When bowel movement is fewer than three times a week, it is called constipation.
According to Consultant General & Laparoscopic Surgeon Dr. Rabindra Tamang, it may be associated with painful defecation, hard stools, and the sensation of incomplete voiding of stool.
Causes Of Constipation:
– Drinking less water
– Eating less fiber diet like vegetables, fruits
– Sedentary lifestyles,
– Pregnancy
– Some diseases like, Hypothyroidism, Diabetes, Colorectal cancer, Parkinson’s disease, Multiple sclerosis, Spinal cord injury, Stroke also cause constipation.
– Medications like Codeine, NSAIDs like naproxen, ibuprofen, Antidepressants, Anticonvulsants like phenytoin, Calcium channel blockers like verapamil, diltiazem, Antacids containing calcium and aluminum also causes constipation.
Treatment and prevention:
1. Treatment of underlying causes.
2. Include plenty of fluids and a high-fiber diet.
3. Get regular exercise.
4. Eat fewer foods with low fiber like processed foods, dairy, and meat products.
5. Don’t ignore the urge to defecate
6. Create a regular schedule for bowel movements.
