Basic information for Chronic Constipation - Articles - Health Corner

Constipation is a very common symptom of the digestive tract, which usually refers to persistent difficulty in passing stools (defecation). Stools are either hard, too small, too dry happening infrequently in a week or hard to get out or has incomplete sense of evacuation.

There are many causes of constipation. New onset constipation may be caused by obstruction of tumor or ischemia, Drug side effects such as anti-anxiety drugs. Systemic diseases such as Parkinson's disease and systemicsclerosis. It may also be caused by intestinal motility disorders, which require careful analysis and examination by doctors to make a clear diagnosis.

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Management of chronic constipation

The treatment of chronic constipation starts from changing lifestyle, adjusting diet, increasing fecal excretion speed and promoting evacuation. If it doesn't work, medication under the guidance of a doctor or even surgery is needed.

Diet and lifestyle adjustment
Increase dietary fiber intake, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, eat more whole grains, or fiber supplements. Honey or dried prunes can also help defecate.

Exercise every week and increase physical activity
Increased physical activity can stimulate intestinal peristalsis and help defecation.

Don't hold it or ignore it when it comes
Give yourself enough time to defecate, and don't read books or play your phone when you go to the bathroom, so as not to be distracted.

Commonly used laxative drugs

Fiber supplements

The content of fiber in most people's food is insufficient. Wheat fiber is a pure natural fiber preparation extracted from wheat bran. More than 90% of it is insoluble fiber and does not contain sugar. It can be added to food and beverages to soften stools, increase fecal volume, and promote defecation. It can be taken by both pregnant women and the elderly.

A few people may have abdominal bloating and flatulence after taking wheat fiber but it can disappear after 1-2 weeks.

Permeable laxatives

Such as lactulose, polyethylene glycol (Forlax), etc., promote intestinal movement and defecation by increasing intestinal secretions. Lactulose may have abdominal distension discomfort in the beginning but can disappear as you continue to take it. Lactulose can be used for pregnant women. Polyethylene glycol powder can cause diarrhea, which can be alleviated by adjusting the dose.

Irritant laxative

Bisacodyl can cause vagus nerve reflex by stimulating the terminal intestinal sensory, and then lead to intestinal peristalsis and defecation. Bisacodyl is intended for short term use and using long term can lead to drug dependence (partial or total loss of normal bowel functions).

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