Have you ever had the urge to do #2 in the bathroom, but nothing came out? Oh yeah, we went there. This is called constipation, a condition where there’s difficulty in the passing of stool. Constipation can be caused by many factors whether a change in diet, routine, or lower intake of fiber. It’s a problem a lot of people undergo, so if you’re constipated... Don’t worry, you’re not alone! If you do however, find yourself having to take laxatives for more than three weeks, then it’s time you come and pay us a visit at the Digestive and Liver Center of Florida. Our Orlando GI experts will be able to further look into the situation at hand to find out why you’re undergoing this symptom.
Causes
This condition can sometimes be a symptom for diseases like cancer. However, it can also just occur a couple of times and then go away with a good diet. There are a couple of things that can cause constipation such as:
Irritable bowel habits: People can get spasms of the colon, which slows down the contents of the intestine moving through the digestive tract resulting in constipation.
Bad diet: This includes a high intake in animal fat products such as meat and dairy. It can also be due to excessive refined sugar intake, or having a low fiber diet.
Laxative Abuse: When people consume too many laxatives, the intestine becomes dependent on it, causing the digestive system to stop working properly. For this reason, it is important to make sure you don’t increase and keep track of the dosages of laxatives you're taking in. To avoid laxative abuse, you can also ask your GI doctor. Our GI doctors in Orlando can help you choose which laxative is best for you.
Pregnancy: Pregnant women may have constipation due to the hormonal changes in her body.
Symptoms
Having less than three bowel movements in a week
Having dry stool
You experience stomach aches
It becomes painful for the stool to pass
Feeling nauseous
Feeling that you haven’t completed the discharge of stool
Treatment
The best treatment our Orlando GI experts recommend is improving your daily diet and lifestyle. The right diet to improve constipation includes high fiber products such as fresh fruits, whole grain breads and vegetables. Staying hydrated and frequently exercising may also help with stimulating the intestine activity. You should also never ignore your bowel movement. Lastly, laxatives should be a last resort. Consult with your doctor beforehand so they can suggest the best laxative for your condition.
While it may not be a malignant condition, it can still lead to more serious circumstances like hemorrhoids. For this reason, it is important you track your bowel movements, therefore, you’re able to observe how often you’re getting constipated. Keep in mind that your diet will play an important role in your health, and again, if the constipation gets worse and becomes an issue for more than 3 weeks, make sure to schedule your appointment with our GI experts in Orlando. You can reach the Digestive and Liver center by calling (407) 384-7388.