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Chronic Constipation
by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023
This group contains additional names: - Outlet Dysfunction Constipation - Slow Transit Constipation
Constipation is the condition of having a hard bowel movement or bowel movement at a low frequency. Constipation is considered one of the most common digestive problems, affecting more than 2.5 million people in the US. There are many causes for constipation, including low fiber diet, dehydration, medications, pregnancy, emotional stress, and certain diseases.
870 people with Chronic Constipation are on Alike.
The definition of constipation is personal and may vary between different patients. General symptoms of constipation may include: - Less than three bowel movements per week. - Hard, dry stools. - Discomfort or strain during a bowel movement. - Additional gastrointestinal symptoms (such as bloody stools, vomiting, or weight changes) may also be present, depending on the disorder.
Diagnosis is made by questioning and investigating the medical history and physical examination to provide additional information and exclude other diseases. Further tests include: - Stool sampling test. - Blood testing. - Endoscopy – a procedure that allows looking at the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine and taking a biopsy, using a special camera inserted through the mouth. - Colonoscopy – a procedure that allows looking at the rectum, large intestine (colon), and small intestine and taking a biopsy, using a special camera inserted through the rectum. - Abdominal X-ray, ultrasound, CT, or MRI scans.
Treatment depends on the specific disorder and the cause of constipation. It may include laxatives, antibiotics, or on the contrary, cessation of some medicines if they are suspected as the cause. Some life changes may also be advisable, such as limiting alcohol and caffeine drinking, quitting smoking, adding fiber to the diet, and working out regularly.
☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike
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"Some solutions for chronic **constipation** include taking psyllium husk fiber with water daily, increasing vegetable intake, consuming prebiotic foods like raw garlic and kefir regularly, drinking a good amount of water, eating homemade chia pudding daily, and avoiding laxative medicine and antibiotics. Other suggestions include probiotics, large volume enemas, castor oil, motility medications, pelvic floor physical therapy, Citrucel (a fiber laxative alternative), hydrotherapy colonics, and prunes."
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Some of the medications suggested by individuals with IBS include Paxil or an antispasmodic for pain and spasms, Protonix 40mg, Linzess 72mg daily, IBgard and enzymes during a flare-up, Advil for pain, Pepto for diarrhea, Senna leaf extract for **constipation**, and Dicyclomine (also known as Bentyl). For nausea, some have found relief with Zofran, though it can cause constipation. Others have suggested non-prescription remedies like ginger tea, l-glutamine powder, Culturelle daily probiotic, Metamucil pills, peppermint candies, warm sprite, ginger candy, and deglycyrrhizinated licorice. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication regimen.
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