Health Advice An answer to your medical questions » Constipation

Causes of Constipation

Kevin — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:31:36 +0000

The causes of constipation are varied and can change from case to case. Constipation is when you have a problem passing stool, and the colon gets backed up. Often, constipation is the result of lifestyle or dietary habits, but sometimes it is due to more serious disorders. Only a medical doctor is capable of making the diagnoses for sure. If you experience chronic constipation or go more than a few days without voiding, be sure to contact your doctor. While most of the causes of constipation are quite harmless, some can be quite serious.

One of the most common causes of constipation is due to eating a low fiber diet. Low fiber is a problem because it causes the stool to harden and not move properly through the digestive system. This low fiber problem can be corrected by adding high fiber foods into your diet. Whole grains, leafy green vegetables, and fresh fruits are all outstanding sources of fiber.

Another common cause of constipation is dehydration. Not having enough liquids can cause a number of problems with your digestive system as well as other parts of your body. Drinking plenty of water is a great way to deal with constipation. Water is a natural laxative of sorts.

Many people do not realize that a lack of exercise is a common cause of constipation. Adding exercise to your daily regimen can greatly reduce the chances of experiencing problems with constipation. The physical exertion will naturally help your stool to move through the digestive system.

A more ominous cause of constipation is colon cancer, or cancer of the bowel. This is not a very common cause of constipation, but if you have a regular problem with it you should get checked out. It is far better to be safe than sorry when it comes to this cause of constipation. Early detection is the key to battling these diseases.

The causes of constipation are not always connected to your lifestyle, but this is most commonly the case. You should eat a high fiber, low fat diet to help keep yourself regular. Also, add exercise into your daily routine and drink plenty of water. If you do these things, constipation will no longer be a problem in most cases.

Baby Constipation

Kevin — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:29:28 +0000

Baby constipation is a very common problem and one that is highly treatable. Breast fed babies tend to be more prone to baby constipation than babies that are taking formula. A baby should have about four stools per day in the first couple of months of life. Over the next few months, this will gradually become less and less. One stool a day is absolutely the minimum, and a doctor should be consulted if baby constipation persists for more than two days.

Symptoms of baby constipation include incessant crying, drawing their legs up to their abdomen, and hard, pebble like stools. These symptoms are usually not constant, though in severe cases of baby constipation they certainly can be. The symptoms can also get worse if the constipation is not relieved.

The best solution for baby constipation is to feed them a high fiber baby food. This is only recommended if the baby is taking table food. If not, then it is recommended that you give them small amounts of water to help regulate the stool. Fruit juice in very small quantities can also be used though water is the best choice.

Other solutions for baby constipation include using a small dab of water-based lubricant around the edge of the infant’s anus. This can help to ease the passing of stool. Slowly and gently working the child’s legs up to their chest in a back and forth motion can sometimes ease them as well. Most of all, try to relieve any stressors in the environment. Any loud noises, or fast movements around a baby suffering with constipation can complicate things. The more relaxed the child is, the better the chance of relieving a bout of constipation.

Baby constipation comes about most often after a dietary change. Moving from breast milk to formula for example, will often bring on baby constipation. Likewise a move to table food for the first time may cause the problem on occasion.

If you are uncomfortable with the problem at any point, or the constipation lingers longer than two days, then you should consult with your doctor right away. Serious problems can exist, but they are quite rare.

Constipation advice

Kevin — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:27:14 +0000

Constipation is when waste material has trouble traveling through your bowels. The slow process of elimination can be painful and very frustrating. Amazingly, constipation can lead to a number of other problems. These include halitosis, body odor, depression, diverticulitis, gas, hemorrhoids, indigestion, and in extreme cases it may contribute to bowel cancer. This list only scratches the surface of various potential complications of constipation.

Waste material must move through your bowels regularly. The colon is only designed to hold waste material for about 24 hours before problems start to arise. At this point the waste can develop and can bring about a number of constipation symptoms. These range from the fairly benign stomach pain to serious problems such as ulcerative colitis. Occasional constipation is very common among many people.

Generally constipation is caused by a lack of fluids and fiber. While this is the primary cause of constipation, many other factors can contribute to the problem. Not getting enough exercise is one widespread reason for constipation. As we age, our bodies are more prone to be constipated. Occasionally, blockages, bowel disease, or large amounts of nutritionally deficient foods can cause constipation. It is also thought that some medicines can cause constipation as a side effect.

Generally constipation can be treated naturally by increasing your intake of high fiber foods that include fruits, leafy vegetables, and brown rice. Any food that is high in fiber may potentially clear up your constipation. Water is another key ingredient in the battle against constipation. 8 ounces of water every single day will go a long ways towards keeping your intestines clear. Occasionally people will need to take laxatives, have enemas, or even surgery to clear their constipation.

While constipation is a fairly common ailment it is not one that should be taken lightly. If you suffer from regular constipation there is a high probability that you need to make some changes. While some causes of constipation are not related to lifestyle, the vast majority are. If you suffer from regular constipation it is vital that you consult your doctor and find out the cause.