Constipation is defined by irregular or a lack of bowel movements. It is a common symptom which often remains unrecognized until the patient develops more serious conditions such as anorectal disorders or diverticular disease.
Several definitions of constipation have been proposed among different population groups, usually based upon stool passing frequency (often less than 3 times weekly). A change in bowel habits or defecatory behavior can affect our health both acutely and chronically. As these complications can simply be prevented by relieving constipation, therefore we should always take an active approach in managing constipation.
- Infrequent or hard stools
- Difficulty passing stools
- Discomfort passing stools.
- Constipation pain during the passage of a bowel movement
- Inability to pass a bowel movement after straining or pushing for more than 10 minutes
- No bowel movements after more than 3 days.
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Inadequate water intake
- A disruption of regular diet or routine; traveling
- Favor of spicy and flavored food
- Drinking too much
- Inadequate fiber in the diet
- Overweight
- Eating foods that are hardly digested
- Inadequate activity or exercise or immobility
- Inadequate sleep and tiredness
- Stress, anxiety, gloomy
- Taking Medicines (especially strong pain medicines, such as narcotics, antidepressants, or iron pills)
- Overuse of laxatives (stool softeners) which, over time, weaken the bowel muscles
- Colon cancer
- Pregnancy
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- Most cases of constipation are successfully treated by eating a diet high in fibre, drinking more fluids and exercising daily.
- Complications of chronic constipation include haemorrhoids, faecal impaction and rectal prolapse.
- Over-the-counter laxatives are fine in the short term, but seek advice if the problem persists.
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Iberogast gives symptomatic relief of dyspepsia & irritable bowel sydrome inclduing constipation, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and ramping. |
