How Is The Cause Of Constipation Identified

Constipation is not a disease itself but a symptom. Hence, its causes are identified taking into consideration other symptoms.

Medical History

The process of identifying the underlying problem starts with medical history. In order to build the medical history, the doctor will ask you about symptoms, bowel habits and eating habits. Most often the medical history itself would give an indication of the underlying cause. A record of the medical history and the inferences drawn, decides the course of further examination.

Physical Examination

A physical examination follows the medical history. The doctor tests the anus with a gloved finger and instruments, to find out the condition of the opening muscle, also called the anal sphincter. He also looks for piles and bleeding. A problem with the opening and the constriction near the opening due to a growth or inflammation can easily be identified. A blood test and thyroid test may be done at this stage to determine the underlying cause of inflammation.

If medical history and physical examination does not help conclude what the underlying cause is but gives an idea of what the problem could be, an appropriate test is conducted to confirm. Most people who require further testing at this stage are individuals past 50 years and who have a risk of a certain disease as indicated by their history. They have also have had symptoms for as long as 12 weeks.

Colorectal Transit Study

A colorectal transit study is done to see how the food moves through the colon by ingesting small tablets or capsules containing markers that show up on X-ray and CT scans. Imaging is done many times after the capsule is ingested. During this period a high fiber diet is taken to prevent food related causes.

Anorectal Manometry

The muscle tone and contractions are evaluated by inserting a deflated balloon and inflating it slowly. This balloon is withdrawn to see how well the anal sphincter works. Any problem with the opening can be diagnosed.

Balloon Expulsion Tests

A known amount of water, roughly the density of normal stools, is filled into a deflated balloon that is inserted into the rectum. As the balloon expands to the size of the stools, the patient is asked to expel it. If he is unable to, then problems with muscle contractions are suspected.

Defecography

Defecography is studying the function of the anus and rectum with X-ray. A semi solid mass, with the constituency of normal stools, is inserted in the rectum. It is often a paste like material. The patient is then asked to expel it in a toilet built within an x ray machine. As the patient expels the material, X-rays are taken. These series of X-rays help doctors evaluate your ability to eliminate stool, structural abnormalities and the muscles working in the anal rectal region.

Barium Imaging

Barium imaging of the intestines and rectum is done to determine any structural abnormalities. Barium is used as it makes the intestines show up clearly on CT or X-ray scans. Before Barium imaging is done, colon cleansing needs to be done as the presence of food in the lower digestive tract can prevent a clear view.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscope is a long flexible tube fitted with a camera and light source used to view the lower digestive tract. It is inserted through the anus. Any anatomical defects like ulcers, inflammation and tumors causing obstruction of stools, can be easily seen. Before it is done, the colon has to be cleared of all its contents. A colon cleanse product is usually prescribed.