Constipation Treatment

Constipation, the condition of passing hard, compacted stools, is a condition that almost everyone goes through in some point or another in their lives. In most cases, constipation may be caused by a temporary problem in the colon. In other cases, constipation could be one of the warning signs for a more serious condition like cancer, fecal impaction, or adhesions. Because different people have different frequencies of bowel movements, constipation is often only suspected when there is a sudden change in the frequency of bowel movement and if other symptoms like a bloated feeling and the need to strain during defecation is present.

There are various means though which constipation can be treated. Common forms of constipation treatment include lifestyle changes, changes in diet, cessation of medication use and the avoidance of prolonged laxative use. Conventional constipation treatment is often effective in relieving the symptoms of chronic constipation. However, acute constipation, which can be caused by colorectal carcinomas, diverticulitis, fecal impaction, adhesions, hernia, pelvic abscess or the presence of an intestinal foreign body, may need other forms of constipation treatment. Common forms of constipation treatment for acute constipation include surgery and digital rectal removal in the case of a fecal impaction.

Other forms of constipation treatment include bowel retraining, rectal suppositories, enemas, and biofeedback. Home remedies for constipation have also been found effective by some. Typical examples include the consumption of blackstrap molasses, cabbage juice, mangoes, dry seedless grapes in milk figs dipped in water, dates with milk, and Epsom salts in water.

Reliability of Alternative Constipation Treatment

There are various claims for different constipation medicine that are purportedly effective in providing constipation cure. These include laxatives, gastric stimulants and array of new-age herbal products. However, some of these products may not be approved by the FDA. It is therefore important that patients consult their doctors before taking any alternative constipation remedies.

Constipation Prevention

Prevention of constipation is more important than any constipation treatment. Activities that will prevent the condition include a diet with enough fiber and fluids, a diet with no excessive processed sugars and fats, regular exercise, and heeding the call of nature as soon as it occurs. Avoidance of the causes of constipation such as stress and artificial sweeteners are also included in constipation prevention.