Diarrhea and Constipation

Diarrhea and constipation may seem to be to opposite conditions, but in fact the cause of both conditions are very much the same.

How Diarrhea And Constipation Are Related.

Diarrhea is the passage of watery and loose stools more than 3 times per week. Constipation is the passage of hard and dry stools often less than 3 times per week. To understand diarrhea and constipation, it is important to understand how the intestines work. When we eat, the food travels through the colon where water is absorbed. In this process stool is formed. If too much water is absorbed or the food moves too slowly, it may lead to constipation. If not enough water is absorbed or the food moves too quick where the muscle contractions of the colon are too active, diarrhea may be the result. The common cause here is related to food. With diarrhea there may too much intake of fluids and an incorrect diet with constipation there may be a lack of fluid intake and also an incorrect diet. Exercise also plays an important role.

Diarrhea and Constipation

For successful treatment of both diarrhea and constipation, the first focus should be on the food. Dietary fiber plays an important role here. It has the ability to hold water all the way through the colon. If there is either too much or too less, it can be a cause for diarrhea and constipation. Control your fiber intake. High fiber foods are most vegetables and fruit, while example of low fiber goods are cheese and eggs. Also review how much fluids you drink. Water, fruit and vegetable juices are the most important fluids, so use them in the right proportions.

If you are eating all the right foods, have enough exercise and the symptoms of diarrhea or constipation do not go away, or if you are a chronic sufferer, you need to talk to a doctor. Do not wait too long with that, because If either condition goes on too long, it may cause all kinds of other medical conditions. In the case of diarrhea you may be slowly de-hydrating, while in the case of constipation, you may start to develop problems in the abdomen. There are many medications available for both diarrhea and constipation as a pill, fluid or even chewing gum. Your doctor will be able to help you out.

In the end you are the best judge of your own body. By following the positive lifestyle changing steps in regards to food and exercise, diarrhea and constipation will be a thing of the past.

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What are the Key Constipation Symptoms to Look out For?

Worried you're suffering from constipation? Having issues with your stools? If your answer to both of these questions is a ‘yes', then you're most definitely going to want to check out what the potential constipation symptoms are.The reason why constipation symptoms will matter to you, is due to the fact that they can be clear indicators of constipation issues with your body.

Constipation is a very common ailment, however, the consequences of long-term constipation can be rather severe (anal fissures, rectal bleeding and hemorrhoids). Therefore, it's definitely a good idea to see if the symptoms of constipation, mentioned below, match those that you're experiencing!

If you do find that the symptoms listed below are typical of your current health, then it's certainly a good idea to investigate consultation remedies, in order to cure your constipation problem.

There are many symptoms that can indicate constipation, however, some of the most notable of symptoms include:
- Difficulty in performing bowel movement
- Long periods of time between bowel movements
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal swelling
- Sickness
- Nausea
- Vomiting

Such symptoms, as the ones mentioned above, can be indicative of other health conditions, and it's for that reason that you should always consult your Medical Practitioner if in need of medical assistance. However, it's clear to remember that if you're suffering from a few of the symptoms mentioned above, then it's likely that you're suffering from constipation.

It can be extremely frustrating to have to wait for huge lengths of time whilst in the bathroom, waiting to pass a stool. Not only can you feel personal frustration from such a condition, but also, social embarrassment plays a big part of using the bathroom when you suffer from constipation.

For example: have you ever needed the loo when your friends have been round but have simply been too afraid of the consequences of your constipation problem? You wouldn't want to be away from the dinner table for more than 10 minutes, so as not to embarrass yourself. However, with constipation, it's almost impossible not to be gone for huge amounts of time when you need to go to the bathroom; one of the many constipation symptoms.

Not only is waiting time on the loo a big issue of having constipation, but another one of many of the constipation symptoms, is loss of appetite as a result of the nausea felt from harbouring stools inside your body!

I used to have sever constipation, and I felt the full effect of constipation symptoms as a result. One of the most embarrassing constipation symptoms I suffered from was loss of appetite. Not only did it make it socially awkward with friends at dinner parties, with me constantly having to make up excuses for feeling so ill, but it also meant I didn't get to enjoy my food!

Another embarrassing constipation symptom is the swelling of your tummy-area. If you're suffering from constipation right now, have you noticed that your stomach area is a little larger than what it normally is? This isn't because you've put on weight, per se, but actually due to the fact that your body is storing lots of digested waste!

If you're unable to produce stools, then very common constipation symptoms include the swelling of the abdomen, which can be embarrassing and personally deflating. I never thought I'd end up saying “constipation meant I couldn't fit into my tighter clothes anymore”, but the fact of the matter was that I simply wasn't able to fit into my normal clothing. Such a constipation symptom is one that many people often forget about, but for the likes of me and you, it's one that's very personally important.

I never wanted my constipation issue to get in the way of my lifestyle, as it did. But unfortunately, the constipation symptoms are so negatively impacting on the body that they have pretty gruelling effects. Constipation symptoms, by nature, aren't mild, and you're in for a pretty gloomy ride if you're stuck with constipation and constipation symptoms.

Thankfully, when I found the perfect constipation remedy for me, the burden of the constipation symptoms that I had been suffering from went away… And took my constipation problem with them!

What Can Constipation Cause?

Suffers of constipation, especially chronic constipation, often ask the question ‘what can constipation cause?’ Most cases of constipation are harmless and are easily treated. If it becomes chronic however, medical attention may be required to prevent other conditions to develop.

What Can Constipation Cause

Most common condition that can be caused by constipation is abdominal pain. This pain can be felt in the whole area from below the ribs all the way down to the pelvis. The abdomen area contains many
organs such as stomach, pancreas, liver, bowels and reproductive organs. Since there are so many possible causes of abdomen pain, it is sometimes difficult to link back to constipation. If the cause of abdomen pain is not diagnosed in time, constipation can then also be the cause of abdominal mass. This is a condition of swelling in the abdomen.

Further what can constipation cause is a condition called megacolon. Megacolon is a dilatation of the colon, which basically means an abnormal enlargement of the colon. If untreated, a megacolon can develop into a toxic megacolon which is considered a complication that can lead to death.

Back pain is also a possible direct result of constipation. If the stool becomes hard and dry, the lower intestine and surrounded areas will be under a lot of pressure. As long as the waste material is not excreted from the body, the pressure will continue to increase. This pressure then will have an effect on the nerves and muscles in the area and as a result cause the back pain. So, when asked what can constipation cause, include back pain as well.

In some cases the pain can even travel further than the back and can cause tingling or numbness in the legs. This is a result of pressure on the sciatic nerve. Constipation will definitely intensify the pain experienced.

No More ‘What Can Constipation Cause’ Questions.

To prevent going through a check list of what can constipation cause, it is better to avoid constipation altogether. On other pages on this web site that is explained in detail, but the bottom line is, eat well with a diet high in fiber, live a healthy life style including exercise and drink a lot of water or fruit juice. Remember that most cases of constipation are only mild and temporary. They can easily be treated at home. However, once you develop any of the symptoms mentioned, you should link the dots together. On the question ‘what can constipation cause’, you should be able to say, ‘nothing for me, since I know how to avoid it’.

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What Causes Constipation?

Nearly every person in the world has experienced constipation at one point or another, so understanding what causes constipation will help you learn ways you can avoid it. Quite a few factors exist that can lead to constipation. Some of them are discussed in this article.

Water

One of the major contributors to constipation is not drinking enough water. When not enough water is in the body, the stools harden and become difficult to pass. Not enough fiber is another factor that is similar to not enough water. However, in the case of not enough fiber, the body is unable to pass the stools, so they become even harder. They can then retract into the large intestine and result in an obstruction.

Medication

Certain medications like pain relievers and cough syrups can lead to constipation. A person who is constipated might be tempted to take a laxative, which will temporarily alleviate the symptoms. However, the body can develop resistance to them after they have been used for any length of time, and might make the condition worse in the long run.

Other Causes

Some other reasons behind constipation are: inactivity, an excess of calcium, or an excess of iron in the foods you eat.

If you consume too much coffee or tea, you can actually dehydrate yourself, because these diuretics will make you have to visit the bathroom more often.

Another cause is weak muscles of the bowel. This condition is most prevalent in the older population because their muscles tend to weaken over time.

If you have undergone a surgical procedure to the abdominal region in the not-too-distant past, you might experience some bowel muscle weakness.

Two other conditions that can lead to constipation are Irritable Bowel Syndrome and anxiety.

If you understand what causes constipation, you will then be better able to remedy your condition. But, even so, you would be best served to consult your physician to make sure you are not facing another, more severe situation.

Constipation Signs and Symptoms

What Is Constipation?

Although constipation means different things to different people, the symptoms of constipation are best described as a perception of abnormal defecation that may include decreased frequency of bowel movements, straining and/or painful defecation, or passage of hard stools.  Doctors often consider decreased frequency to be the most important of the symptoms of constipation, with constipation defined as existing when someone has less than three bowel movements per week.

Constipation is more common in women than men, and may affect up to 20% of the population.  Additionally, occurrence of constipation increases with increasing age.

Treatment of Constipation

If constipation is long-standing, is not worsening over time, and lacks associated “red flag” symptoms of blood in the stools, abdominal pain, or weight loss, then at-home treatment without formal medical evaluation may be appropriate.  First, an increase in dietary fiber to between 20 and 30 grams/day is the mainstay of successful treatment for most patients with constipation.  Fluid intake should be at least 1500 ml/day, and regular moderate exercise should be performed.  “Training your bowels” is frequently beneficial, and a gentle attempt at defecation 30 minutes following breakfast each day may be helpful.

Bran powder – Between one and two tablespoons of bran powder twice daily mixed with fluids or sprinkled over foods is a simple way of providing 10-20 grams per day of fiber

Fiber supplements – A variety of fiber supplements are available.  All usually work well, though some brands are more “soluble” (e.g. Citrucel, Benefiber), and are usually better tolerated, resulting in less bloating and gas.  The amount of fiber supplement needed is variable, ranging from 1-2 teaspoons/day to 1-2 tablespoons/day in most cases.  It is always best to start with a lower dose and increase slowly over time.

Oxmotic laxatives – These laxatives, e.g. Miralax (17 grams/8 oz water), Lactulose (15-30 ml/day), Sorbitol (15-30ml/day), Milk of Magnesia (15-30 ml/day) are effective in treating constipation, and may be used safely independently, or in combination with fiber supplementation.  It is important to consume adequate amounts of adequate liquids (at least 1500 cc/day) to avoid dehydration when using osmotic laxatives.

Emollient laxatives – Docusate sodium (50-200 mg/day) or mineral oil (1-2 tablespoons/day) may be given to promote stool softening, to be used periodically as needed.

How The Colon Works

The primary function of the colon is the storage and transport of waste.  This waste (the end product of food after nutrients have been removed by the small intestine) is in a primarily liquid form when it arrives in the colon, which then transforms it into solid waste by an active process of resorption of fluid and electrolytes.  The transport of this waste passes through specific segments of the colon by rhythmic contractions called peristalsis.  The very end of the colon, the rectum, acts as a final storage area until defecation occurs.  This entire process is complicated, involving both voluntary and involuntary (automatic) mechanisms.  Any step of the process of defecation, if abnormal, can result in constipation.

Causes Of Constipation

There are multiple steps involved in normal defecation, and therefore are many potential causes of constipation.  The vast majority of people with symptoms of constipation have relatively mild  symptoms which cannot be attributed to any specific structural abnormality, abnormal motility, underlying disease, or extrinsic inhibitory influences such as the use of certain medications.  Many people with mild constipation simply do not consume adequate dietary fiber and/or liquids.  Additionally, many people ignore nature’s “call to stool” which may result in a more difficult to pass stool later on.

Lifestyle – low fiber

inadequate fluids

ignoring impulse to defecate

lack of exercise

Structural  – Anorectal disease (fissure, thrombosed hemorrhoid, retocele, rectal prolapse)

Outlet obstruction (pelvic floor dysfunction)

Colon cancer

Colonic stricture (diverticular disease, post-radiation, poor blood flow)

Dysmotility – Colonic inertia (poor colonic contractions)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Underlying disease – Hypothyroidism (low thyroid function)

Hypercalcemia (high calcium)

Chronic renal (kidney) failure

Diabetes

Spinal cord lesions

Multiple Sclerosis

Parkinson’s disease

Hirschsprung’s disease

Autonomic neuropathy (poor nerve conduction)

Amyloidosis

Dermatomyositis

Progressive systemic sclerosis

Dementia

Medications – (Anticholinergics) -Antidepressants

Antihistamines

Antiparkinsonian drugs

Neuroleptics

(Antihypertensives) – Calcium channel blockers

Clonidine

(Cation-containing agents) – Iron supplements

Calcium supplements

Aluminum-containing antacids

Sucralfate

(Opiates) – Morphine

Codeine

Diphenoxylate

When To See A Doctor

Constipation is extremely common, and not everyone, especially those with mild chronic symptoms of constipation, needs to see a doctor.  However, if constipation occurs abruptly or progesses over a few weeks or months, then medical evaluation is important.  Additionally, if symptoms of blood in the stool, abdominal pain,or weight loss occur, or if there is a family history of colon cancer, then examination by a licensed physician is mandatory.

Tests to Identify Causes of Constipation

Because there are many potential causes for constipation, there exist a variety of available diagnostic tests.  Blood tests are needed to diagnose diabetes, hypothyroidism, or electrolyte imbalances.  A colonoscopy can definitively rule out colon cancer and colonic strictures.  A motility study, the Sitzmark study, can diagnose colonic inertia (poorly contracting colon).  Anorectal mannometry (a test of anorectal pressures) and defecography (functional imaging of rectum) may identify outlet obstruction,  (pelvic floor dysfunction)

Summary

Constipation is a common symptom affecting up to 20% of the general population.  If symptoms of constipation are mild and unchanging over a long period, then it is reasonable in most otherwise healthy individuals to treat constipation at home with dietary and behavioral modification, use of fiber supplementation, and other laxatives periodically as needed.  If the symptoms of constipation are poorly responsive to treatment, worsens over time, or is associated with pain, weight loss, or blood in the stools, then evaluation and treatment by a licensed doctor is essential.

Symptoms Of Constipation

There are many symptoms of constipation. Here is a list to help you just in case you are not sure if you have constipation or not. This list is not inclusive, which means there are more, however you may only have some and not others, these are the most common though. When you recognize the symptoms of constipation, you can find a natural constipation remedy.

• Difficult bowel movement


• Painful bowel movement


• Hard stool


• Dry stool


• Straining to move your bowels


• Nausea


• Diarrhea - caused by blockage only allowing fluids to pass


• Lethargy


• Irritability


• Lack of energy


• Abdominal bloating or distention


• Painful abdominal cramps


• Infrequent bowel movement


• Putrid or excessive flatulence


• Loss of appetite


• Vomiting


• Weight loss


• Water retention


• Hemorrhoids


• Bloody feces


• Extreme urge to defecate with no results

Most of these symptoms of constipation are self evident, however if you suffer from any of the more serious symptoms such as blood in stool, severe cramps, severe bloating, not having a bowel movement in a week, these are severe and require immediate care from a physician.

You will likely be given a strong laxative to solve the immediate threat. But beware; prolonged laxative use can cause your colon to shut down and no longer work. If possible a natural constipation remedy is much better in the long run than a quick cure for constipation.

Most people will suffer from minor constipation at one time in their life. Millions of Americans suffer daily from chronic constipation. Knowing the symptoms and causes of constipation is the first step to relieving them. Many of the symptoms of constipation are similar to many common ailments.

It has been said that all illness begins in the colon. Don’t ignore these symptoms. Finding a natural constipation remedy will not only remove these symptoms, but many of the common ailments we quietly suffer from. What’s good for your digestion is good for your entire body.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Constipation

When you suffer from pains or symptoms of certain disease you can’t identify, usually you will see your doctor or physician to get a diagnosis of your conditions. If you have some problem with your digestive system and it becomes harder for you to expel your feces, then you should visit your doctor to check your current conditions. If there is nothing serious, your doctor may say that you are experiencing constipation. Diagnosis and symptoms of constipation are important for you to know from your doctor to ensure that there is nothing more serious than constipation happens to you. Constipation occurs when bowel movements are very firm, difficult to pass, and produce small pellets. It is possible to occur every day.

symptoms of constipationOther diagnosis and symptoms of constipation you should know include distension, sense of incomplete emptying, bloating, and abdominal pain. If you experience those symptoms, you should be aware of your conditions. Deal with your problems sooner will be better before they turn into something more serious. Severe constipation can lead you to take surgical procedures to solve the problems of your digestive system. Inadequate intake of fiber and fluids can be the triggers of constipation. Dietary habits are often lead someone to experience what so called constipation.

Every of you should be aware of the diagnosis and symptoms of constipation, so you can treat your conditions properly. Everyone can easily experience constipation. There is no age limit of someone to experience constipation. From infant to elderly can experience constipation. Maybe only the level and the causes of constipation give the difference between those people. If you experience constipation too often for more than 3 months, you should ask your doctor to perform general check up to see what’s wrong with your stomach. Moderate constipation can develop to severe constipation where x-rays of your abdomen is needed to find the main cause of abdominal discomfort you experience.