Constipation - What Should You Know?

A wide range of factors can lead to constipation. Lack of fiber in the diet, physical inactivity, and low fluid intake are the most common ones. However, changes in your life or daily routine such as traveling, poor bowel habits like ignoring the urge to go to the washroom, and many other medical conditions and diseases such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, and stroke also lead to constipation.

Certain medications such as painkillers, antidepressants, antacids and iron supplements, calcium tablets, and narcotic pain drug relievers are known to cause constipation.

Some home or natural remedies can be tried to treat constipation. These include increasing fiber intake. People with constipation should eat a good amount of fiber every day. Consuming lots of water can also help to rehydrate the body. When you have the urge to have a bowel movement, don t hold it. This causes the stool to build up. Exercise is also helpful in keeping your bowel movements regular. Certain prescribed medicines can slow down your digestive system, which can cause constipation. Talk to your doctor to know if a certain medication is causing constipation.

Constipation on its own can be uncomfortable but not life-threatening. However, severe constipation can lead to some serious conditions such as rectal bleeding, anal fissure, swollen blood vessels of veins in the rectum, and fecal impaction. Dealing with constipation before it causes one of these conditions can prevent further discomfort.