Constipation Causes

Constipation is an uncomfortable condition involving the colon that could be the result of various causes. Constipation problems can occur in almost age groups, from babies to individuals in their 50s and 60s and can be caused by anything from the wrong diet to lack of exercise. However, the most common cause of constipation is a diet low in fluids and fiber. Constipation in itself is not a disease. In chronic cases constipation is the result of minor problems in the gut. However, some cases of acute constipation may be life-threatening and require emergency medical attention.

Constipation Causes

Other constipation causes include absence of motor activity, which is common in immobile people or the morbidly obese, the use of medications which cause constipation as side effects, and structural deformities in the colon or rectum. Blockage of the colon is also one of the constipation causes of acute constipation.

Laxative abuse is also one of the most common constipation causes because the bowel becomes dependent on the laxatives for evacuation. When the use of laxatives is abruptly ceased, the bowel finds it hard to resume its normal function and constipation results. Laxatives also contain irritating ingredients that can lead to other bowel problems aside from constipation.

Constipation food are also common constipation causes. These include processed protein-laden foods, processed foods high in sugar, dairy products, and foods high in supplementary calcium.  Excessive intake of foods with supplementary iron can also cause constipation.

Constipation Symptoms

Constipation causes a number of symptoms such as trouble defecating, hard, dry stools and a reduction in the frequency of bowel movement per week. Furthermore, constipation causes the urge to move the bowels even if one has just recently defecated. Constipation pains are also another symptom experienced by some. This is the painful sensation experienced when passing hard, compacted stools.

Constipation Treatment

Diet for constipation includes foods with enough fiber, low in fat and sugars, and with enough fluids. An increase in activity levels, addition of more fluids in the diet, and cessation of use of drugs that cause the condition are some of the primary means through which the symptoms of constipation can be relieved. In severe cases, laxatives may be used if these measures still do not relieve constipation.