Constipation: Symptoms, Treatments & Is It Serious?

The constipation symptoms you feel will depend on how severe the constipation is, what caused it, whether other conditions are at play and other factors such as age and gender. This article aims to inform you about constipation causes and treatments while also helping you understand what it means when constipation becomes chronic and when you should consult with a gastro doctor about constipation issues.

What Causes Constipation?

Constipation can be caused by an acute or chronic condition, including medications like opioid painkillers, childbirth, pregnancy, menopause, and weight-loss surgery. In some cases, constipation might be a sign that your body needs more fiber to get through the day, or it could result from dehydration from not drinking enough water.

On the one hand, constipation can be caused by certain medications and other conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C), celiac disease, pelvic floor dysfunction, anemia, hypothyroidism, and diabetes. 

Additional causes could be large food intake, lack of exercise, and overuse of enemas. Constipating foods include collard greens, blackberries, peaches, and cheese.

What Are The Symptoms Of Constipation?

The symptoms of constipation include infrequent bowel movements, painful bowel movements, and feeling bloated all the time. When you feel constipated all the time, you might feel the need to go to the bathroom more often and feel like your bowels are not emptying. Furthermore, constipation symptoms such as diarrhea, cramping, and bloating could indicate other conditions.

How Can You Treat Constipation?

Treatment for constipation symptoms depends on what caused constipation in the first place and whether there is an acute or chronic condition that needs treating. If constipation symptoms occur because of a blocked intestine or drug interactions, depending on blockage, surgery might be necessary. In other cases, constipation treatments such as increasing fiber intake and drinking more fluids might do the trick. When constipation becomes chronic, constipation treatments will likely be different than acute constipation symptoms.

When Does Constipation Become Chronic?

Constipation that lasts longer than several months is referred to as chronic constipation. Chronic constipation can also cause extended periods of stools or diarrhea where you never feel like your bowel is fully emptied even after going to the bathroom. If constipation symptoms start occurring for no apparent reason, it could signify something serious like colon cancer or Crohn’s disease. It is essential to see your doctor about constipation symptoms if they persist for three weeks or more.

Is Constipation A Sign of Something Worse?

If constipation symptoms persist for several months, this could indicate something more severe like colon cancer. Consulting with a gastro doctor about constipation issues will help you know whether chronic constipation requires surgery or can be treated by increasing fiber intake and drinking more fluids.

Gastro Florida Can Help You Manage Your Constipation Concerns

Do you need more information and care to help with your constipation symptoms? Gastro Florida’s team of professionals is here to help. Set up an appointment with us today, servicing several areas throughout Florida.