What Causes 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 fiber and eating food that hardens stool can make the condition worse over a period of time. The onset of diet related constipation is acute and goes on for some time, until the diet is corrected. Many individuals; however, do not realize something is wrong with their diet and hence they don’t consult a dietician. Correction of diet by increasing fiber intake, reducing the intake of red meat and eating raw vegetables can help. Increase in water intake also helps.

Trauma

An injury to the colon can cause constipation. Pelvic floor dysfunction and intestinal prolapse 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 makes stool 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 birth with increased fluid intake and in some cases mild stool softeners.

Colon Obstruction Problems

Diseases like cancer, which results in tumor formation in the colon, can obstruct the lumen and movement. Reduced movement of stool can cause straining of the rectal muscle and tissue, resulting in tears 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 the surgical removal of some part of the colon. A bag is placed 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 causes 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 can cause constipation as a side effect. These are also called as secondary causes. Allergy medications like antihistamines and hypersensitivity medication are a cause for constipation in individuals with asthma and other allergies. Diuretics cause dehydration 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 stool but their use without prescription often leads to constipation when they are stopped, as the body becomes dependent on laxatives for passing soft stool.

Not Passing Stools Frequently

The frequency of defecation varies but the urge to pass stool should not be ignored. This leads 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 is diagnosed by exclusion. Another common cause is hemorrhoids and anal fistulae. These are painful conditions and stool may be accompanied with bleeding.