What is Constipation

When bowel movements are difficult or happen less often than normal, constipation has developed. Everyone will experience it at some point in life and it is usually harmless.

The normal length of time between bowel movements varies widely from person to person, ranging from bowel movements three times a day to once or twice a week.

However, having no bowel movement for three or more days will usually result in stool becoming hard and difficult to pass.


Symptoms

• Fewer bowel movements than usual
• Straining to evacuate stool
• Hard and/or small stools
• Experiencing Tenesmus - a sensation of incomplete evacuation
• Abdominal swelling and tenderness
• Vomiting with reduced appetite

Causes

• Medications containing calcium or aluminum
• Dietary changes
• Colon cancer
• Excessive consumption of dairy products
• Eating disorders
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis
• Physical inactivity
• Dehydration
• Laxative abuse
• Pregnancy
• Haemorrhoids
• Narcotics, anti-depressants, and iron supplements
• Stress
• Hypothyroidism

Diagnosis

Doctors can order certain investigations to find the cause for constipation. For example:

• Blood tests to check hormone levels 
• Imaging studies like Barium studies to look for any blockages in your colon
• Colonoscopy 

What Should I Do If I Am Constipated?

• Unless instructed otherwise, drink two to four extra glasses of water a day 
• Warm fluids in the morning
• Increase fruits and vegetable intake
• Prunes, bran and cereal can help

When Should I Call My Doctor?

Call your doctor if:

• Constipation is a new problem for you
• Bloody stools develop
• Unexplained loss of weight associated with constipation
• Painful bowel movement
• Constipation beyond 2 weeks
• Pencil thin stools

Can I Prevent Constipation?

• Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fiber. 
• Drink lots of water
• Avoid caffeine
• Avoid milk if it causes constipation in you
• Exercise regularly.
• Be prompt to evacuate. Go to the bathroom when you feel the urge.

About The Author

Dr Lau Tzun Hon is a resident housecall doctor at CMY Medical. He received his MBBS (Hons) from Sydney University in 2001 and has served in the both private and government restructured hospitals prior to commencing his practice in Home Care.

While in the Government Restructured Hospitals, Dr Lau served primarily in the Department of Accident & Emergency Medicine and Anaesthesia. Upon entering the Private sector, Dr Lau worked in both public and private A&E departments before venturing into Home Care.

Over the years, he has developed a strong passion to maintain and  enhance the quality of life for patients under his care.  A strong believer that healthcare does not need to be financially straining, Dr Lau often delivers more value beyond expectations.