Causes Of Chronic Constipation

Constipation is considered normal when it lasts for a day or two, but being constipated for longer than that indicates an underlying problem.

Diet

In many people who are constipated on and off for a long period of time, diet is the major cause. Having less of fiber and eating foods that harden stools can make the condition worse over a period of time. The onset of diet related constipation is acute and goes on for sometime, until diet is corrected. Many individuals however do not realize something is wrong with their diet and hence don’t consult a dietician. Correction of diet by increasing fiber intake, reducing the intake of red meat and taking in raw vegetables can help. Increase in water intake also helps. It will also help to use a colon cleanse to remove any unwanted material that has clogged the system.

Trauma

An injury to the colon can cause constipation. Pelvic floor dysfunction and prolapsed intestine are consequences of trauma. The loss of nerve and muscle function requires surgical correction followed by behavioral correction.

Hormonal Causes

Hypothyroidism can cause chronic constipation. Reduced thyroid hormone and increased parathyroid hormone production results in increased calcium levels that make stools harder and difficult to pass. Excess estrogen has also been linked with constipation. During pregnancy and afterwards, women are commonly constipated due to structural and hormonal changes. The conditions cease soon after giving birth with increased fluid intake and in some cases mild stool softeners.

Colon Obstructive Problems

Diseases like cancer, which results in tumor formation in the colon, can obstruct the lumen and movement. Reduced movement of stools can cause straining of the rectal muscle and tissue, resulting in tear and bleeding. The bleeding can also be from the tumor itself. Hence any signs of regular bleeding in the stool should not be left unattended.
Hirschsprung’s disease is the main cause of bowel obstruction in children, which is treated by surgical removal of some part of the colon and placing a bag for emptying. Treatment of colon cancer is multi pronged, requiring surgery as well radiation and chemotherapy.

Neurological Problems

Neurological problems like Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis which cause loss of muscle function can lead to fecal incontinence and constipation. An individual with such medical disorders loses the sensation of stool urgency and hence does not defecate. This results in a build up of toxins, warranting other removal methods.

Medications Side Effects

Many medications cause constipation as side effect. These are also called as secondary causes. Allergic medication like antihistamines and hypersensitivity medication are a cause for constant constipation in individuals with asthma and other allergies. Diuretics cause dehydration and thereby, also constipation. Aluminum and Iron supplements are common causes as well. However, secondary constipation stops as soon as the causative medication is stopped.

Abuse of Laxatives

Laxatives are meant to help pass easy stools but their use without prescription often leads to constipation when they are stopped as the body becomes dependent on laxatives for passing soft stools.

Not Passing Stools Frequently

The frequency of defecation varies but the urge to pass stools should not be ignored. This often leads to malfunctioning of the rectal muscles and constipation.

Other Disorders That Cause Constipation

Diabetes is one known cause. Irritable bowel syndrome is also a common cause. It may not be identified immediately as it diagnosed by exclusion. Another common cause is hemorrhoids and anal fistulae. These are painful conditions and stools are accompanied with bleeding.