Constipation is defined as lack of a bowel
movement in more than 72 hours. About 1-6%
of healthy adults suffer from
constipation. Constipation can be due to
many reasons generally subdivided into
several groups:
I. LIFE STYLE:
1. Lack of physical activity;
2. Not enough fiber intake with the food;
3. Not enough liquid intake;
4. Ignoring of the normal urges for
defecation.
II. MEDICINES: verapamil, opiate
painkillers, neuroleptics,
antidepressants, drugs for Parkinson, iron
supplements, antacids, long term used
laxatives, diuretics etc.;
III. ORGANIC REASONS: anal fissure,
intestinal stenosis, tumors, endocrine
disorders (hypothyroidism,
hypoparathyroidism, hyperparathyroidism,
Addison’s disease, panhypopituitarism),
diabetic neuropathy, neurological
disorders (Parkinson, multiple sclerosis,
cerebrovascular disorders, spine cord
injury), and
IV. PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS: anorexia
nervosa, depression, etc.
The most important thing in evaluating
constipation is to exclude organic reasons
(tumor, ileus) for constipation.It seems
likely that you have already made all the
necessary medical tests (colonoscopy,
intestinal passage, manual rectal
examination, occult blood test, hormonal
analyses etc.) in order to exclude organic
constipation. Long term constipation is
usually not organic.
Chronic constipation is treated with:
1. Life style changes: increased intake of
fibers and liquid, increased physical
activity;
2. Abortion of stimulating laxatives;
3. Avoiding medicines that cause
constipation;
4. Using laxatives that increase the stool
volume: osmotic laxatives, lactulose,
magnesium milk, natrium picosulfate.
5. Enemas.
You may want to consult a
gastroenterologist about your problem.
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