A common cause of constipation is inadequate fibre in the diet.
Fibre is required to give bulk to the faeces. When we eat too little
fibre, the faeces are small and do not stimulate the muscles of the
colon to contract properly to propel them through the colon and
rectum. The delayed passage of faeces through the colon means
there is more time for water to be extracted from them, resulting in
small, hard and dry faeces which may be hard to pass. The same
thing can happen if we have too little fluid in our diet.
Another common cause of constipation is not heeding nature’s call
for us to empty our bowels. We should empty our bowels when we
feel the need to. Obviously it is not always convenient to do this and
no harm will occur if we occasionally do not answer nature’s call to
empty the bowel. However, if we keep on putting it off it can lead to
the loss of normal bowel reflexes. As a result the bowel becomes
sluggish and we lose the sensation of wanting to empty the bowel.
Painful conditions affecting the anus and rectum, such as piles and
fissures, can cause constipation by inhibiting defecation; constipation
makes these conditions worse.
Constipation can also arise from the other conditions which disrupt
the normal activity of the muscles in the colon and hence slow the
passage of faeces through the colon. Lack of exercise can do this
as can some medicines prescribed by your doctor or bought over
the counter. These include some painkillers, antidepressants, iron-containing tonics and some antacids used to treat indigestion and
heartburn.
Some medical problems such as diabetes, hypothyroidism,
irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, neuropathy, megacolon and depression can give rise to constipation. Constipation may also be
the first symptom of tumours within the bowel.
A full version of Dr Alan Riley's Guide to Incontinence is now available as a printer friendly 'PDF' document. If you click on the link above you can print a full copy of the guide NOW from your own computer or if you would prefer you can call us and we will send you a copy FREE of charge.
|
