Constipation is a condition that most adults will experience at some point. The main symptom is having trouble with your bowel movements; either from the movement being strenuous or you find yourself going to the toilet a lot less than usual.
An adult with constipation may have some or all of the following symptoms:
not being able to pass stool without pressing on your abdomen or using your finger to complete the movement
the sensation that you haven’t finished after going to the toilet
going to the toilet much less (as little as three times a week)
your stool being hard or lumpy
finding it hard to pass stools
Traits to pick up on if you start having difficulty going to the bathroom include:
pain, discomfort, or an uneasy feeling from the muscles used when going to the toilet
bowel movements feeling very slow
blockages in the rectum
Some existing illnesses and conditions can act as a cause or a contributing factor too. The most common would be anal fissures, bowel obstructions, rectocele (in females), and if someone has some form of cancer in the digestive system (colon, rectal, etc.).
With many different symptoms, constipation shouldn’t be seen as a very worrying condition to have. Pregnancy, diabetes, and an overactive thyroid are just some of the many different reasons a person could be constipated.
Some risk factors are easily identifiable, such as age, dehydration, lack of fibre in the diet, and certain medicines which have side-effects on the digestive system.
Constipation is usually a short-term condition, and someone would expect it to quell after a short period. Some problems can prolong constipation, like fissures, faecal impactions, and haemorrhoids.
With regards to haemorrhoids, because they cause swelling in veins around the anus, it’s a very common way for adults to feel constipated.
When someone thinks they are constipated, and it doesn’t seem to go away or improve after a few days, it is advisable to visit a GP. A doctor may carry out one or more tests, which could include:
a physical examination of the area
blood tests
an X-Ray
If a doctor thinks it warrants further investigation, a patient will be referred to a specialist, like those we have here at Welbeck.
It is common for a person to have to make some lifestyle changes to see if the condition settles down over time. This would involve eating more fibre-rich foods, drinking more water, getting more exercise, and giving yourself more time in the bathroom.
A patient may also be prescribed laxatives and stimulants to help encourage a bowel movement.
In some rare cases, a patient may find they need to have surgery if there is a blockage in their colon. However, non-invasive methods, particularly positive lifestyle changes, are usually enough to combat constipation.
If you, or someone you know, is significantly affected by constipation and would prefer to seek help and advice from a specialist, you can get in touch directly with the team at Welbeck by filling out our online form to make an appointment.
You can also get in touch by phone by calling us at 020 8015 2684.
If constipation is persistent or keeps returning, Welbeck’s gastroenterologists and colorectal specialists can investigate the underlying cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your symptoms.
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