Symptoms Of Constipation

Constipation is defined as infrequent passing of hard stools which may or may not be painful. It is not a disease itself but a symptom of another disorder that could have a metabolic or anatomical origin. Most commonly caused due to lack of fiber in diet, it is not very serious unless it becomes chronic. Then, constipation becomes one of the many symptoms.

Causes of Constipation

Common causes of constipation include lack of diet, lack of physical activity and sleep. Less common causes of constipation include diverticulitis, a condition which causes the formation of pouch like structures on the intestine. It is a disease that mostly occurs in old people and develops without any symptoms. These structures can result in constipation when big enough and can also bleed. Colon tumors reduce colon motility or sometimes completely obstruct the colon, resulting in constipation. Neuromuscular disorders like Parkinson’s result in loss of muscle control and bowel movement, making excretion difficult.

Symptoms Of Constipation And The Underlying Conditions

1. Strained Excretion

Straining is the most common symptom. The stools are hard and smaller in size than normal. Decreased size of stools indicates an obstruction. An individual will need to physically exert to push out the hard stools and this in turn can cause pain and discomfort. Usually, the pain disappears in a few days if the individual has been able to soften the stools through medication, natural remedies or changes in lifestyle.

2. Presence of Blood

Bleeding can occur due to tear in the anal region or due to rupture of swollen blood vessels called hemorrhoids. It is a painful condition but does not cause much bleeding. Bleeding can also be caused from the colon. An ulcer or polyps can bleed when injured. Tumors also bleed. Tumors and polyps do not bleed much but bleed constantly. Diverticulitis causes severe bleeding and is a medical emergency. It requires immediate medical attention and surgery.

3. Elevated blood toxins levels

Build up of waste over a long period of time can cause frequent infections due to elevated blood toxin levels. This is a potentially fatal condition if sepsis shock occurs. Constipation very rarely results in sepsis, but accumulation over a long period of time or colon injury increase the risk.

4. Systemic Symptoms like Weight Loss and Fever

Lack of appetite can cause weight loss. Mild constipation causes loss of appetite but it does not normally cause any weight loss. When weight loss occurs along with symptoms like alternating constipation and diarrhea and fever, then cancer of the colon is suspected.

5. Constipation causes foul breath, stomach cramps and sometimes mode swings as well. Depression and irritable nature due to constipation are commonly seen in individuals with an unhealthy life style.

Constipated bowels can be easily prevented with a healthy diet, physical activity, a healthy lifestyle and regular colon cleansing. Colon cleansing prevents blockage. Colon cleansing products can be used without any side effects on regular basis. Preventing constipation is easier than treating it.