In our recent blog, we shared some causes of constipation. Today, the discussion is continued as readers learn more causes and risk factors. Lastly, readers will learn about diagnosis and treatment.
Last week:
Last week, we shared the uncomfortable truth of what it is like to live with chronic constipation. While there are many causes of constipation, there is plenty of research and treatment options for dealing with this digestive health issue. As we previously shared, some major underlying causes such as colon cancer, rectal cancer, and abdominal cancer may be causing the constipation symptoms.
Do not let constipation go untreated for long as it may cause constipation complications.
Treating the causes of constipation:
Of course, the sooner these cancers are found, the sooner they may be treated. In any case, it is best to seek medical attention if you have trouble having bowel movements on a regular basis. An experienced gastro doctor at Gastroenterology Consultants of Central Florida can get to the root of the issue.
Issues with the pelvic muscles used during a bowel movement may cause chronic constipation. The inability to relax the pelvic muscles to allow for a bowel movement is called anismus, and this causes constipation continuously. Pelvic muscles that do not coordination relaxation and contraction is an issue called dyssynergia. Also, weakened pelvic muscles may cause chronic constipation due to lack of strength.
If the constipation is not caused by medicinal side effects, physical blockages, or injuries, a neurologist may need to be consulted as neurological problems can affects the nerves that cause muscles in the colon and rectum to contract and move stool through the intestines.
Conditions that cause constipation:
There are plenty more causes of constipation such as an eating disorder, diet, or lack of exercise. Certain condition that affect hormones in the body may lead to constipation. Hormones are necessary to balance fluids in the body. The following are diseases and conditions that upset the balance of hormones:
- diabetes
- pregnancy
- underactive thyroid
- overactive parathyroid gland
Risk factors:
There are plenty of factors that increase the risk of chronic constipation such as the following:
- dehydration
- being a woman
- being elderly
- eating a low fiber diet
- getting little or no physical activity
- taking certain medications
- opioid addiction
- depression
- eating disorders
Constipation complications:
It is important not to strain when trying to pass a bowel movement. This may cause swelling in the veins inside and around the anus. Swollen veins in the anus are called hemorrhoids.
Torn skin in the anus is called an anal fissure. We have a blog about this you can check out. A large or hard stool can cause tiny tears in the anus, and you can speak with a gastroenterologist about what you can do for an anal fissure.
When a stool cannot be expelled it is called fecal impaction. Chronic constipation causes fecal impaction as an accumulation of hardened stool gets stuck in the intestines.
Intestines that protrude from the anus is called rectal prolapse. If constipation goes left untreated it can cause a small amount of the rectum to stretch and protrude from the anus. These are just a few complications of untreated constipation.
It is a medical issue that should not be embarrassing or shrugged off. If left untreated, it is threatening to your health just like any other gastro health issue. Make an appointment today via telephone or our website.
You may even have the option of a telehealth appointment to receive timely attention. In the meantime, log your diet if you suspect the constipation is caused by an unbalanced diet. Come back next time for treatment options.
Staff Writer