As defined by the Mayo Clinic, constipation means having fewer than three bowel movements a week. It can also be described as the difficulty in passing stool through the colon for a number of weeks. Most people define it being unable to “go” during their time on the porcelain throne.
At some time in our lives, most of us have experienced constipation. It is a very common condition that can have a number of causes. When we better understand what causes our constipation, the better equipped we’ll be to make the necessary lifestyle changes and find relief. That’s why we’ve laid out the top 5 causes of constipation here for you.
The Symptoms Of Constipation
Constipation can be very uncomfortable for the sufferer. The symptoms of constipation include:
Lumpy or hard stool.
Having three or fewer bowel movements in a week.
Straining to have a bowel movement.
Feeling a blockage in your intestines or colon.
Not being able to empty your bowels fully.
Requiring assistance to remove stool from your rectum.
What Causes Constipation?
Many people experience constipation for various reasons. The most common causes of constipation are:
Cause #1: Blockage Or Rectum Issues
A bowel obstruction can cause constipation. Other issues within the lining of the colon, such anal fissures, bowel stricture, rectal and colon cancer, can also cause constipation and may require medical help.
Another common cause of constipation is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Cause #2: Diet
Dehydration can also cause constipation, as does a diet lacking in fiber and certain vitamins and minerals. Rounding out your diet with a full range of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help eliminate constipation.
Cause #3: Lack Of Exercise Or Change In Routine
Much of constipation is caused by your daily actions. This can include a lack of exercise, as well as changes to your daily routine. That's why, for example, those who lead sedentary lifestyles are more likely to experience constipation. Exercise is also known to boost your metabolism, which is another determining factor in whether or not you experience constipation.
Likewise, when people travel or change their routine (working a night shift instead of the day), their bodies may take time to adjust, and that too can cause constipation. Even a change in mealtime can affect the entire digestive system.
Cause #4: Medications
Some prescription and over-the-counter medications also cause constipation. The most common ones that cause issues are pain relievers (opioids), antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and antacids that contain aluminum.
Cause #5: Pregnancy
A woman’s body goes through significant changes during pregnancy, and one of the common side effects is constipation. The added pressure of the enlarged uterus against the intestinal lining can slow the movement of stool.
Where To Get Help For Constipation
Contact your colorectal specialist for constipation relief or to talk about other issues concerning your colorectal health. Call Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay today to schedule your free consultation.