Why You Shouldn't Ignore Constipation
Constipation can make you feel bloated, heavy in the gut, and uncomfortable in even your favorite clothes. An occasional backup is normal. Other times, it’s a sign of a more complex issue that requires professional attention.
At Eisenman & Eisenman, Advanced Gastroenterology Consultants in Lake Worth, Florida, our medical team identifies the root cause of your constipation to provide lasting relief.
Here’s what our experts want you to know about constipation and why you should never ignore it.
What triggers constipation?
Understanding why your digestion has slowed down is the first step. Often, the cause is simple lifestyle factors, such as low fiber intake or dehydration. However, persistent symptoms may indicate more serious health concerns.
Potentially serious conditions include:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): This chronic condition can cause alternating bouts of constipation and abdominal pain.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): While typically associated with diarrhea, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can cause inflammation that narrows the bowel, leading to a stricture that can make it difficult for stool to pass.
- Pelvic floor dysfunction: If the muscles used for bowel movements don't relax and contract correctly, passing stool becomes difficult.
- Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland slows down many bodily processes, including digestion.
- Neurological disorders: Conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis can interfere with the nerve signals to your colon.
- Colorectal cancer: In some cases, a tumor can create a physical blockage in the intestine, making it hard to go.
- Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can lead to nerve damage that affects the digestive tract.
Only an evaluation from a medical provider can confirm your diagnosis.
Who is at risk for chronic constipation?
Anyone can experience a backup. About 16% of all adults and 33% of adults over age 60 live with constipation. However, certain factors increase your risk. These include:
- Being female: Hormonal shifts during pregnancy or after childbirth often impact gut motility.
- Age: Older adults are more likely to have slower digestive tracts or take medications that cause constipation.
- Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of regular physical activity can prevent the natural muscle contractions in your intestines.
Seek medical advice if you have fewer than three bowel movements a week or if you are straining constantly. Also, if you notice blood in your stool, lose weight without trying, or feel intense abdominal pain, call us immediately.
How we diagnose and treat your discomfort
We use a variety of diagnostic tools to determine what is going on. These might include:
Labs, Diagnostic Imaging, and Colonoscopy.
Don’t ignore chronic constipation. Get relief from the experts at Eisenman & Eisenman in Lake Worth, Florida. Call our office at 561-753-7487, or request an appointment online.