Constipation

Overview:

Though never a pleasant discussion topic, constipation affects a large percentage of the population. According to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS), approximately 80 percent of people experience this condition at some point in their lives. Constipation can be defined as decreased frequency of bowel movements, straining in order to have a bowel movement or passing small, hard stools, the feeling that one's bowels have not completely emptied after a movement, or the need for laxatives or enemas in order to have regular bowel movements.

Causes:

Slow transit of stool (when waste from digested food moves too slowly through the digestive tract) is the most common reason for constipation. This can be caused by dehydration, a change in diet or activity and exercise levels, and certain medications can cause this slow transit. When this occurs, too much water is absorbed from the stool, causing it to dry and harden. More serious causes such as polyps, tumors, or other growths can also cause slow transit, as can areas of narrowing in the colon. For these reasons it is important to consult with a gastroenterologist in the event of constipation that is unresponsive to treatment.

Diagnosis:

There is no predetermined number of bowel movements per day or week that constitutes a constipated state, as anything ranging from three movements per day to three per week can be healthy, depending upon the individual. Knowing whether or not to see a physician can be difficult to determine. It is any lasting change in regularity, or a change in frequency of movements that indicates the need to visit a physician. While periodic episodes of constipation are not uncommon and can subside relatively quickly, persistent bouts can be indicative of more serious issues and can warrant seeking the assistance of a gastroenterologist. Alternating constipation and diarrhea can be a symptom of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). For more information on IBS, please visit here.

Treatment:

Treatment of constipation can be as simple as change in diet and increased exercise. This is also an important element of prevention as well, as these both play an important role in gastrointestinal health. In the event of impacted stool, laxatives or an enema may be introduced in order to remove the impaction. In certain situations, the need for further tests might be necessary to ensure that there is not an underlying gastrointestinal issue at work.

How Associates in Gastroenterology can help:

Since 1995, we have sought to serve the greater Nashville area through exemplary medical treatment for a range of gastrointestinal disorders and diseases. Each of our physicians is board certified in gastroenterology. Equally important, we each care deeply about the health, comfort, and privacy of our patients.

Please visit our FAQ page here. If you have specific questions about various procedures or to learn more about how we can assist you, please don't hesitate to contact us.