Constipation is the absence or reduction in the frequency of bowel movements during the week, causing symptoms such as abdominal bloating, harder and dry stools, bad mood and the need to make a lot of effort to evacuate.
Constipation, also called constipation or constipation, is caused by a decrease in bowel movements due to a diet low in fiber, lack of physical activity and little water consumption, for example.
In the presence of symptoms of constipation, it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist or general practitioner to carry out a complete assessment and recommend appropriate treatment, which can include changes in diet, physical activity and the use of medication.
Symptoms of constipation
The main symptoms of constipation are:
- Very hard and dry stools;
- Dor abdominal;
- Swollen belly;
- Evacuate less than 3 times a week;
- A lot of effort to evacuate;
- Bad mood and irritability;
- Excess gases;
- Sensation of incomplete evacuation.
Furthermore, due to the dryness of the stool and the effort to evacuate, it is possible to notice the presence of blood in the stool or on the toilet paper, which may indicate the appearance of hemorrhoids due to constipation.
Read too: 9 symptoms of constipation (and how to relieve it)
Constipation during pregnancy
Constipation during pregnancy is a normal situation, which can be caused by changes in the hormone progesterone, which can make the intestines work more slowly. Find out more about how constipation happens and how to treat it during pregnancy.
Furthermore, some medications used during pregnancy, such as those for nausea, vomiting, heartburn and pain, and supplements, such as iron and calcium, can also cause constipation.
Constipation in children
Constipation in children happens mainly because they don’t go to the bathroom when they feel like it.
Constipation in children can also occur due to stress about using the potty, embarrassment about using a public bathroom, fear of feeling pain again when having a bowel movement, the use of medications and supplements or even low water and food consumption. rich in fiber.
The symptoms and signs of constipation in children are similar to those in adults and include hard, dry stools, a swollen belly, pain and bleeding during bowel movements. Know all the symptoms of constipation in children.
In addition, a child with constipation may also have encopresis, a condition that is characterized by the leakage of feces into the child’s underwear or diaper, which, in most cases, happens involuntarily.
How the diagnosis is made
The diagnosis of constipation can be made by a gastroenterologist or general practitioner, based on a physical examination and evaluation of the signs and symptoms presented and the person’s habits and lifestyle.
To confirm the risk of constipation, make an appointment with the gastroenterologist closest to you:
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may also order laboratory tests, such as blood, feces and urine tests, endoscopy, colonoscopy, MRI and tests that evaluate bowel functions, such as balloon expulsion test, anorectal manometry and defecography.
Main causes
The main causes of constipation are:
- Diet low in fiber;
- Low water consumption during the day;
- Not going to the bathroom when you feel like it;
- Sedentary lifestyle;
- Use of medications, such as antacids, anticonvulsants, diuretics, antispasmodics and iron supplements;
- Psychological changes, such as stress, anxiety or depression, for example.
Excessive use of laxatives also promotes constipation, because the intestinal mucosa can become irritated, interfering with its functioning. The use of laxatives can also promote dependence on the intestine, which only starts to function if these medications are used. See more about the causes of constipation.
Furthermore, constipation can also be caused by conditions such as pregnancy, pelvic floor problems, colon surgery, irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, Parkinson’s disease, intestinal obstruction, tumors and spinal cord injuries, for example .
How the treatment is carried out
Treatment for constipation can be done with simple measures, such as healthy eating, physical activity and intestinal training. However, in some cases, the doctor may recommend the use of medication, intestinal washing and surgery.
1. Food
Food for constipation should be rich in fiber, as it promotes greater hydration of feces as well as stimulates bowel movements.
Therefore, it is recommended to increase the consumption of vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, probiotic foods, seeds and legumes, in addition to drinking at least 2 liters of water per day. Check out how to follow a constipation diet.
See the video below for more tips on what to eat for constipation:
2. Physical activity
Practicing physical activity is important to help regulate bowel function, as the abdominal muscles become stronger and increase pressure in the intestine, favoring the elimination of feces.
Therefore, it is important to practice physical activity at least 3 times a week, such as walking, weight training, running or cycling, for example.
3. Gut training
Bowel training is the habit of evacuating at the same time every day, helping to make bowel movements more regular. To do this, simply try to evacuate between 15 and 45 minutes after breakfast, for example, because eating stimulates the colon to expel feces.
It is important to evacuate whenever you feel the urge, trying to relax your muscles or place your feet on a stool to make yourself more comfortable. Check out other tips to cure constipation.
4. Medicines
The use of medicines for constipation may be recommended by the doctor, when changing habits is not enough to stimulate the improvement of intestinal transit.
Therefore, the use of remedies such as Lacto purga, milk of magnesia, dulcolax, Almeida Prado 46 or probiotics, for example, may be indicated to increase the volume of the fecal cake and bowel movements, facilitating the exit of feces. See more about constipation remedies.
5. Home remedies
Some home remedies, such as carqueja tea, orange juice with papaya and cascara sacred tea, also help treat constipation, as they are rich in fiber and bioactive compounds that stimulate bowel movements and help soften stools. Discover all the home remedies recommended to loosen your bowels.
6. Bowel wash
Intestinal lavage is a procedure that helps empty the intestine, as it favors the removal of trapped feces that have not been eliminated normally. To perform an intestinal lavage, the doctor or nurse applies a solution to the intestine, through the anal region, to stimulate bowel movement.
7. Surgery
In rarer cases, your doctor may recommend surgery to treat an anorectal obstruction caused by rectal prolapse when other treatments do not work.
In addition, the doctor may also recommend surgery to remove the colon in cases where the colon muscles do not function properly.
How to prevent constipation
Some tips that can help prevent constipation are:
- Eat more fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains;
- Drink plenty of water daily;
- Go to the bathroom when you feel like it;
- Practice physical activities regularly.
To avoid constipation, it is also important to avoid foods with a low amount of fiber, such as snacks, meals like fast food and other ultra-processed foods, such as hot dogs, soft drinks, sweets and chocolates.
