Constipation

What is constipation?

Constipation is defined as fewer than three bowel movements per week. It’s often associated with abdominal pain and other symptoms and can lead to dangerous complications when left untreated. 

If your stools are dry, hard, or painful, and it’s challenging to poop regularly, see Dr. Lau for an evaluation and treatment recommendations. 

Which symptoms can constipation cause?

Symptoms of constipation include:

• Dry, lumpy, and hard stools
• Having fewer than three bowel movements weekly
• Painful bowel movements
• Difficult-to-pass stools
• Feeling like you can’t empty your bowels completely
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Bloating
• Nausea

When not treated, constipation can cause hemorrhoids, anal fissures, infections, fecal impaction, damage to pelvic floor muscles because of straining, and stress urinary incontinence. 

What are the risk factors for constipation?

Constipation risk factors include:

• Some medications
• Certain medical conditions
• Low-fiber diet
• Dehydration
• Stress
• Lack of exercise
• Changes in your routine
• Resisting the urge to have bowel movements
• Diet high in cheese or milk
• Aging
• Hormone changes
• Slowed metabolism 
• Pregnancy

Constipation occurs when the large intestine absorbs too much water from your stool due to slow food transit time, drying it out and making the stool hard and difficult to pass. 

Medical conditions that increase the risk of constipation include diabetes, hypothyroidism, colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). 

Other potential risk factors are neurological disorders affecting the spinal cord and brain, intestinal obstruction, and lazy bowel syndrome.

How is constipation diagnosed?

Dr. Lau completes a medical evaluation to determine if you have constipation and its potential causes. 

She reviews your symptoms, bowel habits, other lifestyle habits, and medical history. She also checks your vital signs, completes a physical exam, may complete a rectal exam, and orders diagnostic testing.

For example, you might complete blood or urine tests, CT scanning, an MRI, or other imaging procedures. JKAN Gastroenterology PLLC also offers colonoscopies, sigmoidoscopies, colorectal transit studies, and other bowel-function tests.

How can I relieve constipation?

Your individualized constipation treatment plan may consist of:

• Higher-fiber diet
• Reducing highly processed foods
• Dietary supplements
• Medications
• Drinking more water
• Increasing physical activity
• Not resisting urges for bowel movements
• Medical procedures

If a structural problem in your colon causes constipation or you have cancer in your anus, rectum, or colon, Dr. Lau offers surgical procedures. 

She follows up throughout your treatment to ensure lasting outcomes, no pain, a low risk of complications, and an exceptional quality of life.

Schedule a constipation evaluation at JKAN Gastroenterology PLLC by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.