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Our weekly news column bringing the most current, non-biased health
information to the consumer. |
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May 5, 2009 |
A Publication of QVHD |
I Have an Uncomfortable Feeling
By: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH,
Deputy Director QVHD
Something we don't talk
about much, but many certainly feel (judging from advertisements) is
constipation. For many people, occasional constipation can cause mild
discomfort and just be a “bother.” But for those with chronic or
frequent constipation, it can interfere with activities of daily living
and be very painful.
There are several causes of constipation. For example, changes in your
normal routine (like when traveling or during holidays or special
celebrations) can affect bowel function. Stress; low-fiber diets;
ignoring the urge to move your bowels; or not drinking enough fluids can
also make an impact. Certain medications can affect bowel habits,
including pain medicines with codeine, certain diuretics, or calcium or
iron supplements. Constipation can also be caused by medical conditions
like post-surgery, post-childbirth, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes,
hyperglycemia, hypothyroidism and certain neurological or systemic
disorders.
If constipation becomes a chronic (and painful) condition for you, your
doctor may recommend medical tests to help evaluate the cause and
subsequent treatment. While constipation is often a result of lifestyle,
there are more serious medical problems that could be at the root of the
problem. Tests used to evaluate situations where a serious problem may
be the cause include: sigmoidoscopy; colonoscopy; colorectal transit
study; anorectal function test; or a defecography test.
There are several options for the management of constipation. The
preferred method is through dietary management, with the focus being on
increasing fiber as fiber helps to form soft, bulky stools that are more
easily eliminated. A second dietary intervention is to increase your
intake of fluids, especially water. While liquids have little effect on
stool formation, they help to prevent dehydration, which can be a cause
of constipation. Another lifestyle intervention is to increase your
exercise, although some research indicates this does not have a big
impact on regularity. Allowing adequate time for moving your bowels and
not ignoring sensations indicating the need to move your bowels may also
help.
Mild constipation is generally corrected with lifestyle interventions.
Therefore, most people do not need laxatives to manage mild
constipation. However, if lifestyle changes fail to correct the problem,
laxatives may be recommended for a short period of time. These often can
help to “retrain” the bowels, especially in children. Over the counter
(OTC) laxatives can come in powder, liquid, tablet, gum or granule form.
OTC laxatives also differ in how they work in the body. You are probably
familiar with laxatives that are bulk formers, such as Citrucel,
Metamucil and Fiberal. Stimulant laxatives include castor oil,
Correctol, Dulcolax and Senokot. Osmotics, which alter the way fluids
flow through the colon include products like Miralax (commonly used with
children) and Sorbitol. Other kinds of OTC laxatives are stool
softeners, lubricants and saline laxatives. If you feel you need an OTC
laxative, you should discuss with your health care provider the type
most suited for your problem. In some situations, a health care provider
may recommend a prescription laxative, but this is most often used as a
last resort.
You may have seen the recent commercials for the yogurts that have added
bacteria (or fiber) to help “naturally regulate digestive health.”
Little research has been done, however, it may be worth a try, as you
are not likely to harm yourself eating yogurt!
Most people try to correct constipation without seeing a health care
provider. If you are successful and use OTC laxatives only upon
occasion, good for you! However, there are times when you should
definitely consult a doctor about constipation or other bowel problems.
If your constipation doesn't go away despite your lifestyle changing
efforts, if your bowel habits change, if you see blood in your stool, or
if you lose weight without intending to, it is time to seek professional
evaluation.
For “more information than you'll ever need to know” about constipation
and high fiber foods, district residents can call QVHD, 248-4528 or
request on line, www.qvhd.org.
| An Ounce of Prevention is a
publication of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, located at
1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven, CT 06473. Telephone:
248-4528. An Ounce of Prevention is
written by V. Deborah Culligan. The articles are published in the following local newspapers, The Advisor &
Beth-Wood News.
The content is provided as health education and
information to help you make health decisions. It is not intended to
be legal or medical advice, or substitute for recommendations made
by your health care provider. Address all comments to the district
office. |
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