constipation

constipation,

infrequent or difficult passage of feces. Constipation may be caused by the lack of adequate roughage or fluid in the diet, prolonged physical inactivity, certain drugs, or emotional disturbance. Sudden unexplained changes in bowel habits can be a symptom of a serious disorder (such as lower intestinal obstruction by a growth) and should receive medical attention. Most cases of constipation can be relieved by following a diet that includes adequate roughage and fluid and by establishing regular habits of evacuation. The continued use of laxatives is inadvisable. Daily bowel movements are not essential; many persons suffer from the harm caused by constant use of laxatives and enemas in an effort to establish the desired regularity.

Constipation

prolonged (more than 48 hours) retention of stools or, when there is a daily stool, difficulty in evacuating the intestinal tract, accompanied by a feeling of incomplete discharge.

Constipation is classified according to its causes as alimentary, or dietary, connected with the habitual intake of minced food that is poor in cellulose, insufficient intake of liquids, and so on; neurogenic, caused by disturbances of the conditioned reflexes (systematic suppression of the urge to defecate) and diseases of the viscera, genital organs, spinal cord, and brain; inflammatory, in diseases of the intestinal tract itself (colitis, hemorrhoids, anal fissures and fistulas); mechanical, caused by the development of an obstruction in the lumen of the intestine (tumors, fecal stones, pressure from adhesions); toxic, from poisoning by certain substances (lead, morphine, atropine); and endocrine, caused by functional disturbances of the ovaries? thyroid, or pituitary.

A sedentary life, and the obesity and pulmonary emphysema associated with it, predispose to constipation. In neglected cases of constipation there may be heart palpitations, pains in the region of the heart, headaches, dizziness, weakness, and depression. Patients often feel considerably worse because of an erroneous notion of the great danger of ordinary constipation. They are troubled by eructation, poor appetite, distortions of taste perception, rapid satiation, a feeling of fullness in the stomach, incomplete evacuation of the intestine, coliclike pains in the abdomen, and unpleasant sensations and itching in the anus. The pains are especially intense in the presence of hemorrhoids and inflammation of the rectum. Sometimes changes in the liver and biliary tract are observed. With chronic constipation, the acidity of the gastric juice may be elevated. The skin loses its elasticity and becomes flabby; sometimes hair loss and brittleness of the nails are observed. The feces may resemble those of sheep. In constipation it is important to examine the rectum (rectoromanoscopy, X ray).

Treatment, depending on the individual characteristics of the patient and the form of constipation, includes evacuant enemas, a diet with a large amount of roughage (sour black Borodino bread, cabbage, carrots, sugar beets, tomatoes, and fruits—apricots, grapes, muskmelon, watermelon); acidophilous milk, one- or two-day kefir, koumiss, lemonade, Russian kvass, and sour cabbage soup. If the patient is not obese, products with a large amount of fats are also recommended (dairy butter, vegetable oils, cod liver oil, sprats, sardines). If there are no disturbances of blood circulation, intake of an adequate amount of fluids (cold water, water with sugar or preserves) is recommended. Cocoa, wine, rice, white bread, chocolate, black coffee, strong tea, red whortleberry, bilberry, and strained foods are not permitted. Treatment for neurogenic constipation consists in removal of the primary causes and the use of tranquilizers. Used in all forms of constipation are therapeutic exercises, abdominal massage, physiotherapy, pelotherapy, and mineral waters (Essentuki No. 17, Batalinskaia, Borzhomi, Karlovy Vary). Laxatives are not recommended for alimentary, endocrine, or neurogenic constipation. Camomile infusion, a solution of table salt, or vegetable oil is used in enemas. Constipation caused by local affection of the intestinal tract and gallbladder is eliminated by treatment of those diseases. Preventive measures include avoiding cold, dry foods and long intervals between meals; learning to eat, from childhood, an adequate amount of vegetables; and developing the habit from early childhood of evacuating the bowel at a definite time. A generally hygienic way of life and occupation with physical labor and sports are of great importance in preventing constipation.

A. G. GUKASIAN

constipation

[kän·stə′pā·shən] (medicine) The passage of hard, dry stools.

constipation

infrequent or difficult evacuation of the bowels, with hard faeces, caused by functional or organic disorders or improper diet

constipation

Constipation

Definition

Constipation is an acute or chronic condition in which bowel movements occur less often than usual or consist of hard, dry stools that are painful or difficult to pass. Bowel habits vary, but an adult who has not had a bowel movement in three days or a child who has not had a bowel movement in four days is considered constipated.

Description

Constipation is one of the most common medical complaints in the United States. Constipation can occur at any age, and is more common among individuals who resist the urge to move their bowels at their body's signal. This often happens when children start school or enter daycare and feel shy about asking permission to use the bathroom.Constipation is more common in women than in men and is especially apt to occur during pregnancy. Age alone does not increase the frequency of constipation, but elderly people (especially women) are more likely to suffer from constipation.Although this condition is rarely serious, it can lead to:

bowel obstruction
chronic constipation
hemorrhoids (a mass of dilated veins in swollen tissue around the anus)
hernia (a protrusion of an organ through a tear in the muscle wall)
spastic colitis (irritable bowel syndrome, a condition characterized by alternating periods of diarrhea and constipation)
laxative dependency

Chronic constipation may be a symptom of colorectal cancer, depression, diabetes, diverticulosis (small pouches in the muscles of the large intestine), lead poisoning, or Parkinson's disease.In someone who is elderly or disabled, constipation may be a symptom of bowel impaction, a more serious condition in which feces are trapped in the lower part of the large intestine. A doctor should be called if an elderly or disabled person is constipated for a week or more or if a child seems to be constipated.A doctor should be notified whenever constipation occurs after starting a new prescription, vitamin, or mineral supplement or is accompanied by blood in the stools, changes in bowel patterns, or fever and abdominal pain.

Causes and symptoms

Constipation usually results from not getting enough exercise, not drinking enough water, or from a diet that does not include an adequate amount of fiber-rich foods like beans, bran cereals, fruits, raw vegetables, rice, and whole-grain breads.Other causes of constipation include anal fissure (a tear or crack in the lining of the anus); chronic kidney failure; colon or rectal cancer; depression; hypercalcemia (abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood); hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland); illness requiring complete bed rest; irritable bowel syndrome; and stress.Constipation can also be a side effect of:

aluminum salts in antacids
antihistamines
antipsychotic drugs
aspirin
belladonna (Atopa belladonna, source of atropine, a medication used to relieve spasms and dilate the pupils of the eye)
beta blockers (medications used to stabilize irregular heartbeat, lower high blood pressure, reduce chest pain)
blood pressure medications
calcium channel blockers (medication prescribed to treat high blood pressure, chest pain, some types of irregular heartbeat and stroke, and some non-cardiac diseases)
diuretics (drugs that promote the formation and secretion of urine)
iron or calcium supplements
narcotics (potentially addictive drugs that relieve pain and cause mood changes)
tricyclic antidepressants (medications prescribed to treat chronic pain, depression, headaches, and other illnesses)

An adult who is constipated may feel bloated, have a headache, swollen abdomen, or pass rock-like feces; or strain, bleed, or feel pain during bowel movements. A constipated baby may strain, cry, draw the legs toward the abdomen, or arch the back when having a bowel movement.

Diagnosis

Everyone becomes constipated once in a while, but a doctor should be notified if significant changes in bowel patterns last for more than a week or if symptoms continue more than three weeks after increasing activity and fiber and fluid intake.The patient's observations and medical history help a primary care physician diagnose constipation. The doctor uses his fingers to see if there is a hardened mass in the abdomen, and may perform a rectal examination. Other diagnostic procedures include a barium enema, which reveals blockage inside the intestine; laboratory analysis of blood and stool samples for internal bleeding or other symptoms of systemic disease; and a sigmoidoscopy (examination of the sigmoid area of the colon with a flexible tube equipped with a magnifying lens).Physical and psychological assessments and a detailed history of bowel habits are especially important when an elderly person complains of constipation.

Treatment

If changes in diet and activity fail to relieve occasional constipation, an over-the-counter laxative may be used for a few days. Preparations that soften stools or add bulk (bran, psyllium) work more slowly but are safer than Epsom salts and other harsh laxatives or herbal laxatives containing senna (Cassia senna) or buckthorn (Rhamnus purshianna), which can harm the nerves and lining of the colon.A woman who is pregnant should never use a laxative. Neither should anyone who is experiencing abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting.A warm-water or mineral oil enema can relieve constipation, and a non-digestible sugar (lactulose) or special electrolyte solution is recommended for adults and older children with stubborn symptoms.If a patient has an impacted bowel, the doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum and gently dislodges the hardened feces.

Alternative treatment

Initially, alternative practitioners will suggest that the patient drink an adequate amount of water each day (six to eight glasses), exercise on a regular basis, and eat a diet high in soluble and insoluble fibers. Soluble fibers include pectin, flax, and gums; insoluble fibers include psyllium and brans from grains like wheat and oats. Fresh fruits and vegetables contain both soluble and insoluble fibers. Castor oil, applied topically to the abdomen and covered by a heat source (a heating pad or hot water bottle), can help relieve constipation when used nightly for 20-30 minutes.

Acupressure

This needleless form of acupuncture is said to relax the abdomen, ease discomfort, and stimulate regular bowel movements when diet and exercise fail to do so. After lying down, the patient closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. For two minutes, he applies gentle fingertip pressure to a point about two and one-half inches below the navel.Accupressure can also be applied to the outer edges of one elbow crease and maintained for 30 seconds before pressing the crease of the other elbow. This should be done three times a day to relieve constipation.

Aromatherapy

Six drops of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and six drops of thyme (Thymus spp.) diluted by 1 oz of almond oil, olive oil, or another carrier oil can relieve constipation when used to massage the abdomen.

Herbal therapy

A variety of herbal therapies can be useful in the treatment of constipation. Several herbs, including chamomile (Matricaria recutita), dandelion (Taraxacum mongolicum), and burdock (Arctium lappa), act as bitters, stimulating the movement of the digestive and excretory systems. There are also "laxative" herbs that assist with bowel movement. Two of these are senna (Cassia senna) and buckthorn (Rhamnus purshiana). These "laxative" herbs are stronger acting on elimination than bitters and can sometimes cause cramping (mixing them with a calming herb like fennel or caraway can help reduce cramping). Both senna and buckthorn are powerful herbs that are best used with direction from an experienced practitioner, since they can have adverse side effects and the patient may become dependent on them.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy also can offer assistance with constipation. There are acute remedies for constipation that can be found in one of the many home remedy books on homeopathic medicine. A constitutional prescription also can help rebalance someone who is struggling with constipation.

Massage

Massaging the leg from knee to hip in the morning, at night, and before trying to move the bowels is said to relieve constipation. There is also a specific Swedish massage technique that can help relieve constipation.

Yoga

The knee-chest position, said to relieve gas and stimulate abdominal organs, involves:

standing straight with arms at the sides
lifting the right knee toward the chest
grasping the right ankle with the left hand
pulling the leg as close to the chest as possible
holding the position for about eight seconds
repeating these steps with the left leg

Constipation is an acute or chronic condition in which bowel movements occur less often than usual or consist of hard, dry stools that are painful or difficult to pass. (Illustration by Electronic Illustrators Group).The cobra position, which can be repeated as many as four time a day, involves:

lying on the stomach with legs together
placing the palms just below the shoulders, holding elbows close to the body
inhaling, then lifting the head (face forward) and chest off the floor
keeping the navel in contact with the floor
looking as far upward as possible
holding this position for three to six seconds
exhaling and lowering the chest

Prognosis

Changes in diet and exercise usually eliminate the problem.

Prevention

Most Americans consume between 11-18 grams of fiber a day. Consumption of 30 grams of fiber and between six and eight glasses of water each day can generally prevent constipation.Thirty-five grams of fiber a day (an amount equal to five servings of fruits and vegetables, and a large bowl of high-fiber cereal) can relieve constipation.Daily use of 500 mg vitamin C and 400 mg magnesium can prevent constipation. If symptoms do occur, each dosage can be increased by 100 mg a day, up to a maximum of 5,000 mg vitamin C and 1,000 mg magnesium. Use of preventive doses should be resumed after relief occurs, and vitamin C should be decreased to the pre-diarrhea dosage if the patient develops diarrhea.Sitting on the toilet for 10 minutes at the same time every day, preferably after a meal, can induce regular bowel movements. This may not become effective for a few months, and it is important to defecate whenever necessary.Fiber supplements containing psyllium (Plantago psyllium) usually become effective within about 48 hours and can be used every day without causing dependency. Powdered flaxseed (Linium usitatissimum) works the same way. Insoluble fiber, like wheat or oat bran, is as effective as psyllium but may give the patient gas at first.

Resources

Other

"Constipation." ThriveOnline. March 15, 1998. http://thriveonline.oxygen.com.

constipation

[kon″stĭ-pa´shun] 1. a change in normal bowel habits with decreased frequency of defecation" >defecation or passage of hard dry feces" >feces.2. a nursing diagnosis accepted by the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association, defined as a decrease in frequency of defecation or passage of hard, dry feces.
Although many persons may experience a sense of incomplete evacuation of the colon and become concerned when daily bowel movements do not occur, the frequency of defecation can vary according to individual characteristics such as body build, level of physical activity, dietary habits, and custom. Constipation can be said to exist when a person reports a frequency of bowel elimination that is less than his or her usual pattern or when defecation occurs less than three times a week, stools are hard and well-formed and possibly less than the usual amount, straining at stool occurs regularly, and the person experiences headache, abdominal pain, a feeling of fullness in the abdomen or rectum, and either diminished appetite or nausea. Objective signs of constipation include discovery of a palpable mass in the abdomen and decreased bowel sounds.Etiology. Constipation can result from a variety of causes. Such habits of daily living as lack of exercise, insufficient intake of water and dietary bulk, and chronic use of laxatives and enemas can contribute to the development of constipation. Other etiologic factors include neurologic, metabolic, and endocrine disorders such as stroke, spinal cord injury, and hypothyroidism; pain on defecation; decreased peristalsis related to aging or cardiopulmonary hypoxia; and the side-effects of some drugs.Patient Care. Unless there is a demonstrable organic disorder causing constipation, regular bowel elimination is largely a matter of habit. Stress, tension, failure to take the time to defecate when the urge is felt, and insufficient fluid intake can all contribute to the problem. Among the goals of intervention are encouraging regular bowel function by adhering to healthful habits of diet and exercise, and developing an awareness of the need to establish a regular routine of elimination. For some people this may mean a change in lifestyle that entails addition of dietary fiber and regular physical exercise. For others it may be necessary to develop a more rational approach to the problem. Excessive concern over constipation and frequent use of laxatives can be as harmful as deliberately ignoring the need for regular elimination.
For those patients who have constipation related to an organic disease, a bowel training program may be appropriate.perceived constipation a nursing diagnosis accepted by the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association, defined as the making by an individual of a self-diagnosis of constipation, and abuse of laxatives, enemas, and suppositories to ensure a daily bowel movement.

con·sti·pa·tion

(kon'sti-pā'shŭn), A condition in which bowel movements are infrequent or incomplete. Synonym(s): costiveness [L. con-stipo, pp. -atus, to press together]

constipation

(kŏn′stə-pā′shən)n. Difficult, incomplete, or infrequent evacuation of dry hardened feces from the bowels.

constipation

GI disease Infrequent and/or incomplete evacuation of stool Etiology IBS, diverticulosis, medications–eg overuse of laxatives, colorectal CA Diagnosis Barium enema, endoscopy and Bx Management Bulk laxatives, high-fiber diets. Cf Diarrhea.

con·sti·pa·tion

(kon'sti-pā'shŭn) A condition in which bowel movements are infrequent or incomplete. [L. con-stipo, pp. -atus, to press together]

constipation

Unduly infrequent and difficult evacuation of the bowels. This disorder is often due to deliberate suppression of the desire to defaecate. It is almost unknown in people whose diet is largely vegetable with a high fibre content.

con·sti·pa·tion

(kon'sti-pā'shŭn) A condition in which bowel movements are infrequent or incomplete. [L. con-stipo, pp. -atus, to press together]

Patient discussion about constipation

Q. treatment for constipation A. you can also try colace,its an over the counter product

Q. How Do You Treat Constipation? I have been suffering from constipation in the last week and it is very disturbing. Are there any ways to treat it?A. I found that I was lacking in magnesium. I take Magnesium Citrate tablets - up to 400 mg. Regulate it yourself if you get diarrhia take less.
Here is a good article on the need for Magnesium...
Lawrence Resnick, M.D., a professor of medicine at Cornell Medical Center urges getting at least 1 milligram of magnesium for each 2mg of calcium.
http://www.usaweekend.com/02_issues/020901/020901eatsmart.html

Q. How to help with constipation? I am 15 weeks pregnant and am suffering from constipation. How can I get rid of it?A. rty benefiber ,there no taste ,mixes with water,and is healthy

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Constipation

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Constipation

Definition

Description

Causes and symptoms

Diagnosis

Treatment

Alternative treatment

Acupressure

Aromatherapy

Herbal therapy

Homeopathy

Massage

Yoga

Prognosis

Prevention

Resources

Other

constipation

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Patient discussion about constipation

constipation

Synonyms for constipation

noun irregular and infrequent or difficult evacuation of the bowels

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noun the act of making something futile and useless (as by routine)

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