Constipation is a disorder characterized by slowing the transit of stool in the intestines resulting in accumulation of feces. The increased residence time of feces in the intestine leads the latter to absorb the water present in the stool: the fecal mass, private water, becomes more and more hard and difficult to evacuate.
The main cause of constipation is the reduced intestinal motility that can depend on several reasons: poor eating habits (consumption of few fibers and water, for example), sedentary lifestyle too (the physical movement promotes intestinal peristalsis), pathologies in the intestine and colon (diverticulitis, colorectal cancer, anal cancer).
The most characteristic symptom of constipation is the difficulty in the evacuation that may be more or less pronounced depending on the case and the parties. But there are other medical conditions that often accompany the constipation: anal burning, anal pain, anal itching, presence of anal fissures, hard stools or ribbon, rectal prolapse and rectal tenesmus.
What kind of diseases can be associated with constipation?
The following diseases may be associated with constipation:
- Anal burning
- Colon cancer
- Diverticulitis
- Anal pain
- Fecal impaction
- Hard stools
- Ribbon-like stools
- Swelling in the anal
- Fecal incontinence
- Stomach ache
- Rectal prolapse
- Anal itching
- Anal fissures
- Rectal tenesmus
- Colorectal cancer
- Bowel cancer
- Anal cancer
Remember that this is not an exhaustive list and it is highly recommended to consult your doctor, in case of symptom’s persistence.
What is the therapy for constipation?
Different diseases can be associated with the presence of constipation, to develop a targeted treatment is essential to understand what the root cause of constipation is and act on this. Generally some modifications of the diet may be helpful in preventing constipation like: a diet rich in fruit, vegetables and water can indeed promote intestinal motility, preventing the development of this condition. Drinking water is important especially in the warmer months, when plenty of fluids are lost through sweat. Also conducting regular physical movement, even light, will stimulate the activity of the intestine.
When is most likely to contact your doctor in case of constipation?
If the noise does not seem to regress in a few days or in case of already diagnosed illnesses (see list of associated diseases).
