Constipation is one the common disease we facing now a days. That impact alot in our lives. Constipation can often be treated by making lifestyle changes such as increasing fiber and fluid intake, regular exercise and using the bathroom when the need arises. Over-the-counter medications such as fiber supplements (e.g. metamucil), stool softeners (e.g. docusate), and laxatives (e.g. senna or bisacodyl) can also be used. If these measures do not improve symptoms, a healthcare provider may recommend additional treatments such as prescription medications or referral to a specialist. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate treatment plan for an individual’s specific case.
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Reason of Constipation
Constipation can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Diet: Consuming a low-fiber diet, not drinking enough fluids, or eating a lot of dairy products can contribute to constipation.
- Lack of physical activity: Inactivity can slow down the movement of food through the digestive tract, leading to constipation.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as antidepressants, opioids, and antacids containing calcium or aluminum can cause constipation.
- Hormonal changes: Constipation is more common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes that slow down the movement of food through the intestines.
- Medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, and certain neurological disorders, can cause constipation.
- Dehydration: Lack of fluids can make stools hard and difficult to pass.
- Colonic inertia: a condition where the colon muscles don’t contract and push the stool through the digestive tract.
It’s important to note that constipation can also be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition, so if you experience chronic constipation or other concerning symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.
Home Remedy For Constipation
There are several home remedies that may help relieve constipation:
- Increase your fiber intake: Eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes can help add bulk to your stools and make them easier to pass.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water and other fluids can help keep stools soft and prevent dehydration.
- Exercise regularly: Physical activity helps stimulate the muscles in the intestines, which can help move stools through the digestive tract more easily.
- Take a warm bath or use a heating pad on your abdomen: The heat can help relax the muscles in the intestines, making it easier to have a bowel movement.
- Try over-the-counter laxatives: There are many different types of laxatives available, including bulk-forming agents, stool softeners, lubricants, and stimulants.
- Use of probiotics: Some studies suggest that probiotics may help relieve constipation by promoting the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut.
It’s important to note that these remedies are not suitable for everyone and some may have side effects or interact with other medications. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment.
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Medicine For Constipation
There are several types of medications that can be used to treat constipation. These include:
- Fiber supplements: Such as Metamucil, Citrucel, and FiberCon, which add bulk to stools and make them easier to pass.
- Stool softeners: Such as Docusate sodium, Doxinate, and Colace, which help stools retain water and become softer.
- Lubricant laxatives: Such as mineral oil, which coat the stools and make them easier to pass.
- Osmotic laxatives: Such as lactulose, polyethylene glycol 3350 (Miralax), and magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia), which work by drawing water into the colon to soften the stools.
- Stimulant laxatives: such as bisacodyl (Dulcolax) and senna (Senokot) which work by stimulating the muscles in the intestines to contract and move stools through the colon.
- Prokinetics: Such as Prucalopride (Resolor) and Tegaserod (Zelnorm) that help to move the stool through the digestive tract.
It’s important to note that these medications may have side effects and some may not be suitable for certain individuals. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication, to determine the appropriate treatment plan for an individual’s specific case.
Constipation Medicine For Kids
There are several types of medicine that can be used to treat constipation in children. These include:
- Laxatives: These medications work by softening the stool and making it easier to pass. Some common laxatives used in children include polyethylene glycol 3350 (such as MiraLAX) and lactulose.
- Stool softeners: These medications work by adding moisture to the stool, making it softer and easier to pass. Docusate sodium (such as Colace) is a common stool softener used in children.
- Stimulant laxatives: These medications work by stimulating the muscles in the intestines, which helps to move the stool through the colon. Bisacodyl (such as Dulcolax) and senna (such as Senokot) are examples of stimulant laxatives used in children.
It’s important to note that some of these medicines may cause some side effects and it’s always recommended to consult with your pediatrician before giving any medications to your child.
Laxative For Constipation
Laxatives are medications or natural substances that are used to relieve constipation and promote bowel movements. They work by various mechanisms such as adding moisture to the stool, stimulating the muscles of the intestines, or lubricating the stool so that it can move more easily through the colon.
There are several different types of laxatives available, including:
- Bulk-forming laxatives: These medications work by absorbing water and swelling in the intestine, which helps to form a bulkier stool that is easier to pass. Examples include psyllium (Metamucil) and methylcellulose (Citrucel).
- Osmotic laxatives: These medications work by drawing water into the intestine, which helps to soften the stool and make it easier to pass. Examples include polyethylene glycol (Miralax) and lactulose.
- Stimulant laxatives: These medications work by stimulating the muscles of the intestines, which helps to move the stool through the colon. Examples include senna (Senokot) and bisacodyl (Dulcolax).
- Lubricant laxatives: These medications work by coating the stool with a lubricant, which makes it easier to pass. Examples include mineral oil.
It’s important to note that laxatives should be used only as a short-term solution for constipation and under medical supervision. Long-term use can lead to dependence and can cause electrolyte imbalances and other side effects.
Best Laxative
The best laxative for an individual depends on the underlying cause of their constipation, their overall health, and personal preferences. It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or pharmacist, to determine the most appropriate laxative for an individual’s specific needs.
That being said, generally, bulk-forming laxatives and osmotic laxatives are considered safe and effective options for treating constipation. They are often recommended as first-line treatment options.
Bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium (Metamucil) and methylcellulose (Citrucel), work by absorbing water and swelling in the intestine, which helps to form a bulkier stool that is easier to pass. These are also a good option for people who have difficulty swallowing pills.
Osmotic laxatives, such as polyethylene glycol (Miralax) and lactulose, work by drawing water into the intestine, which helps to soften the stool and make it easier to pass. These are often recommended for people who have chronic constipation or who have difficulty taking other types of laxatives.
It’s important to note that while laxatives can provide relief from constipation, they don’t address the underlying cause of the problem, and it’s important to address the root cause with the help of a healthcare professional.
Natural Stool Softeners
There are several natural options for stool softeners that can help to relieve constipation. Some of the most commonly used natural stool softeners include:
- Fiber: Eating a diet high in fiber can help to add bulk to the stool and make it easier to pass. Good sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
- Water: Drinking enough water can help to keep the stool hydrated and soft, making it easier to pass. It’s recommended to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.
- Probiotics: These are beneficial bacteria that can help to promote healthy digestion and regular bowel movements. They can be found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, and also in supplement form.
- Exercise: Regular exercise can help to stimulate the muscles in the intestines and promote regular bowel movements.
- Fruits: Fruits like prunes and figs are known to be natural stool softeners. They contain a type of sugar called sorbitol, which can help to add moisture to the stool and make it easier to pass.
- Castor oil: Castor oil has been traditionally used as a natural laxative, it’s a stimulant laxative that helps to increase the contractions of the muscles in the intestines.
Side Effects Of Constipation
Constipation is a condition in which a person has difficulty passing stools or has infrequent bowel movements. Side effects of constipation can include abdominal pain, bloating, and discomfort. In severe cases, constipation can lead to more serious complications such as fecal impaction (a blockage of the colon by hard, dry stools) and rectal bleeding. Long-term constipation can also lead to hemorrhoids and anal fissures. Drinking enough water and eating a diet high in fiber can help to prevent constipation.