Definition Constipation is a common and complex clinical symptom rather than a disease, mainly referring to decreased frequency of bowel movements, decreased stool volume, dry stool, and straining to defecate. Symptomatic constipation is diagnosed when 2 or more of the above symptoms are present at the same time. Usually, constipation is defined as a decrease in the frequency of bowel movements, usually once every 2~3 days or longer (or <3 times per week).
The results of a survey on a group of healthy people showed that the bowel habits were mostly 1-2 times a day or 1-2 times a day (60%), and the stools were mostly formed or soft; a few healthy people had up to 3 times a day (30%) or once every 3 days (10%), and the stools were semi-formed or bologna-like hard stools. Therefore, it is necessary to make a judgment of constipation by combining the nature of the stool, my usual bowel habits and the difficulty of defecation. Chronic constipation is defined as constipation that has been present for more than 6 months.
Etiology Constipation can be divided into two categories: organic and functional.
1, organic etiology mainly includes.
(1) organic lesions of the intestinal canal.
(2) Rectal and anal lesions.
(3) Endocrine or metabolic diseases
(4) Systemic diseases.
(5) Neurological disorders.
(6) Intestinal smooth muscle or neurogenic lesions.
(7) Colonic neuromuscular lesions.
(8) Neuropsychological disorders.
(9) pharmacological factors to treat constipation, should start from the cause of constipation, first to restore normal intestinal motility.
2, functional etiology including
(1) low food intake or lack of fiber or water in food, the stimulation of colon motility is reduced.
(2) Irregular bowel habits.
(3) Caused by colonic motility disorders, commonly seen in irritable bowel syndrome
(4) Insufficient tone of the abdominal and pelvic muscles and inadequate propulsion of defecation
(5) Abuse of laxatives, the formation of drug dependence, resulting in constipation.
(6) Old age and frailty, too little activity, intestinal spasm leading to defecation difficulties, or due to redundancy of the colon.
The danger Because constipation is a more common symptoms, symptoms vary in severity, most people often do not go to special attention, that constipation is not a disease, do not need treatment, but in fact, constipation is very harmful.
1, constipation in some diseases such as colon cancer, hepatic encephalopathy, breast disease, the occurrence of premature dementia, there are many research reports.
2, constipation in acute myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident patients can lead to life accidents, there are many tragic cases to alert us.
3, some constipation and anorectal diseases, such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, etc. have a close relationship.
Therefore, early prevention and reasonable treatment of constipation will greatly reduce the serious consequences of constipation, improve the quality of life, and reduce the burden on society and families.
Misconceptions But due to the lack of awareness of constipation, most patients will use fruit-directed tablets, laxatives and other types of medication, although these drugs can promptly relieve the symptoms of constipation, but is not conducive to long-term use, easy to produce great harm to the body. For constipation, patients must be found in time to choose the regular professional hospital for treatment, avoid to some small clinics or small hospitals to avoid more harm.
Treatment Constipation patients need to be based on the severity, cause and type of constipation, using comprehensive treatment, including
1, to develop the habit of regular bowel movements, when there is an intention to defecate in a timely manner, to avoid inhibiting defecation.
2.Advocate a balanced diet, increase dietary fiber and drink more water.
3, moderate exercise to medical gymnastics, can be combined with walking, jogging and abdominal self-massage
4, need to use medication under the guidance of a doctor
5.Regulate the mood, eliminate tension, if necessary, give antidepressant, anti-anxiety treatment, and ask the psychologist to assist in the diagnosis and treatment.