What is constipation?

Constipation is a common term but few people understand why it happens.  Constipation is described as being a condition where the bowel emptying occurs infrequently or when the stools passed are hard and small, and cause pain and discomfort.  Provided the bowels move regularly and without discomfort, it doesn't matter if your natural bowel frequency is once every two or three days, and contrary to common belief, you are not necessarily constipated if you fail to have a daily bowel movement.

How common constipation?

Constipation affects a quarter of the population at one time or another.  Constipation is more common in the elderly because the bowel muscles diminish with age, and older people tend to take more medicines which have constipating side effects.
What are the symptoms of constipation?

Symptoms of diarrhoea include stomach pain, a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bowel and stomach bloating.

What causes constipation?

Causes of constipation include poor general health, immobility or inactiveness, insufficient fluid intake, a diet low in fibre, as fibre retains fluid for healthy stools. Irritable bowel syndrome, an underactive thyroid gland, spinal injury, multiple sclerosis, colon or rectal cancer, kidney failure, an abundance of calcium in the blood and tumours or lesions in the bowel can also cause constipation, along with certain medicines and anti-depressants.  Constipation should not be ignored and if you are suffering persistent or recurring constipation you should consult your GP. 

How can I help to prevent constipation?

You can help prevent constipation by:

•         Maintaining a well-balanced diet high in fibre, and eat plenty of bran, fruit and vegetables.
•         Cutting down on white bread, cakes and sugar.
•         Drinking at least two litres of water a day. Hot drinks, such as coffee, tea or hot water may stimulate bowel movements.
•         Eating prunes and plum juice can also help.
•         Regularly exercising to improve digestion and reduce stress.
What are the complications of constipation?

Complications of constipation can include haemorrhoids, dependency on laxatives, a hernia or a prolapsed of the womb or rectum.  These symptoms can occur after excess straining while trying to pass a stool.

What medicines are used to treat constipation?

Bulking agents such as bran work gently as laxatives and should be taken with plenty of fluids. Stimulant laxatives which cause bowel muscles to contract include senna and bisacodyl. Osmotic laxatives increase the amount of water in the stools.

Which constipation treatment is best?

Large amounts of laxatives are bought over the counter, but over-use of laxatives can be dangerous. Some medicines prescribed for a separate condition can have constipating side effects and a change of medicine can be enough to stop constipation. Your GP should be able to advise you about this.

If you have suffered any holiday illness or accident that was probably someone else´s fault, Farnworth Rose Personal Injury Solicitors can help you today.  We specialise in compensation claims for holiday illness and accident and we will get you the payout you deserve with as little fuss as possible.  We work on a no win no fee basis which means no expense to you.  Contact us free today on 080001 54321 or fill in the online claim form.

Home >> holiday illness and accident compensation claims in europe

• Accidents At Work
• Holidays
• Road Accidents
• Personal Injuries
• Compensation Claims

Article Categories