Constipation Symptoms Are No Laughing Matter

Television commercials for products formulated to help move the bowels often use a humorous approach, even though individuals who suffer from this problem may find little cause for laughter. Most people experience constipation symptoms at some point during their lives, but it is not the kind of topic that is easy to discuss openly or without embarrassment. While more common among the elderly and young children, it can happen at any age.

The most obvious symptom is an inability to move the bowels easily. There is some difficulty, however, defining exactly what constitutes normal frequency. What may be perfectly acceptable for one person may be a serious problem for another. Movements occur as often as three times a day, or as little as twice per week. Generally speaking, an interval of more than three days is too long for optimal health.

Symptoms may also include hard stools, and uncomfortable straining during the process. The bowel may not empty properly, leaving a nagging feeling of discomfort. When there are fewer than two movements per week, and this pattern continues for as long as three months, then the situation is very likely a result of being constipated, and needs to be addressed before more serious problems arise as a result.

The most common culprit is diet, because highly processed foods often do not contain enough fiber. Among other benefits, fiber stimulates intestinal movement, and can be found in foods high in whole grains, and in many varieties of fruits and vegetables. Meals that are preponderantly higher in fats, animal products, and refined sugars encourage slower intestinal processing, and the stool remains in place for longer periods.

Making these recommended adjustments in dietary habits usually helps to ease the problem. Even in combination with exercise and adequate hydration, however, the issue may still occur. Many adults take medications daily, and some of them can adversely affect bowel habits. The condition is a known side-effect of medications used to treat iron deficiencies, for example, and prescription analgesics can also be a factor.

Adults living with irritable bowel syndrome often face digestive extremes, first experiencing diarrhea, then cramps and constipation. Other conditions that encourage the problem include diabetes, stroke, and even the physical consequences of long-term depression. When it happens only occasionally, there usually is little reason to see the doctor, but if it recurs frequently, more than a simple change in diet may be necessary.

Laxatives are heavily promoted products, but are not recommended for long-term use. While some contain naturally high-fiber by-products that help stimulate intestinal activity, excessive dependence can be habit forming, and can slow the return to normal bowel activity. Some people advocate colon-cleansing, a controversial but widely promoted practice used to remove remaining waste products from the intestines.

Serious cases may require further medical testing. Internally examining the intestinal tract through a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy gives a nearly instant visual result via a remote camera, and can immediately spot serious problems such as colon cancer or diverticulitis. In the majority of cases, however, healthy changes in eating and exercise habits are sufficient to counteract constipation symptoms.

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