Constipation refers to a common digestive disorder that affects people of all ages. It is defined as having less than three bowel movements per week, passing hard or dry stool, or experiencing difficulty or pain when passing stool. It can cause discomfort and bloating and even lead to serious complications such as haemorrhoids. A gastroenterologist in Mukundapur, Kolkata will discuss below the causes, symptoms of constipation and treatment.
Causes of Constipation
According to the best gastroenterologist in South Kolkata, some common causes of it include:
- Low fiber diet: A diet that is low in fibre can cause the problem. Fibre is important because it adds bulk to stool, making it easy to pass through the digestive system.
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough water or other fluids can cause stools to become hard and difficult to pass.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as antidepressants, painkillers, and iron supplements, can cause constipation.
- Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), hypothyroidism, and diabetes, can cause constipation.
Symptoms of Constipation
Symptoms of constipation can vary from person to person. Some of the most common symptoms include:
Infrequent bowel movements: Having fewer than three bowel movements per week is a sign of constipation.
- Hard, dry stools: Stools that are hard and difficult to pass are the common symptoms.
- Straining during bowel movements: Straining or difficulty passing stool can be a sign that you are suffering from constipation.
- Bloating: Another symptom is feeling bloated or full in the abdominal area.
- Rectal bleeding: In severe cases of constipation, straining during bowel movements can cause small tears in the skin around the anus, leading to rectal bleeding.
Treatment Options for Constipation
As per the best gastroenterology doctor in Santoshpur, treatment options for constipation can depend on the underlying cause as well as the severity of the condition. Some of the most common treatment options include:
- Medications: Over-the-counter laxatives such as stool softeners or fibre supplements can help relieve constipation.
- Prescription Medications: For severe cases of constipation, prescription medications such as lubiprostone or linaclotide may be necessary.
- Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to treat severe constipation that is not responding to other treatments.
- Lifestyle changes: Increasing physical activity, eating a high-fibre diet, and staying hydrated can help prevent and treat constipation.
If you experience severe or persistent problem, it is important to consult a gastroenterologist in Mukundapur, Kolkata.