|
|
|
ConstipationConstipation refers to a decrease in the frequency of bowel movements. For some people, it may mean difficulty in passing stools. A constipated stool is hard because it contains less water than normal. Constipation is a symptom, not a disease. Generally, constipation is difficult to define clearly because as a symptom it varies from person to person. The frequency of bowel movements also varies greatly, ranging from 3 movements per day to 3 per week. Generally, if your bowel has not opened for 3 successive days, the intestinal contents harden, and you may have difficulty or even pain during defecation. A common misconception about constipation is that wastes stored in your body are absorbed, are dangerous to your health, and may shorten your lifespan. Some people have an underlying fear that they will be "poisoned" by their own intestinal wastes (faeces) if they retain the waste in their bodies for more than a certain length of time. None of this is true. Older people are 5 times more likely than younger people to develop constipation. But experts believe that older people become too concerned with having a daily bowel movement and that constipation in this age group is overestimated. Causes of constipation: Constipation may result from a poor diet, poor bowel habits, or problems in elimination of stool, whether physical, functional, or voluntary. These are the most common causes of constipation: Poor diet: Eating foods rich in animal fats (dairy products, meats, and eggs) or refined sugar but low in fibre (whole grains, fruits, and vegetables) may cause constipation. Poor bowel habits: Ignoring the desire to have bowel movements may initiate a cycle of constipation. After a period of time, you may stop feeling the desire for opening your bowel . This leads to progressive constipation. For example, some people may avoid using public toilets or ignore going to the toilet because they are busy. Medications: Many medications can cause constipation. Antacids - Those containing aluminium hydroxide and calcium carbonate Antispasmodic drugs Antidepressants Iron tablets Anticonvulsant drugs Painkillers: Narcotic-containing drugs, for instance, may interfere with bowel functions. Travel: Changes in lifestyle, low fluid intake, and eating fast food may cause constipation. Irritable bowel syndrome (spastic colon): This is one of the most common causes of constipation. Because of changes in bowel function, if you have this disorder, you may have crampy abdominal pain, excessive gas, bloating, and constipation. Laxative abuse: Habitually using laxatives gradually will produce dependency on them. You may eventually require increasing amounts of laxatives to move your bowels. In some instances, the bowel will become insensitive to laxatives and fail to open. Pregnancy: Constipation during pregnancy may be due to several factors. Each of the following conditions produces severe pain on defecation, which may trigger a reflex spasm of the anal sphincter muscle. The spasm may delay bowel movement and decrease the desire for bowel opening as a means to avoid the anal pain. Mechanical pressure on your bowel by the heavy womb Hormonal changes during pregnancy Changes in food and fluid intake Anal fissure (cracks in the anus) Haemorrhoids (piles) Anal stenosis (narrow anus) Intestinal obstruction: Mechanical compression and interference with the normal functions of the bowel may occur in the following ways: Inflammatory adhesions and joining of tissues Intestinal tumors or foreign bodies Gallstones that have become immovably wedged in the intestine Twisting of the intestine upon itself (volvulus) Intussusceptions – "Telescoping of the intestine" in which one part of your intestine slips or is drawn onto another part just below it (This occurs mainly in children.) Abdominal hernia - Loops of the intestine become obstructed Damage to nerves within your intestine - (Spinal cord tumors, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injuries may produce constipation by interfering with the function of the nerves supplying the intestine.) Connective tissue diseases – Conditions such as scleroderma and lupus Poor-functioning thyroid gland - A low production of thyroxin, a hormone produced by the thyroid gland, hypothyroidism, causing constipation Lead poisoning and other metabolic disorders Age: Older adults are more likely to have constipation for these reasons: Poor diet and insufficient intake of fluids Lack of exercise Side effects of prescription drugs used to treat other conditions Poor bowel habits Prolonged bed rest, for example after an accident or during an illness Habitual use of enemas and laxatives Symptoms of constipation: You may exhibit a broad range of symptoms of constipation depending on your normal bowel habits, diet, and age. These are common problems you may have if you are constipated: Difficulty in starting or completing a bowel movement Infrequent and difficult passage of stool Passing hard stool after prolonged straining in the toilet If you have irritable bowel syndrome, crampy abdominal pain, excessive gas, a sense of bloating, and a change in bowel habits If you have intestinal obstruction, nausea, vomiting, no defecation, and inability to pass gas Distended abdomen, headaches, and loss of appetite Coated (furred) tongue, offensive breath, and bad taste in your mouth When to seek medical attention: Call your health care provider if you have these concerns: Symptoms are severe and last longer than 3 weeks Recent and significant change in bowel habits, for instance, constipation alternates with diarrhea Severe pain in the anus during a bowel movement Symptoms of other diseases in addition to constipation (For example, tiredness, fatigue, poor tolerance to cold weather may suggest the need to assess your thyroid function for hypothyroidism, an underactive gland.) Constipation for 2 weeks or longer with returning abdominal pain, which might be a sign of lead poisoning Seek emergency medical care: Although constipation may be extremely uncomfortable, it is usually not serious. It may signal a serious underlying disorder, however, such as cancer of the bowel. Because constipation may lead to complications, go to a hospital's emergency department for any of the following reasons: Rectal bleeding Anal pain and hemorrhoids Anal fissures or cracks in the mucous lining (severe pain during defecation in the anal area) Fecal impaction (immovable intestinal contents) in very young children and in older adults Rectal prolapse or sagging (Occasionally, straining causes a small amount of the intestinal lining to push out from the rectal opening. This may lead to secretion of mucus that may stain underpants.) Recurrent vomiting with constipation and abdominal pain (This may suggest intestinal obstruction and needs urgent hospital treatment.) Self Care at Home: Get more fibre or bulk in your diet. Regular physical activity is an important component in bowel health. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water and fruit juices. Drink 6-8 glasses of water daily in addition to your beverages with meals. Go to the toilet at the same time every day—preferably after meals—and take enough time. Use non-digestible sugar (lactulose) or specially formulated solutions. Avoid using over-the-counter laxatives. Try to avoid laxatives containing senna (Senokot) or buckthorn (Rhamnus purshiana) because long-term intake may damage the lining of your bowel and injure nerve endings to the colon. Try a daily exercise such as the knee-to-chest position. Such positions may activate bowel movements. Spend about 10-15 minutes in this position. Breathe in and out deeply. Constipation can sometimes be as a result of stress, anxiety, shock or emotional problems so relaxing treatments using aromatherapy essential oils can be beneficial. Massage the abdomen in a clockwise direction using essential oils. Some of the best essential oils are Black Pepper, Fennel, Juniper, Marjoram, Patchouli and Rosemary. Here are a few recipes to try: Recipe 1: 1 drop Fennel essential oil 1 drop Marjoram essential oil 1 drop Rosemary essential oil 10ml Carrier Oil Recipe 2: 1 drop Black Pepper essential oil 1 drop Marjoram essential oil 1 drop Patchouli essential oil 10ml Carrier Oil Recipe 3: 1 drop Fennel essential oil 1 drop Juniper essential oil 1 drop Rosemary essential oil 10ml Carrier Oil |
|
| Copyright © Think Aromatherapy 2008 | Web design by 7Soft.co.uk |
