Constipation Treatment

Many people have experienced constipation at some point in their life. Slow, strained passage of stool is often painful, and in serious cases can lead to significant health consequences. At Bergen Medical Associates in northern New Jersey, patients can receive constipation treatment from a board-certified gastroenterologist. Learn more about this condition, its causes, and how it can be treated.

What Is Constipation?

Constipation is a condition in which stool moves too slowly. When a person eats food, it enters their gastrointestinal system. It first passes through the stomach, where it is broken down into a liquid or paste. The broken-down food then passes into the small intestine for nutrient absorption, and finally into the large intestine. Here, the body absorbs water from the digested food. This last step transforms digestive matter into a waste product, called stool.

Normally, stool moves through the large intestine at a consistent rate before leaving the body through the anus. Constipation occurs when the stool moves too slowly. This causes the large intestine to absorb too much water, leaving the stool dry, hard, and lumpy. The hardened stool becomes difficult to pass without straining, and in severe cases may get stuck within the colon or anus.

What Are the Symptoms of Constipation?

Constipation may affect individuals differently depending on its cause, severity, and co-occurring conditions. Common symptoms, however, include:

• Difficult or painful bowel movements
• Fewer than three bowel movements in a week
• Feeling stuffed or bloated
• Abdominal pain
• Sluggishness

Severe constipation may cause additional symptoms. These are potential indicators of a serious health complication and should not be ignored. Patients should speak with a doctor if they experience:

• Blood in stool
• Nausea or vomiting
• Inability to pass gas
• No bowel movements in over a week

Many of these symptoms are caused by conditions other than constipation. If a patient is experiencing major digestive troubles, they should consult a gastroenterologist for a correct diagnosis.

What Causes Constipation?

Constipation is one of the most common gastroenterology complaints, causing 2.5 million doctor visits annually. Almost everybody experiences it at least once in their lives. It has a wide variety of causes, ranging from diet insufficiencies to neurological diseases. Some causes of constipation include:

• Not drinking enough liquids
• Not eating enough fiber
• Sitting for long periods
• Not exercising enough
• Ignoring the urge to use the bathroom
• Travel or major routine changes
• Stress or anxiety
• Taking certain medications
• Pregnancy
• Colon cancer
• Rectal cancer
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Neurological disease

Some of these causes can be addressed with diet or lifestyle changes. Others require medical intervention before the patient can find relief for constipation.

How Is Constipation Diagnosed?

The process to diagnose constipation depends on the condition’s duration and severity. The patient’s age and other symptoms are also considered. First, the Bergen Medical Associates physician will review the patient’s medical history to learn more about their condition. They will then perform a physical examination.

If the constipation is severe or if an underlying cause is suspected, the physician may request additional testing. These can include:

• Abdominal X-ray: An X-ray reveals blockages, narrowed areas, and other problems. A barium enema may be administered first. This coats internal structures with a material that shows up well on X-rays, allowing for clearer images.
• Colonoscopy: This procedure involves inserting a long, flexible tube, called a colonoscope, through the rectum and into the large intestine. This allows doctors to see the lining of the colon and sometimes remove tissue samples for testing.
• Colorectal transit study: During this test, the patient swallows capsules that contain small markers. The movement of the markers is monitored with X-rays several times a day, allowing doctors to observe and measure colon activity.

What Are Constipation Treatments?

As with diagnosis, treatment of constipation depends on the patient’s condition and overall health. The goal of treatment is to address the underlying cause of constipation, providing relief and preventing future recurrences. Common approaches include:

• Dietary changes: Doctors recommend adding high-fiber foods, such as beans, whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables, while avoiding ice cream, cheeses, meats, and processed foods. They may also suggest a higher fluid intake.
• Lifestyle changes: Increased exercise and less time spent sitting down will help with smoother, more regular bowel movements. Relaxation techniques may also help combat stress and anxiety that contribute to constipation.
• Medication: If dietary and lifestyle adjustments are not effective in relieving constipation, doctors may prescribe laxatives. They may also change or eliminate current medications that are causing bowel problems.
• Other treatments: If constipation is caused by an underlying condition, such as cancer or bowel disease, the cause must be treated to provide relief. The doctor will discuss possible treatment plans with the patient.

Choose Bergen Medical Associates for Constipation Treatment in New Jersey

Though constipation may be common, patients do not have to put up with uncomfortable symptoms. Bergen Medical Associates has been a leader in gastroenterological care for over 25 years. With convenient locations across northern New Jersey, patients can find expert care for constipation. To speak with a physician about constipation treatment, request an appointment today.