Why do constipation happens

When the tube is inside, they will inflate the balloon and slowly pull it out. A barium enema X-ray is a type of test used to examine the colon. The actual test involves the insertion of a dye called barium into your rectum, using a lubricated tube. The barium highlights the rectum and colon area.

This allows the healthcare professional to better view these areas on an X-ray. A colonoscopy is another type of test healthcare professionals use to examine the colon. In this test, a healthcare professional will examine your colon using a colonoscope. This is a tube fitted with a camera and light source. You may have to take a laxative or enema the night before the test to clean out the bowel.

Constipation can make you feel constantly bloated, uncomfortable, or even achy. You can be constipated yet still have bowel movements. While constipation typically means you're having fewer than three bowel movements a week, you….

Stress can cause a number of physical health issues, including constipation. Your brain and the gut are connected, so when you feel stressed out, your….

There are a number of reasons why you could be constipated, and one of them is your changing hormones. Learn what typical bowel movements should include, as well as tips to poop more…. Laxatives can help relieve constipation and promote regular bowel movements.

Learn more about natural laxatives. Citrucel powder is a type of fiber supplement used for constipation. This article explains its uses, effectiveness, and potential side effects.

Kombucha is a fizzy drink that's full of health benefits, but you may want to know whether it can help relieve constipation. Although constipation can affect anyone, according to the Mayo Clinic, you're at highest risk if you are: 3. Your doctor will take a medical history and do a physical exam, most likely including a gentle rectal exam with a gloved finger.

They will also likely prescribe a number of routine blood tests to look for hypothyroidism, for instance , as well as urine and stool tests. According to the Mayo Clinic, other diagnostic tests may include: 3. As upsetting and uncomfortable as constipation can be, there are a number of lifestyle changes, including diet, exercise habits, and even switching up certain supplements that can prevent constipation from happening in the first place.

But note: The NIDDK warns that you should only use stimulants if your constipation is severe or other treatments have not worked. There are also prescription medications that help treat constipation. While there are few high-quality studies showing that alternative therapies can effectively treat constipation, a review of studies published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that acupuncture and herbal treatments like psyllium can make a difference.

Men ages 19 to 30 should get Pay attention to your body signals; if you need to go, go without delay. Put a bit of zen into your bathroom routine and relax. But when it becomes chronic, pay attention and see your doctor, because chronic constipation can cause complications, including:. The major risk factors for chronic constipation are being female and being elderly, according to a study published in the journal Clinical Interventions in Aging.

Other studies suggest that constipation seems to be getting more common. A February study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that from to , the incidence of constipation among patients released from a hospital stay more than doubled, from 21, patients to 48, Besides being a drain on well-being, constipation is also a drain on the medical system: In a study in the same journal published in April , researchers found that between and , the frequency of constipation-related emergency room visits increased by Chronic constipation may lead to other difficult issues, as well.

According to an article published in March in the American Journal of Managed Care, people with constipation typically have poorer general health, mental health, and social functioning compared with those without. Though recent demographic research on constipation is hard to come by, a widely cited study of data from a survey of more than 15, people found that constipation was more frequent in Black Americans than in white Americans, with Yet, the authors point out, Black individuals are underrepresented in trials for constipation treatments.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, constipation can be a symptom of a number of conditions, including the following: 5. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases offers a wealth of information on constipation and other digestive disorders , as does the American College of Gastroenterology. A number of major medical centers offer advice and information about constipation on their websites, including:.

References Constipation. Diet modifications. A diet with 20 to 35 grams of fiber daily helps in the formation of soft, bulky stool. While adding foods such as beans, whole grains, bran cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables is helpful in adding fiber to the diet.

Limiting foods such as ice cream, cheeses, meats, and processed foods, which contain little or no fiber can also be helpful. Laxatives may be prescribed after diet and lifestyle changes have failed to be effective. Biofeedback is used to treat chronic constipation caused by anorectal dysfunction. This treatment retrains the muscles that control release of bowel movements.

Lifestyle changes, such as increased water and juice intake, regular exercise, and allowing enough time for daily bowel movements can be helpful. Constipation can cause complications, such as hemorrhoids, which occur by straining to have a bowel movement, or anal fissures tears in the skin around the anus which occur when hard stool stretches the sphincter muscle. This can result in rectal bleeding. Sometimes, straining also causes rectal prolapse, where a small amount of intestinal lining pushes out from the anal opening.

Constipation may also cause fecal impaction, which occurs mostly in children and older adults. The hard stool packs the intestine and rectum so tightly that the normal pushing action of the colon is not enough to expel the stool. Health Home Conditions and Diseases. What causes constipation? Some of the most common causes of constipation include the following: Medications Lack of exercise Not enough liquids Not enough fiber in the diet Irritable bowel syndrome Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement Changes in habits or lifestyle, such as travel, pregnancy, and old age Problems with intestinal function Abuse of laxatives What are the symptoms of constipation?

Symptoms may include: Difficult and painful bowel movements Bowel movements fewer than three times a week Feeling bloated or uncomfortable Feeling sluggish Abdominal pain The symptoms of constipation may resemble other medical conditions or problems.

How is constipation diagnosed? Diagnosing constipation may include: Medical history. Other diagnostic tests may include: Abdominal X-ray Lower GI gastrointestinal series also called barium enema. Treatment for constipation Specific treatment for constipation will be determined by your doctor based on: Your age, overall health, and medical history Extent of the condition Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies Expectations for the course of this condition Your opinion or preference Most often, constipation can be treated through dietary and lifestyle changes, which relieve symptoms and help prevent the condition.

Treatment may include: Diet modifications. Eliminating or changing medication Biofeedback.