Constipation Treatment

Constipation is a problem that besets many people. It is often a symptom of an unhealthy life style. Treating it requires identifying the underlying condition and correcting it, unless constipation is not severe and not accompanied by other symptoms like weight loss, bleeding and other systemic symptoms like fever. A diet correction and lifestyle change will be effective if constipation is not acute.

Treatment modalities of constipation

1. Diet – It is important to meet the daily fiber requirement to avoid constipation. This is around 30 grams a day. Your dietician will be able to inform you about the required quantity based on the severity of your condition. Foods rich in fiber include vegetables, fruits and whole grain. When constipated, reducing the intake of constipation inducing food items such as meat, milk and baked foods can cause less pain during excretion.

2. Lifestyle changes- Making lifestyle changes like getting more exercise, drinking plenty of water and reducing the intake of alcohol can make stool softer. Alcohol dehydrates the body. Smoking is also associated with constipation, as it affects the muscles. Therefore, if you reduce alcohol consumption and stop smoking, it can largely improve your bowel movements.

3. Colon Cleansing

Colon cleansing can clear blockages and allow the free passage of stool. Using colon cleansing products as prescribed, can be very beneficial as these are simple to use.

4. Medication – Medication is not needed for most cases of constipation. Only those people who do not get better with a diet and lifestyle change are prescribed medication. Constipation medications are of different types and differ in their function. They are classified as:

Bulk forming laxatives or fiber supplements helps stool become softer and heavier by water absorption. It is often the first line of medical treatment for mild constipation.

Stimulants improve bowel movement by improving muscle contractions. Muscular contractions can be affected due to neurological problems. Stimulants are taken with other medications.

Stool softeners are commonly given to women after delivery so as to prevent straining of the muscles. They reduce dehydration and makes stool softer. It is not recommended for long term use.

Saline laxatives make the passage of stool easier by making the colon absorb more water. They are used to treat acute constipation that is not caused by any bowel obstruction.

Chloride channel activators can be used for more than 6 months. They improve stool movement by increasing fluid absorption. Their use, however, requires regular assessment and is prescribed only for chronic constipation.

5. Bio feedback Treatment

In order to treat neurological and muscle related problems in the pelvic floor, bio feedback treatments are suggested. These treatments are minimally invasive and rely on the body’s feedback mechanism. A sensor is placed inside the rectum and it provides inputs about muscle activity. Depending on this data and fecal emptying tests, the individual is made to exercise the muscles of the pelvic floor to improve stool passage and colon emptying.

6. Colectomy

Surgical options for constipation are explored when everything else has failed. Chronic constipation with a very slow transit time warrants a colectomy. This is a surgery where some portion of the large intestine is removed depending on the extent of the problem. A prolapsed intestine may have to be operated on if there is mucus secretion. If a pelvic floor dysfunction does not respond to bio feedback, then surgical intervention may become necessary for alleviating the symptoms of constipation. Surgical treatment often aims to tackle the underlying problem of which constipation is a symptom.