13 Causes of Constipation

Constipation is a common health issue that affects people of all ages. For many, constipation represents a short-term reversible condition, while for others it is a chronic condition which causes pain and discomfort that significantly affects the quality of life. If you do not pass stool on a regular basis, or you are not emptying your bowels completely, then you might have constipation. This disorder may cause your stool to become hard and lumpy, and it can also significantly reduce or increase it in size. Constipation, if left untreated might lead to complications including the development of hemorrhoids, fecal impaction (stool getting stuck in the rectum) or bowel incontinence leading to an involuntary leakage of liquid stool. Here are some of the main causes of constipation that might affect stool frequency and consistency. 1. Insufficient Liquid Intake. One of the most common reasons behind the constipation is due to inadequate intake of liquids during the day. If you do not drink enough water, you will directly influence the consistency of your stool. Less water means hardened stool that will require more intensified bowel movements to enable free passage and bowel emptying. Taking less water can lead to a prolonged passage of the stool, and lesser frequency of the bowel emptying. If you want to keep your bowel habits balanced and regular, make sure you drink sufficient amounts of water each day. 2. Poor Diet. Poor dietary habits are also among the most common causes of constipation in each age group. Nutrition based foods that lack fibers has shown an increasing trend in the western diet. This is one of the reasons why there is an increase in the incidence of constipation and abnormal movements of the bowel in western countries. Foods that are enriched with fibers, such as vegetables, have proven to act as natural stool softeners and stimulants of bowel movements. Therefore, one should ensure to have at least one meal during the day which will contain vegetables, beans, artichokes or lentils. More causes on next page... 3. Hypothyroidism. The decrease function of a thyroid gland directly reduces metabolism and slows down the bowels. These are the two mechanisms that are responsible for the development of constipation in people suffering from a reduced amount of thyroid hormones in the circulation. Chronic constipation, lasting for more than a month which does not respond to conventional management, should be investigated by a healthcare professional to check for decrease in thyroid function. 4. Pain Meds. People that are on pain medications, especially narcotics are at an increased risk of developing constipation. Morphine and other narcotic painkillers were proven to reduce bowel movements. Those that experience severe pain, such as cancer patients usually take morphine based analgesics. To prevent constipation, taking a laxative concomitantly with narcotics will prevent infrequent bowel movements. Also, there is evidence that some drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen also may cause constipation if taken over a long period. 5. Chocolate. There are so many articles on the internet that describe the beneficial effects of this famous delicacy. However, there are also some effects of chocolate that are not so beneficial, and which might produce discomfort. One of the adverse effects that one might experience when consuming chocolate is constipation. Many people with irritable bowel syndrome are more prone to develop constipation, as described in the recent study. If you feel eating chocolate prevents you from having regular bowel movements, the solution is simple - you should reduce, or eliminate this delicacy from your daily dietary habits. 6. Dietary Supplements. There is evidence that taking certain supplements might provoke constipation. If you take calcium and iron supplements on a regular basis, you might experience irregular bowel movements. Taking these supplements without a recommendation from a healthcare professional may cause more trouble than benefit. If you do not need calcium and iron supplementation, i.e., if you take enough calcium and iron through your regular diet, then you should eliminate these supplements. If your physician is concerned that you need extra calcium and iron, concomitant use of laxatives may prevent the development of constipation. 7. Laxative Misuse. One of the recognized common risks related to laxatives is their overuse. People that overuse laxatives are likely to experience constipation, following abrupt discontinuation of laxative intake. Each laxative should have explicit instructions regarding the duration of its use. Use beyond the recommended timeline represents a risk for the development of constipation after stopping. Make sure to take the medication exactly as described on the label. 8. Over-Intake of Dairy Products. Diet enriched with dairy products and eggs, but low in fibers might also provoke constipation. If you like eating plenty of red meat and eggs, make sure to you mix them with some high-fiber foods described above. 9. Depression. Just like hypothyroidism, depression may also slow down the metabolic processes with subsequent reduction in bowel movements. People suffering from depression are at a higher risk of developing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) which is directly linked to a higher incidence of constipation. Taking laxatives during the episodes of constipation may significantly improve bowel movements. 10. Antidepressants. Ironically, drugs that treat depression are also linked to constipation, just as the illness itself. It has been found that drugs such as serotonin re-uptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants may lead to constipation. The underlying mechanism of the development of irregular bowel movements is unknown for these drugs. If you are taking antidepressants and you experience an episode of constipation, you should include a laxative as a concomitant treatment. 11. Antacids. Heartburn is one of the most common complaints in healthcare. Heartburn is treated using antacids, which represent a very diverse drug class. Some antacids contain calcium and aluminum, which are also responsible for the development of constipation. If you experience an irregular movement of the bowel while taking one of these antacids, you might consider changing the type of antacid you ingest. Also, practicing proper dietary habits which includes eating smaller meals with less fat and plenty of fibers may bring relief. 12. Antihistaminic, Diuretics, Calcium Channel Blockers. There are more drugs which can cause constipation as a side effect. If you suffer from an allergy, you are probably taking antihistaminic treatment during the exacerbation of allergies. Irregular bowel movements are the expected side effects of this treatment. Additionally, patients taking antihypertensive treatment that includes the administration of calcium channel blockers or diuretics are prone to develop constipation. Think of the drugs you are taking whenever you begin to experience constipation. As you can see from this article, constipation is an anticipated side effect of many medications. 13. Diabetes and Nerve Damage. Diabetes may cause the progressive damage to nerves which is responsible for regular stool passage. That is why some patients that have diabetes may experience constipation. Other conditions that cause progressive nerve damage such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis may cause constipation. Treatment in these cases is complex and a specialized healthcare professional is needed to assess, evaluate and treat the neurologic damage.

13. Diabetes and Nerve Damage

Disclaimer