Constipated Then Diarrhea Then Constipation Again

Nearly everyone becomes constipated at ane fourth dimension or another. Older people are more likely than younger people to go constipated, but most of the time information technology's not serious.

Constipation is a symptom, not a disease. You may exist constipated if you are having fewer bowel movements than usual, it takes a long time to pass stools, and the stools are hard.

Some people worry likewise much about having a bowel motility every day. There is no right number of daily or weekly bowel movements. Being regular is different for each person. For some, it can mean bowel movements twice a twenty-four hour period. For others, having movements 3 times a week is normal.

Questions to Ask

Some doctors suggest request these questions to determine if you are constipated:

• Exercise you oftentimes have fewer than 3 bowel movements a calendar week?
• Do you normally have a difficult time passing stools?
• Are stools ofttimes lumpy or difficult?
• Do yous take a feeling of being blocked or of not having fully emptied your bowels?

Did you reply "aye" to i or more of these questions? If so, y'all may have a constipation problem. Otherwise, you probably don't.

What Causes Constipation?

Doctors practise not always know what causes constipation. It may exist a poor nutrition, non getting enough exercise, or using laxatives too often. Reasons for constipation include:

• Diet. Yous may get constipated if you don't consume enough loftier-fiber foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Likewise, eating a lot of high-fatty meats, dairy products and eggs, or rich desserts and sugary sweets may cause constipation. People who live alone may lose interest in cooking and eating. Every bit a result, they start using prepared foods. These foods tend to exist low in fiber and may atomic number 82 to constipation. Too, people who take problems with their teeth tend to choose soft, processed foods that contain petty cobweb.

Many older people don't drink enough water and other fluids. This oftentimes is the instance when they're not eating regular meals. Water and other liquids may help people stay regular.

• Using as well many laxatives and enemas. Many people think of laxatives as a cure for constipation. But if you use laxatives too often, your trunk may forget how to work on its ain. Heavy use of laxatives can cause diarrhea. For the same reason, if you apply enemas too oft, your body may brainstorm to depend on them. Too many enemas may stop you from having normal bowel movements.
• Lack of exercise. Inactivity or long periods in bed due to illness or following surgery may cause constipation. Doctors can advise medicine for people who stay in bed and endure from chronic constipation. Being more active, when possible, is best.
• Holding back bowel movements. Ignoring an urge to take a bowel movement tin can lead to constipation. Some people prefer to have bowel movements at domicile. But holding in a bowel motility tin can cause constipation if the filibuster is too long.
• Medical conditions. Some problems, like stroke, diabetes, or a blockage in the intestines, tin cause constipation. These disorders may touch the muscles or nerves used for normal bowel movements. A doctor can examination to see if the problem is medical. Medical problems tin oftentimes be treated. Another status related to constipation is called irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a common disorder of the intestines that involves hurting, bloating, and constipation or diarrhea.
• Medications. Some medicines can lead to constipation. These include some drugs used to treat low, antacids containing aluminum or calcium, iron supplements, some allergy medicines (antihistamines), certain painkillers, some drugs for high claret force per unit area, including diuretics, and some drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease.

Treatment

If you think you are constipated, talk to your doc to rule out a more serious problem. If tests show no disease or blockage, and if your doc approves, try these changes:

• Add fiber to your diet by eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, either cooked or raw, and more whole-grain cereals and breads. Dried fruits, such equally apricots, prunes, and figs, are high in fiber.
• If your diet does not include natural fiber, you lot may need to add together a minor amount of bran to baked goods, cereal, and fruit. This may cause some bloating and gas in the outset. Make nutrition changes slowly to allow your organization to adapt. Look for fiber products such as psyllium seed in the grocery store.
• Exist sure to become enough fluids. Without fluids, constipation can get worse. Drinking enough water and juice can aid you have regular bowel movements. Talk with your doctor about how much h2o you should drink.
• Stay active. This is of import for overall health, besides. Do things that proceed you moving and active. For example, become for walks. Discover concrete things that you lot enjoy doing, and make them a part of your everyday life.

If these changes don't piece of work, talk to your doctor most laxatives. At that place are dissimilar kinds of laxatives, and each has its pros and cons. Your doc can help you decide which laxatives may be best for you.

For More Information About Constipation

This content is provided by the NIH National Constitute on Aging (NIA). NIA scientists and other experts review this content to ensure it is accurate and up to date.

Content reviewed: December 01, 2013

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Source: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/concerned-about-constipation

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