Constipation Specialist

What is constipation?

Constipation is a condition that develops when your bowel movements occur less frequently or with difficulty. 

When you’re not moving your bowels regularly, the stool becomes hard and more difficult to eliminate from your body. 

Constipation can at times result in other health issues, such as hemorrhoids and anal tears.

What causes constipation?

Constipation is a common condition that usually results from a poor diet or dehydration. If you’re not getting enough fiber in your daily diet, it may be more difficult to pass stool. 

You may also become constipated when you make changes to your diet or if there’s a change in your usual routine, such as when you travel.

You can also develop chronic constipation from underlying medical issues, like colorectal cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, or neurological disorders.

How is constipation diagnosed?

During an evaluation, your Eisenman & Eisenman, M.D., Advanced Gastro Consultants provider reviews your overall health and discusses recent changes to your diet or eating habits.

If you have chronic constipation, your doctor may recommend diagnostic testing to rule out serious health issues, like colorectal cancer. These tests may include a colonoscopy to identify abnormalities or blockages in your lower gastrointestinal tract.

How is constipation treated?

For mild constipation, your Eisenman & Eisenman, M.D., Advanced Gastro Consultants provider may recommend over-the-counter medications to soften your stool and make it easier to pass. You may also need to change your diet, adding more fiber and water, and engage in daily exercise to support the muscles in your intestines.

If you suffer from recurrent or chronic constipation, your Eisenman & Eisenman, M.D., Advanced Gastro Consultants doctor may recommend prescription medications to bring more water into your intestines or help stool move more efficiently through your colon.

When constipation occurs due to a blockage in your colon, you may be a candidate for surgery. Your provider can discuss your options for surgery to repair your colon and prevent recurrent constipation.

Straining during bowel movements due to constipation can lead to hemorrhoids, which the Eisenman & Eisenman, M.D., Advanced Gastro Consultants team can treat in minutes using nonsurgical technology called CRH O’Regan Hemorrhoid Banding.

If you frequently find it difficult to pass stool or experience pain during bowel movements, schedule a consultation at Eisenman & Eisenman, M.D., Advanced Gastro Consultants today by calling the office or by requesting an appointment online now.