Constipation Constipation refers to having fewer than three bowel movements per week, with dry and hard stool, and difficulty in passing stool. Occasional constipation is a common occurrence, and when it persists for more than 12 weeks, it is considered chronic constipation. The treatment of constipation should primarily focus on lifestyle changes, and medications such as laxatives can also be used to relieve symptoms.

Constipation refers to having fewer than 3 bowel movements per week, with dry and hard stools, and difficulty passing stools. Occasional constipation is a common occurrence, but when it persists for more than 12 weeks, it is termed chronic constipation. The treatment of constipation should primarily involve lifestyle changes, and medications such as laxatives can also be used to alleviate symptoms.

Organic Constipation

Refers to constipation caused by organic lesions in the organs and the use of related medications.

Colorectal and Anorectal Diseases

Congenital diseases such as Hirschsprung's disease;

Intestinal narrowing caused by inflammatory bowel disease, trauma, or tumors;

Outlet obstruction caused by rectal intussusception;

Anorectal diseases such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and other diseases in the anal canal and perianal area.

Extraintestinal Diseases

Mental and neurological diseases such as cerebral infarction, paralysis, depression, anorexia, etc.;

Endocrine system diseases such as thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, etc.;

Pelvic diseases such as endometriosis, prostate cancer, etc.;

Muscle diseases such as dermatomyositis, scleroderma, etc.

Medications That Can Cause Constipation

Such as morphine, anticholinergic drugs, antidepressants, etc.

Functional Constipation

The cause is currently not clear and may be related to the following factors:

Poor bowel habits: such as suppressing the urge to defecate, spending too much time on the toilet, lack of focus during defecation, etc.

Poor dietary habits: such as insufficient dietary fiber content in food.

Poor exercise habits: such as prolonged sitting or bed rest.

Personal Factors

High work or life stress, inadequate water intake, especially in older women and pregnant women, increase the risk of developing the condition.

Environmental Factors

Changes in daily routines may increase the risk of developing the condition, such as:

Traveling, hospitalization, etc.;

Transition from formula to solid foods in infants;

Children starting school life, etc.

Reduced frequency of bowel movements, less than 3 times per week.

Dry or lumpy stools, resembling sheep feces.

Difficulty passing stools, such as prolonged defecation, a feeling of obstruction during defecation, feeling of incomplete emptying after defecation, and the need to manually press the abdomen to aid defecation.

In children with constipation, in addition to the above symptoms, there may also be changes in behavior, such as gripping their buttocks to inhibit defecation due to fear of defecation pain, or diarrhea-like stools may occur.

Traditional Chinese medicine treatment includes both medication and non-medication treatments.

Medication treatment is based on the syndrome differentiation of traditional Chinese medicine practitioners;

Non-medication treatment includes acupuncture and abdominal massage, with the treatment area being 10cm around the navel, in a clockwise direction, with gentle and slow pressure, once in the morning and once in the evening.

Dietary Management

Consumption of foods containing probiotics, such as cheese, can also aid digestion;

Increase the dietary fiber content in food, with adults requiring a daily intake of 25-35g, and it is not advisable to suddenly consume a large amount, as it may lead to bloating and flatulence.

High-fiber fruits

Such as raspberries, pears, apples with skin, bananas, oranges, strawberries, etc.

High-fiber vegetables

Such as peas, broccoli, radishes, potatoes, sweet corn, etc.

High-fiber coarse grains

Such as bran, quinoa, oats, brown rice, whole wheat bread, etc.

Exercise More

Can help increase the activity of the intestinal muscles, with greater benefits for elderly patients who are bedridden or have low physical activity.

Bowel Habits

Do not suppress the urge to defecate, do not rush when using the toilet, but avoid spending too much time, avoid lack of concentration, and reduce external distractions. It is advisable to consciously train regular bowel movements, such as 20-30 minutes after meals.

Drink More Water

Choose warm water whenever possible. If one does not drink much water on a regular basis, it is advisable to consult a doctor on what fluids can be used to replenish body fluids.

Relieve Stress

Use deep breathing, mental imagery, or medication to help relieve stress and alleviate constipation symptoms.

Pregnant women have a higher incidence of constipation due to their special physiological structure.

Straining during pregnancy may lead to serious consequences such as miscarriage or premature birth; constipation after childbirth is not conducive to wound recovery.

Elderly people with concomitant cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases may die from excessive straining during defecation.

Long-term and frequent use of laxatives, especially stimulant laxatives, should be avoided to prevent dependency.

Ensure an adequate intake of high-fiber foods in daily diet, including vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

Reduce the consumption of low-fiber foods, such as processed foods, dairy products (e.g., cheese), and meats.

Regularly consume an adequate amount of water.

Try to maintain physical activity and establish a regular exercise routine.

Manage personal emotions and reduce life stress.

Do not ignore the urge to defecate, and try to use the toilet whenever there is an urge.

Try to establish a regular bowel movement habit, especially after meals.

Concentrate during defecation, do not use phones, read books, etc.

Actively treat underlying diseases that may cause constipation and avoid using medications that may cause constipation.

Ensure that children receive an adequate intake of fiber when transitioning from formula to solid foods.