Constipation

Constipation is a fairly common occurrence and doesn’t necessarily lead to a more serious condition. It occurs when your waste or stool is moving through your digestive tract too slowly, causing it to become dry and hard. This can be due to any number of factors, from not getting enough fluid to eating a diet that is low in fiber. It can also occur when the muscles aren’t working together, causing you to strain.

However, constipation can be a sign of other problems, including an intestinal obstruction, diverticulosis, colorectal cancer and diseases of the autoimmune system.

Left unchecked, constipation can lead to hemorrhoids, anal fissures, impaction of the fecal matter, a rectal prolapse or the development of lazy bowel syndrome, which can be caused by too frequent use of laxatives.

A day without a bowel movement doesn’t mean you have constipation. If you’ve had fewer than three stools a week for three weeks, if they are excessively hard, you’re straining during bowel movements or you are worried that you may have a blockage, you may want to contact your doctor to discuss whether or not you should make an appointment.

In most cases, constipation will clear up on its own without the help of a doctor. If your doctor does recommend that you come in, a complete medical history will be taken followed by a physical exam. Your doctor will try to rule out obvious causes. If it’s suspected that the constipation is a symptom of some other condition, you’ll undergo some more testing, which may include a Barium enema X-ray, an X-ray of the anorectal area and an examination of the rectum and sigmoid colon. Other possible tests include a colonoscopy, an evaluation of your anal muscle function and a study to see how food is moving through the colon.

These tests will all be analyzed to determine the root cause of the constipation. If the results indicate that the constipation is not the primary diagnosis, doctors at Celebration Colorectal may recommend additional treatment, ranging from changes in your diet to medication and possibly surgery.

If you'd like to learn more about constipation treatment options, please make an appointment at Celebration Colorectal today.