A - Z Encyclopedia
Understanding Constipation
the Basics | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention
Treatment
How Do I Know If I Have It?
Occasional constipation does not justify visiting a doctor, but you should seek professional advice for a persistent problem. The doctor will first examine your abdomen for any sign of a hardened mass and may conduct a rectal exam. To check for problems affecting the body, your doctor may take blood samples. The doctor may examine your colon with a sigmoidoscope or a colonoscope, a flexible tube with a magnifying viewer, which is inserted into the rectum. You might also need a barium enema, which coats the intestinal lining so it can be seen on an X-ray.
What Are the Treatments?
Most cases of constipation respond to conservative treatment, such as dietary and exercise changes or mild laxatives. Severe or chronic cases will prompt your doctor to test for other diseases.
Your doctor will probably start treatment by recommending more fiber or bulk in your diet. Except for fiber or bulking agents, over-the-counter laxatives should be avoided. Your doctor will also encourage you to take adequate time for moving your bowels and not to suppress the urge to have a bowel movement. Increasing your exercise is also important if you lead a sedentary lifestyle. For stubborn constipation in older children or adults, the doctor may recommend a nondigestible sugar called lactulose or specially formulated electrolyte solutions. Polyethylene glycol (Miralax) is available over the counter for short-term use in constipation in children and adults. Amitiza is a prescription drug for long-term use in chronic constipation in adults and the elderly.
Fecal impaction is a more serious form of constipation that sometimes affects the elderly and disabled. To release hardened material in the rectum, a doctor inserts a gloved finger and manually breaks up the solidified stool. A gentle enema using warm water or mineral oil may also be helpful.
the Basics | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention
