what is the treatment for chronic constipation

Top10homeremedies.com

May 13, 2020 · If your constipation is caused by irritable bowel syndrome or chronic idiopathic constipation, your doctor may prescribe you a chloride channel activator such as lubiprostone ( Amitiza ). It works...

Medicalnewstoday.com

Jun 13, 2011 · The present review summarizes the previous recommendations and new evidence supporting different treatment modalities – namely, diet and lifestyle, bulking agents, stool softeners, osmotic and stimulant laxatives, prucalopride and probiotics in the management of chronic constipation.

Healthline.com

Sep 14, 2020 · For some people, prescription medications are the only solution to chronic constipation. Two of them, lubiprostone and linaclotide, attract water into the intestines, which softens and speeds up the movement of stool. Consultation with your doctor will yield the best choice to treat your chronic constipation. Underlying medical disorders

What is the best thing for chronic constipation?

The treatment of chronic constipation involves clearing the bowel of the large amount of hard stool, preventing the return of constipation, and teaching normal bowel habits. This may involve medications in addition to changes in diet and toileting behavior.

What is the best medication for chronic constipation?

Mar 22, 2022 · Treatment for Chronic Constipation Treating constipation relies heavily on the cause. If an underlying health condition is diagnosed, constipation will likely subside with treatment targeting the root cause. Other treatment options include dietary changes, laxatives, pelvic muscle exercises, and in rare cases, surgery. Dietary Changes

How to relieve chronic constipation?

drink plenty of water and other liquids if you eat more fiber or take a fiber supplement Read about what you should eat and drink to help relieve constipation. Depending on your age and sex, adults should get 22 to 34 grams of fiber a day. 3 You may be able to treat and prevent your constipation by changing what you eat and drink.

What medications cause chronic constipation?

May 06, 2020 · Constipation Symptoms 1. Treat IBS or FODMAP Sensitivities 2. Adjust Your Fiber Intake 3. Drink Adequate Fluids 4. Probiotics May Help 5. Lower Stress with Mindfulness Meditation 6. Move Your Body 7. Try Abdominal Massage 8. Go When You Have To and Prop Up Your Feet 9. Over-the-Counter Treatments for Constipation 10. Certain Supplements May Help

What is the fastest way to relieve chronic constipation?

The following quick treatments can help induce a bowel movement in a few hours.Take a fiber supplement. ... Eat a serving of high-fiber food. ... Drink a glass of water. ... Take a laxative stimulant. ... Take an osmotic. ... Try a lubricant laxative. ... Use a stool softener. ... Try an enema.More items...

How do I get rid of constipation permanently?

Here are 13 natural home remedies to relieve constipation.Drink more water. ... Eat more fiber, especially soluble, non-fermentable fiber. ... Exercise more. ... Drink coffee, especially caffeinated coffee. ... Take Senna, an herbal laxative. ... Eat probiotic foods or take probiotic supplements. ... Over-the-counter or prescription laxatives.More items...

How long does it take to fix chronic constipation?

While many people find considerable relief from constipation after a month, for others the process of adding more fiber to the diet may take up to six months or more to work.

Which tablet is best for constipation?

Instead, over-the-counter drugs such as polyethylene glycol (Miralax and generic), bisacodyl (Dulcolax laxative tablets and generic), or senna (Ex-Lax, Senokot, and generic) are a far better choice. They tend to work at least as well, often have more evidence for their safety, and are much cheaper.Sep 26, 2021

Is banana good for constipation?

Bananas are a fairly good source of fiber, which may help relieve constipation in some people.

What happens if constipation is not treated?

Constipation should not be ignored. If it is left untreated, serious complications may arise such as hemorrhoids, anal fissure, fecal impaction and rectal prolapse as well as other related diseases that affect to general health in a long run.

What are the signs of severe constipation?

Signs and symptoms of chronic constipation include:Passing fewer than three stools a week.Having lumpy or hard stools.Straining to have bowel movements.Feeling as though there's a blockage in your rectum that prevents bowel movements.Feeling as though you can't completely empty the stool from your rectum.More items...•Aug 31, 2021

When constipation is serious?

If your symptoms don't resolve or you experience pain and bleeding, call a doctor. If you have fewer than three bowel movements a week combined with difficulty with your bowel movements or other discomfort, it may be worthwhile to talk to a doctor.

How many people have chronic constipation?

Chronic constipation affects almost 15% of all adults and 30% of those over age 60. It’s characterized by difficult, infrequent, or incomplete bowel movements. Chronic constipation is defined as having two of the six following symptoms for more than three months: straining, hard stools, less than three bowel movements per week, ...

What are the best probiotics for constipation?

Some of the most common types of probiotics include Lactobacillus, Bifidobacteria, and Saccharomyces boulardii.

What medications cause constipation?

Several medications can cause chronic constipation. Antacids that contain aluminum or calcium, anticonvulsants, antispasmodics, anticholinergics, antiparkinson drugs, antidepressants, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, iron supplements, and pain medications (particularly nar cotics / opioids) can be at fault. Check with you doctor to see if your medications can be changed or eliminated.

How many doctor visits are there for constipation?

It’s one of the most frequent gastrointestinal problems in the United States, with over 2 million physician visits each year. When constipation continues for more than a few months, it’s known as long-term or chronic constipation. Chronic constipation affects almost 15% of all adults and 30% of those over age 60.

Can you take a laxative for constipation?

Herbs used to treat constipation are either bulk-forming or stimulant laxatives. Flaxseed, Linum usitatissimum, which is a bulk-forming laxative, contains soluble fiber and can be mixed with water. Herbs that are stimulant laxatives can cause pain, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances and are only for short-term use.

How does biofeedback help with constipation?

It works by retraining the pelvic muscles that control the release of bowel movements. Learning how to relax and tighten these muscles can ease the evacuation of stool.

Can thyroid problems cause constipation?

Sometimes underlying health problems can cause long-term constipation by slowing the passage of stool through your intestines, rectum, or anus. These include spinal cord or brain injuries or disorders (such as Parkinson’s disease), diabetes, or thyroid disorders. Treating the underlying medical disorder — like prescribed thyroid hormone replacement therapy for an underactive thyroid — can help resolve the chronic constipation.

How to get rid of constipation?

Your doctor may recommend the following changes to relieve your constipation: Increase your fiber intake. Adding fiber to your diet increases the weight of your stool and speeds its passage through your intestines. Slowly begin to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables each day.

What tests are used to diagnose constipation?

In addition to a general physical exam and a digital rectal exam, doctors use the following tests and procedures to diagnose chronic constipation and try to find the cause: Blood tests. Your doctor will look for a systemic condition such as low thyroid (hypothyroidism) or high calcium levels. An X-ray.

Can you have surgery for constipation?

Surgery may be an option if you have tried other treatments and your chronic constipation is caused by a blockage, rectocele or stricture. For people who have tried other treatments without success and who have abnormally slow movement of stool through the colon, surgical removal of part of the colon may be an option.

What is the best way to soften stool?

Enemas and suppositories. Tap water enemas with or without soapsuds can be useful to soften stool and produce a bowel movement.

How does biofeedback help you pass poop?

Biofeedback training involves working with a therapist who uses devices to help you learn to relax and tighten the muscles in your pelvis. Relaxing your pelvic floor muscles at the right time during defecation can help you pass stool more easily.

How to get rid of a swollen intestine?

Slowly begin to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables each day. Choose whole-grain breads and cereals.

How to get rid of bloating and gas?

A sudden increase in the amount of fiber you eat can cause bloating and gas, so start slowly and work your way up to your goal over a few weeks. Exercise most days of the week. Physical activity increases muscle activity in your intestines. Try to fit in exercise most days of the week.

How to treat constipation?

The treatment of chronic constipation involves clearing the bowel of the large amount of hard stool, preventing the return of constipation, and teaching normal bowel habits. This may involve medications in addition to changes in diet and toileting behavior. Click here to begin.

Can a child have constipation?

So if there isn't a clear explanation for your child's constipation, if your child is having other symptoms such as frequent abdominal pain, fever, low energy, or vomiting -- or if the constipation has been going on for a long period of time ...

What is the best medicine for constipation?

Your doctor may prescribe one of the following medicines for constipation. lubiprostone. NIH external link. —a medicine prescribed to increase fluid in your digestive tract, which can help reduce pain in your abdomen, make your stool softer, and increase how often you have bowel movements. linaclotide.

How to prevent constipation?

How can I prevent constipation? 1 get enough fiber in your diet 2 drink plenty of water and other liquids 3 get regular physical activity 4 try to have a bowel movement at the same time every day

What to do if you think a dietary supplement is causing constipation?

If you think certain medicines or dietary supplements#N#NIH external link#N#are causing your constipation, talk with your doctor. He or she may change the dose or suggest a different medicine that does not cause constipation. Don’t change or stop any medicine or supplement without talking with a health care professional.

How to make your stool softer?

Change what you eat and drink. Changing what you eat and drink may make your stools softer and easier to pass. To help relieve your symptoms. eat more high- fiber foods. drink plenty of water and other liquids if you eat more fiber or take a fiber supplement. Read about what you should eat and drink to help relieve constipation.

What to do if self care doesn't work?

If self-care treatments don’t work, your doctor may prescribe a medicine to treat your constipation. If you’re taking an over-the-counter or prescription medicine or supplement that can cause constipation, your doctor may suggest you stop taking it, change the dose, or switch to a different one.

What is the best treatment for bowel movements?

Biofeedback therapy . If you have problems with the muscles that control bowel movements, your doctor may recommend biofeedback therapy to retrain your muscles. By using biofeedback therapy , you can change how you make your muscles work.

Can a doctor remove a colon?

Your doctor may perform surgery to remove your colon if your colon muscles don’t work correctly. If your doctor recommends surgery, ask about the benefits and risks.

How often do you have constipation?

Constipation refers to difficulty in moving the bowels. Most people have experienced acute constipation at least once. It’s caused by many factors, including diet, stress and changes to daily routine, and usually resolves within a couple of days. Constipation is considered chronic if symptoms are present at least 3 times per week for 3 months.

What causes constipation in the body?

Chronic constipation can be caused by medications or health conditions such as thyroid disorders, Parkinson’s disease or spinal cord injuries. Structural and functional problems including slow bowel transit and pelvic floor dysfunction can also cause it.

What does it feel like to be over 50?

You are frequently constipated and have a family history of bowel disease. You can feel a lump or mass in your abdomen or rectum. You are over 50 years old and chronic constipation is a new problem for you. You have severe abdominal pain and vomiting.

Is there a cure for IBS?

It causes chronic constipation (IBS-C), chronic diarrhea (IBS-D) or alternating symptoms (IBS-A or IBS-M). There’s no known cure for IBS, but certain diets including a low-FODMAP diet can help prevent constipation.

Does stress affect the gut?

Digestive symptoms like constipation can lead to anxiety and psychological stress. In turn, stress strongly affects the gut. Chronic stress is known to modify the gut microbiota and to alter nerve action in the intestines ( 18 ). Psychological stress influences the gut both directly and indirectly.

Does physical activity help with constipation?

Physical activity is often recommended by medical professionals to help ease chronic constipation. It’s said to to shorten intestinal transit time, but research on physical activity and constipation is conflicting. One observational study of older adults linked low physical activity levels to constipation.

Can constipation be treated at home?

Constipation can often be treated at home, but chronic constipation that interferes with quality of life warrants a visit to the doctor. Unresolved chronic constipation can result in fecal impaction. With impaction, the bowels cannot be evacuated just by the normal muscle contractions that push stool out of the body.

What is the best medicine for constipation?

The drugs lubiprostone#N#Trusted Source#N#(Amiti za) and linaclotide#N#Trusted Source#N#(Linzess) are generally effective in treating chronic constipation.

What is chronic constipation?

What to know about chronic constipation. Constipation is a common digestive complaint. Most bouts of constipation are short-term, or “acute.”. However, some people experience long-term symptoms, known as chronic constipation. Chronic constipation can be uncomfortable and can interfere with a person’s day-to-day functioning.

How long does constipation last?

In rarer cases, constipation may be chronic, meaning symptoms are long-lasting. Doctors consider constipation chronic if it: lasts for 3 months or more. disrupts a person’s life and daily functioning. does not resolve following a change in diet or exercise. only resolves with prescription medications.

How many stools do you pass in a week?

To receive a diagnosis of chronic constipation, a person must experience at least three of the following symptoms within a 3-month period: passing fewer than three stools a week. passing stools that are hard, lumpy or pebble-like. straining to empty the bowel.

Can colorectal cancer cause constipation?

A doctor may recommend tests to check for underlying health issues. In very rare cases, chronic constipation may be a sign of colorectal cancer.

What causes constipation in the colon?

The most common triggers of constipation include: slow movement of stool through the colon. difficulty eating a balanced diet, with a lack of fiber from fruit and vegetables. inadequate fluid intake leading to dehydration . lack of exercise leading to slowed digestion . irritable bowel syndrome. side effects of medications.

How to get more fiber in stool?

Dietary fiber adds bulk to the stool, enabling it to pass through the intestines more quickly. A doctor may advise gradually increasing fiber intake by introducing more fruit and vegetables into the diet. Switching from refined grains to whole grains will also help boost fiber intake.

What is the best treatment for constipation?

The next step in the treatment of constipation is the use of an osmotic laxative, such as polyethylene glycol, followed by a stool softener, such as docusate sodium, and then stimulant laxatives. Long-term use of magnesium-based laxatives should be avoided because of potential toxicity.

What is the diagnosis of constipation?

Constipation is a clinical diagnosis based on symptoms of incomplete elimination of stool, difficulty passing stool, or both. Patients typically experience other symptoms such as hard stools, abdominal bloating, pain, and distention.

How common is constipation in nursing homes?

Chronic constipation is common in adults older than 60 years, and symptoms occur in up to 50% of nursing home residents. Primary constipation is also referred to as functional constipation. Secondary constipation is associated with chronic disease processes, medication use, and psychosocial issues. Fecal impaction should be treated ...

How often does constipation occur?

Constipation may be present with normal stool frequency, defined as at least one stool three times per week, or with daily bowel movements. 1 Chronic constipation is characterized by the presence of symptoms for at least three months out of the preceding 12 months.

Do older adults need laxatives?

Most older adults with chronic constipation eventually require a laxative to alleviate symptoms. A systematic review of laxative treatment in older persons showed varying degrees of effectiveness and concluded that therapy should be individualized. 16 There are limited data on long-term use of medications for constipation in older persons. Medications for constipation are listed in Table 1. 16 – 24 Figure 1 provides a suggested approach to the management of chronic constipation in older adults. In patients with a poor response to behavioral interventions and laxatives, referral may be warranted for assessment of colonic transit times and for rectal manometry to evaluate for disorders of defecation.

What are osmotic laxatives?

Osmotic laxatives are not absorbable. These laxatives draw water into the intestinal lumen. Lactulose and sorbitol are hyperosmolar sugar alcohols that increase frequency of defecation and reduce straining. They are metabolized by colonic bacteria and then absorbed by colonic mucosa. An RCT of 30 men 65 to 86 years of age showed that sorbitol and lactulose were equally effective in treating constipation. 19 Another RCT of nursing home residents with an average age of 85 years found that lactulose was more effective than placebo. 28 Lactulose may cause diarrhea in patients who are lactose intolerant.

Can magnesium cause constipation?

The effectiveness and safety of magnesium salts, such as magnesium hydroxide and magnesium citrate, have not been well studied in older adults. Magnesium toxicity is a concern with long-term use of these agents; it can cause ileus and worsen constipation.

Diagnosis

Treatment

• Treatment for chronic constipation usually begins with diet and lifestyle changes meant to increase the speed at which stool moves through your intestines. If those changes don't help, your doctor may recommend medications or surgery.

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