Common Causes of Constipation

Patient/caregiver was educated on common causes of constipation are listed below-

  1. Low amount of fiber in the diet: Lack of fiber in the diet slows down the movement of waste material or feces in the large intestine. Consequently, more water is absorbed from the feces and the stool becomes hard.
  2. Low intake of water: Low intake of fluid also slows down the movement of waste material or feces in the large intestine. Consequently, absorption of water from the feces also continues for longer time and the stool becomes hard and difficult to pass.
  3. Irritable bowel syndrome: Individuals with weaker contractions of the intestines can feel it difficult to move the food in stomach and small intestine. Also, the movement of feces in the large intestines can be very slow. Consequently, more water is absorbed from the feces in the large intestine and the stool becomes hard.
  4. Ignoring the urge: Ignoring the urge to use the toilet can result in too much water being absorbed in the large intestine, leading to hardening of stool, thus making it difficult to move.
  5. Lack of physical activity: Lack of physical activity slows down the bowels. Consequently, more water is absorbed from the feces in the large intestine and the stool becomes hard. Having a regular exercise schedule helps move the bowel easily and thereby, offer relief to constipation.
  6. Pain killers: Use of pain killers, such as, Norco can result in extremely slow bowel movements and constipation, as a side effect of the pain killer. Constipation is a frequent occurrence in patients with chronic use of pain killers.
  7. Increased soluble fiber in the diet: Increased amounts of soluble fiber in the diet can absorb water from the feces and make it hard and difficult to pass.
  8. Abuse of laxatives: Abuse of laxatives overtime can result in dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and chronic constipation.
  9. Neurological disorders: Neurological disorders, such as, multiple sclerosis, can result in poor nervous control on bowel movement and result in constipation.

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