Introduction
Constipation is a common digestive problem that is characterized by infrequent bowel movements or difficult passage of stools. Chronic constipation occurs when the condition persists for several weeks or longer.
Though occasional constipation is normal and rarely a cause of concern, some people suffer from chronic constipation. People suffering from chronic constipation may experience some of the below symptoms:
· Having less than three stools per week
· Stools that are dry, lumpy or hard
· Constraint in bowel movements
· Feeling as if your rectum is blocked and preventing bowel movements
· Inability to completely empty your rectum.
· Needing assistance to empty your rectum, such as pressing on your abdomen with your hands and removing stool with your finger
Constipation can strike people of all ages. Certain factors are more likely to lead to becoming chronically constipated (chronic constipation), including a lack of fibre in the diet, insufficient water intake, a sedentary lifestyle, medications or certain health and nutrition problems. However, if you are constantly constipated, this could be a sign of underlying serious diseases.
This blog will go over eight of these conditions that can cause chronic constipation.
Conditions that may cause chronic constipation
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
It is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder affecting the large intestine. Its main symptoms include abdominal pain and discomfort, bloating, straining, gas or bloating, infrequent bowel movements, diarrhoea, and constipation. IBS can cause chronic constipation in some people. Although the exact cause of IBS is unknown, researchers believe it to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.
Hypothyroidism
It is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces insufficient thyroid hormone in the body, which can cause the body’s processes to slow down. This hormone is in charge of regulating metabolism. When the thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormone, it can slow down the digestive process, leading to constipation.
Constipation leads to Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disease that impairs the body’s ability to process glucose. Persistently high blood sugar levels from type 1 and type 2 diabetes can damage the nerves that control the digestive tract, resulting in diabetic neuropathy. Constipation can be caused by diabetic neuropathy, which slows the movement of food through the digestive system.
Parkinson’s disease
A neurological disorder that causes problems in movement is Parkinson’s disease. It is caused by the degeneration of brain nerve cells that produce dopamine, dopamine (a neurotransmitter) in the brain that aids in the regulation of movement. Parkinson’s disease can also cause digestive problems, due to the improper functioning of the autonomic nervous system, responsible for regulating smooth muscle activity of the gut.
Diverticulitis
It is a condition that causes tiny pouches or pockets to form in the lining of the colon. Infected or inflamed pockets can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, and constipation. Several factors may contribute to the condition.
Colon cancer
Colon cancer is the cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum. As the tumor grows, it can cause bad bowel movement, narrow pencil-thin stools, rectal bleeding, and abdominal pain.
Multiple sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder affecting the central nervous system. It can result in a variety of symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, and poor stomach. MS can affect the nerves that control intestinal motility (movement), leading to constipation.
IBD
IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) is a group of disorders that cause long-term inflammation of tissues in the digestive tract. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the two most common types of IBD. Symptoms of these conditions include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and constipation.
Final Thoughts
Constipation can affect anyone, but it can also be a sign of something imminently more serious. Lifestyle factors like dehydration and physical inactivity can also be a cause. Irrespective of whether you are older or younger, consult a healthcare professional if you have persistent constipation or if it impairs your ability to perform daily tasks. They can assist in the diagnosis of any underlying conditions using a battery of tests to identify problems and in recommending appropriate treatment options. To prevent constipation, it is also necessary to make a few dietary and lifestyle adjustments like maintaining a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water, and engaging in regular physical activity.
