation. Include the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables in your baby’s diet to prevent her suffering from constipation.
• Lack of fluids is another cause for constipation in babies. Make sure you’re baby is getting enough fluids.

Tips for treating constipation in a baby

• Massage your baby’s tummy similar in direction to the movement of the hands of a clock.
• Give your baby a warm bath as this will help to relax the muscles which aid in bowel movements.
• Gently hold your baby’s legs and move it back and forth to aid any solids lodged in the lower intestines to move towards the rectum and be passed out.

© 2012 Suranee Perera