In recent times, the occurrence of constipation has tripled the number of what it used to be, making it look normal.
Is the absence of bowel movement really okay?
Read on to see the dangers prolonged constipation exposes you to.
What Is Constipation?
Constipation is a medical term for the inability to move bowels without difficulty.
It occurs when an individual passes less than three bowel movements in a week.
The individual may have severe persistent abdominal pain, strain while stooling, or not be able to pass stool at all.
A constipated person could go on for three days or more without bowel movement.
On attempt, stool may be hard, dry and in small amounts.
Causes Of Constipation
Constipation occurs when the large intestine absorbs too much water from digested food matter passing through it.
Typically, food moves from the stomach to the small intestine to the large.
In the large intestine, special muscle contraction causes the already digested food to move through the large intestine, absorbing water and forming stool, which is usually semi-solid.
Muscle contractions then push the food, which is now waste, to the rectum, where it’s now ready to be passed out as faeces.
When the muscle contractions are slow (due to poor diet, when you don’t move enough, and other underlying physiological problems), the stool moves slowly through the large intestine, absorbing too much water, causing the stool to become too hard by the time it gets to the rectum.
Some of the most common causes of constipation include the following:
Poor Diet: Consuming large amounts of unhealthy junk food can cause significant problems for the digestive system and overall health.
Fried foods, processed foods, and excess dairy products are foods that could cause constipation.
Excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption results in dehydration, which in turn contributes to constipation.
To avoid constipation, a large portion of your meal should contain more fibre, increasing your stool’s water content.
Apart from being good for gut health, certain fibre types can help eliminate constipation by softening stool and absorbing water from the colon.
Pregnancy: Changes in a pregnant woman’s hormones make them susceptible or prone to constipation. Progesterone in pregnant women slows down intestinal muscles.
The baby inside the womb squishes the intestines, putting pressure on it and slowing down the passage of stool.
Lack Of Exercise: The absence of physical activities results in the slowing down of the intestinal muscles, which causes more water to be absorbed by food passing through the large intestine.
Medications: Constipation is one of the notable side effects of most medications.
Opioids can slow down the normal intestinal movement needed to move stool out of the body.
Anti-depressants can also slow down intestinal movement due to a complex physiological occurrence called the gut-brain connection.
Other medications that can cause constipation include Antacids, blood pressure medications, Iron supplements, NSAIDS and oral contraceptives.
Underlying Disease Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, and colorectal cancer can cause constipation.
Nerve Damage: Neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease damage the nerves controlling the muscles of the colon and rectum.
Signs And Symptoms Of Constipation
- Sharp abdominal pains and cramps.
- Hard, rock-shaped faeces.
- Bloated abdomen.
- Fewer than three bowel movements in a week.
- Irritability and nervousness.
- Blood in stool.
- Distended abdomen.
Six Dangers Of Chronic/Prolonged Constipation
Hemorrhoids (Piles): Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins in the rectum and anus that can cause discomfort and bleeding.
Chronic constipation, straining during bowel movements, and increased pressure in the rectum result in haemorrhoids.
There is pain around the rectum, discomfort, swelling, itchiness or bleeding in the anus.
Anal Fissure: Anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anus which may occur due to trauma to the inner lining of the anus from bowel movements. It causes pain and bleeding during bowel movements.
Faecal Impaction: This condition occurs in people who have been constipated for too long.
Hard stool becomes stuck in the rectum and lower colon, resulting in stomach cramps, bloating, and stool leakage.
It is difficult to excrete waste from the body as the intestine cannot remove faeces through a normal contraction.
Faecal impaction requires a visit to the doctor, who then provides treatment using a number of procedures and laxatives.
Rectal Prolapse: Occurs when the rectum slips down inside the anus.
It can occur in both males and females of any age. Rectal Prolapse makes control of bowel movement impossible and could cause stool to leak from the rectum.
Most cases require surgery to repair damage.
Diverticulitis: A diverticular is an inflammation or infection in one or more small pouches in the digestive tract.
This inflammation results in severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea and changes in bowel habits.
When a person is constipated, the muscles strain to move stool, which is too hard. The extra pressure causes weak spots in the colon to bulge out. If these bulges become inflamed, diverticulitis occurs.
Stress Urinary Incontinence: Urine leakage during physical activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as lifting, exercise, coughing, sneezing, laughing, and so on.
Constipation worsens this condition. The urine leakage may vary from a drop to two or more and even a stream.
Treatment And Prevention Of Constipation
- Exercise regularly.
- Ensure your diet is high in fibre.
- Drink enough water.
- Avoid eating calorie diets and processed foods.
- Eat plenty of fruits, whole grains and vegetables.
- Reduce alcohol and caffeine intake.
- Use stool softeners and laxatives in severe cases.
- Consult your doctor and seek medical attention if abdominal pain is severe and persistent, there is continuous bleeding from the rectum, and you have fewer than three bowel movements in a week.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while constipation may be increasingly normalized, understanding its potential dangers is crucial.
Prolonged constipation not only brings discomfort but also poses serious risks like haemorrhoids and anal fissures.
The key lies in adopting preventive measures such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and timely medical intervention when needed.
Remember, a mindful approach to bowel health can pave the way for a happier and healthier life.
Selected References
- Constipation. (n.d.). Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/constipation.
- Constipation – Symptoms and causes. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/constipation/symptoms-causes/syc-20354253.
- BSc, K. G. (2023, April 21). Why is fiber good for you? The crunchy Truth. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/why-is-fiber-good-for-you.
