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Kansas City's Premiere Digestive Health Specialists
Request An Appointment
816-836-2200
Kansas City's Premiere Digestive Health Specialists
Constipation occurs when you “can’t go” to the restroom. Not having a bowel movement for an extended period of time or having difficulty passing a stool are the most common symptoms of constipation. Other symptoms may involve having a very hard stool, feeling like the bowel isn’t completely empty after a stool and pain in lower abdomen or rectum after not having a bowel movement for a couple of days.
Some may experience constipation on occasion while others frequently struggle and take laxatives and other supplements to stimulate bowel movements. Discomfort from constipation is normal, and often involves mild to severe stomach pains. Pushing and straining is normally associated with constipation. Because the likelihood of developing hemorrhoids increases with constipation, it is best to avoid the temptation to push, strain or linger on the toilet if constipation is present.
There’s not a “magic number” when it comes to the frequency of bowel movements each person must have; it varies from person to person. Some people have two to three stools a day while others have one every two or three days. Constipation is normal to experience occasionally. It occurs when food moves through the digestive track at a slower-than-normal pace.
Although constipation is a common problem, it should usually last a short time. It can often be treated with simple lifestyle changes. Constipation is often caused by:
Some simple steps may be taken to try and stimulate bowel movements. For those who experience frequent constipation, contact one of our doctors, as it may be a symptom of a more serious disease such as colon or rectal cancer.
Drinking plenty of water is the number one way to avoid constipation. Other dietary changes such as eating high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables and beans can decrease constipation.
Exercise can also reduce constipation. By getting your body moving, you engage all muscles, including those in the GI track. As food is digesting, muscles in the lower GI work to push the food through the body. Exercise helps promote healthy muscle contractions that aid in bowel movements.
Most often, constipation is caused by a lack of fiber or liquids in a diet and only lasts a short period of time. Occasionally, other symptoms may begin to appear along with constipation like:
Constipation can happen to anyone at anytime. A shift in eating and drinking patterns, traveling or a difference in routine can trigger constipation. Stress or unexpected life change can also increase the risk of experiencing constipation.
If you know you will be traveling, be sure to drink plenty of extra fluids and do not delay restroom breaks. Knowing in advance what may trigger constipation can aid in taking preventative steps.
