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For other people, constipation can be treated with changes in diet and exercise and natural remedy for constipation. For those with people exhibiting mild symptoms, looking at the medical history of the patient and physical examination may be all the doctor needs to suggest a successful treatment. But for those who are experiencing the crippling effect of constipation, the doctor may perform extensive tests on the patient focusing on the factors of age, whether there is blood in stools, recent changes in bowel movements, or weight loss.

 

Not only that there is natural remedy for constipation but there are also some treatment that you might consider for fast constipation relief. Below is a list of diagnostic tests used in the diagnosis of constipation.

 

1. Medical History. The doctor may the patient on the duration of symptoms, frequency of bowel movements, consistency of stools, presence of blood in the stool, and toilet habits (how often and where one has bowel movements). The eating habits, medication, and level of physical activity or exercise are also questions the doctor may ask to aid in the treatment and the fast constipation relief.

 

2. Physical Examination. A physical exam may include a digital rectal examination with a gloved, lubricated finger to evaluate the tone of the muscle that closes off the anus (anal sphincter) and to detect tenderness, obstruction, or blood. In some cases, blood and thyroid tests may be necessary.

 

3. Barium Enema X-Ray. A barium enema x-ray involves viewing the rectum, colon, and lower part of the small intestine to locate any problems. This test may show obstruction in the intestine and Hirschsprung's disease, a lack of nerves within the colon. The doctor fills the organs with a barium enema, a chalky liquid to make the colon area visible. Once the mixture coats the organs, x-rays are taken that reveal their shape and condition.

 

Bowel cleansing or bowel prep which involves drinking 8 ounces of a special liquid every 15 minutes for about 4 hours is done the night before the cleansing. This liquid flushes out the bowel for immediate relief constipation.

4. Sigmoidoscopy or Colonoscopy. An examination of the rectum and lower colon (sigmoid) is called a sigmoidoscopy. An examination of the rectum and entire colon is called a colonoscopy. To perform a sigmoidoscopy, the doctor uses a long, flexible tube with a light on the end called a sigmoidoscope to view the rectum and lower colon. During the exam, the patient lies on his or her side and the doctor inserts the tube through the anus and rectum into the colon. If an abnormality is seen, the doctor can use the colonoscope to remove a small piece of tissue for examination (biopsy).

 

5. Colorectal Transit Study. This test, reserved for those with chronic constipation, shows how well food moves through the colon. The patient follows a high-fiber diet during the course of this test.

 

6. Anorectal Function Tests. These tests are responsible to diagnose constipation caused by abnormal functioning of the anus or rectum (anorectal function). Anorectal manometry measures anal sphincter muscle function. A catheter or air-filled balloon inserted into the anus is slowly pulled back through the sphincter muscle to measure muscle tone and contractions.

 




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