Most people do not require numerous tests to evaluate constipation. Only a small number of patients with constipation have serious underlying medical conditions (such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, or colorectal cancer). If you have constipation that persists for more than two weeks, you should see a doctor to determine if you need further evaluation. For a patient with colorectal cancer, early diagnosis and treatment can be life-saving.
Eat a well-balanced diet high in fiber. Good sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole-grain breads, and cereals. Fiber and water help stool move through the colon. Most of the fiber in fruits is found in the skin, as in apples. Fruits with seeds, like strawberries, have the highest fiber content. Whole grain products are a great source of fiber: eat bran cereals or add bran to other foods like soups and yogurt.
What is Constipation?
Constipation can be an uncomfortable topic of discussion. Most people have experienced constipation at some point in their lives. While it is usually not serious, constipation can be painful and frustrating.
Constipation occurs when bowel movements become difficult or less frequent than normal. The frequency or time between bowel movements varies widely from person to person. Some people have bowel movements several times a day, while others only once or twice a week. A span of more than three days without a bowel movement is considered significant. After three days, stools become increasingly difficult to pass.
What Causes Constipation?
Constipation is most often caused by inadequate fiber intake in the diet or a disruption in regular dietary habits. Chronic constipation can result from poor diet, dehydration, certain medications (such as antidepressants and strong painkillers), stress, or the pressure of other activities that cause you to ignore the need to empty your bowels.
Various conditions may also cause or worsen constipation. Some common medical conditions that can lead to constipation include endocrine disorders, such as underactive thyroid or diabetes. Colorectal cancer is another medical condition that can cause constipation, but it usually accompanies other symptoms, such as blood in the stool and weight loss.
