Major Constipation Causes Everyone Should Be Aware Of

Constipation is a common digestive issue characterised by infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stool. It can significantly impact overall health, leading to discomfort, bloating, and other complications. Understanding the underlying causes of constipation is crucial for effective management and prevention.

What Causes Constipation?

Constipation can result from various factors, including medications, lifestyle choices, medical conditions, and hormonal changes. Let's explore each of these in detail.

Medicines

Certain medications can contribute to constipation:

• Depression: Antidepressants can slow down bowel movements (depression).
• High blood pressure: Some antihypertensive drugs can affect bowel function.
• Allergies (such as antihistamines): These can dry out the stool, making it harder to pass.
• Seizures: Anti-seizure medications can interfere with normal bowel movements.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These can cause gastrointestinal issues, including constipation.
• Antacids: Overuse of antacids containing calcium or aluminium can lead to constipation.
• Iron pills: Iron supplements can harden stools, making them difficult to pass.
• Psychiatric medications (like Clozapine): Psychiatry medications can slow down the bowel, leading to constipation.

Lifestyle Factors

Lifestyle choices play a significant role in bowel health:

• Excessive dairy products: Consuming excessive milk or cheese can lead to constipation in certain individuals due to their effect on bowel movements.
• Not drinking enough water: Inadequate hydration results in hard stools and difficult bowel movements, making regular water intake crucial.
• Low fibre intake: Insufficient fibre in the diet prevents proper stool formation and impedes its movement through the intestines.
• Not getting enough exercise: Physical inactivity slows the digestive system, leading to constipation.
• Stress: Stress disrupts normal digestive function, often resulting in constipation and other gastrointestinal issues.
• Ignoring the urge: Consistently delaying bowel movements can cause chronic constipation over time.
• Changes in your routine: Travelling or altering eating habits can disrupt regular bowel patterns, leading to constipation.

Medical Conditions

Several medical conditions can lead to constipation:

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): A prevalent condition disrupting normal bowel function, often causing constipation, diarrhea, or both.
• Obstructed defecation syndrome: Blockage in the rectum makes passing stool difficult, leading to constipation.
• Endocrine conditions: Diabetes, hypothyroidism, and hypercalcemia can disrupt normal bowel movements, causing constipation.
• Colorectal cancer: Cancer obstructing the colon can impede stool passage, leading to constipation.
• Neurologic disorders: Neurologic conditions like multiple sclerosis, stroke, Parkinson's disease, and spinal cord injury can impact bowel control.
• Diverticulitis: Inflammation of colon pouches can result in constipation and abdominal pain.
• Multiple organ diseases: Conditions like scleroderma, amyloidosis, and lupus can affect the bowels.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal fluctuations can also impact bowel movements:

• Pregnancy-related hormonal changes: Hormones during pregnancy can slow down the digestive system, leading to constipation.
• Hormonal imbalances: Conditions like hypothyroidism can disrupt gastrointestinal motility, causing constipation.
• Menstrual cycle changes: Some women experience constipation around their menstrual periods due to hormonal fluctuations.
• Menopause's impact: Hormonal changes during menopause can lead to constipation and altered bowel habits.

Conclusion

Understanding the various causes of constipation is essential for proper management and prevention. By identifying the specific factors contributing to constipation, individuals can take proactive steps to improve their digestive health and overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the common symptoms of constipation? 

Common symptoms include infrequent bowel movements, hard or lumpy stools, straining during bowel movements, and a feeling of incomplete evacuation.

2. How often should I have a bowel movement? 

Frequency varies among individuals, but having three bowel movements per week to three per day is generally considered normal.

3. Are there certain foods that can help relieve constipation? 

Yes, high-fibre foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes can help alleviate constipation.

4. Can constipation be a side effect of surgery?

Yes, anaesthesia and pain medications used during surgery can lead to temporary constipation.

5. Is it normal for children to experience constipation?

Yes, constipation is common in children and can often be managed with dietary changes and proper hydration.

6. What is the difference between acute and chronic constipation?

Acute constipation is temporary and usually resolves quickly, while chronic constipation persists for longer periods.

7. What treatment options are available for constipation?

Treatment options include dietary changes, increased hydration, physical activity, laxatives, and addressing underlying medical conditions.

8. How does age impact bowel movements and constipation?

Ageing can slow the digestive system, making constipation more common among older adults.