Constipation / Hard Stools
Bowel actions more than three (3) times per week and less than
three times per day are considered normal provided there are
no other associated symptoms. Fewer bowel actions are called
constipation. Individuals can also consider themselves constipated
if the stools are too hard, evacuation is incomplete or there
is a need to strain. Sometimes people think they are constipated
because their stool seems to be insufficient.
If you are concerned
about constipation you must make a decision:
- Should I ignore
the problem?
- Should I treat myself with diet and exercise?
- Should I treat
myself with medicines from the chemist?
- Should I seek advice
from my Doctor
1. IGNORE
If you have a regular bowel action at least every second
or third day and no other symptoms, you are not constipated,
you need
take no action.
2. DIET AND EXERCISE
People become constipated if their diet contains
insufficient fibre and water There are many
reasons for this inadequacy.
It could be due to their lifestyle, due to
travelling, living in
Hotels or being hospitalised. Fibre is contained
in fruit and vegetables. An adult should
eat approximately 30 grams
of fibre
per day. Tables of the fibre contents of
various foods
are available (See Chart). Regular exercise
is also an important factor to counter the constipation which
accompanies
a sedentary
lifestyle.
3. SELF MEDICATION
Unfortunately, the intense advertising and the enormous profits,
which come from peddling patent constipation cures, has caused
many problems. Self medication is useful for a short period
to remedy an isolated constipation problem. The myth that one
must have a bowel action every day has resulted in purgative
abuse and damage to the bowel.
4. CONSULT MY FAMILY DOCTOR
Your doctor can advise you about all of the above but should
definitely be consulted if there is a persistent change of
bowel habit, whether it be diarrhoea, constipation or alternating
diarrhoea
and constipation. You should also go to see your doctor if
you see blood on the toilet paper or in the pan. Pain in
the abdomen
or in the anal region is a further reason for a consultation.
THE
CAUSES OF CONSTIPATION
- Lack of Fibre and Water
- Anatomical blockages
Some of the diseases which may cause
constipation are
shown in the diagram.
- Functional Causes
Many conditiions of the body as a whole affect the function
of the gut. These are too numerous to mention individually.
Diseases
of the nervous and endocrine system are especially implicated.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a common cause. Pregnancy is
often accompanied by constipation.
- Medications
Medications for other problems are a common cause of constipation.
For instance, painkillers are very likely to cause the
problem. Iron supplements, tranquilisers and blood pressure
medication
as well as diuretics cause the problem.
INVESTIGATIONS
Your Doctor will advise you with regard to this. The most
important investigation is your doctor's physical examination.
The other
important test is 'Colonoscopy'. This is the most important
tool in discovering anatomical blockages. See diagram.
Colonoscopy is a pain free look inside your bowel with a tiny television
camera which transmits a colour picture to a television
set. It is done under sedation.
GOOD SOURCES OF FIBRE
There is much evidence suggesting that switching to a
high-fibre diet can prevent disorders such as constipation,
haemorrhoids,
diverticular disease, colitis and bowel cancer Fibre-rich
foods such as whole grains may also prevent tooth decay,
diabetes,
obesity, heart disease, high blood cholesterol levels,
varicose veins and liver and gall bladder problems.
Click here to view 'Sources of Fibre Chart'
Return to Colonoscopy Information for Patients
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