Chronic Constipation: Facts vs. Myths
Learn how to relieve chronic constipation.
When you meet with your doctor, have a list of questions ready to ask him or her, and be assertive when describing the signs and symptoms of chronic constipation. According to Rao, there's a major problem in how doctors today perceive constipation.
"Physicians are too dismissive of symptoms when patients tell of having chronic constipation," says Rao, "and patients must be more forceful in describing their problem with constipation. Physicians must ask more questions to find out what's really going on."
To gain an understanding of the mechanism that's causing chronic constipation, Rao uses specific tests, including a colonic transit study, a balloon expulsion, and anal rectometry
After testing, Rao says that an estimated one-third of those individuals with chronic constipation might have normal results. The colon and rectum are normal, but there's still hypersensitivity, pain, and discomfort when having a bowel movement.
"But nearly one-third of those with chronic constipation have dyssynergic defecation," Rao says. "People with dyssynergic defecation cannot sense stool in their bowel or have difficulty using bodily mechanisms to expel the stool. Many with dyssynergic defecation are unaware that this is the cause of their constipation and often they don't seek help beyond using over-the-counter laxatives."
For those chronic constipation sufferers with dyssynergic defecation, Rao recommends biofeedback. "This is a simple, noninvasive therapy that can correct improper contraction of the pelvic floor muscles and external anal sphincter during defecation," says Rao. "This nondrug therapy has been shown categorically to be the only effective method to correct the behavior as these patients learn what is wrong and then learn how to correct it."
Traditional over-the-counter laxatives may work in relieving chronic constipation. Rao recommends senna products, magnesium, and fiber supplements. The prescription medication, Amitiza® (lubiprostone), a chloride channel activator that enhances intestinal fluid secretion, may also help in relieving chronic constipation.
Changes in your bowel habits may be a warning sign of a viral or bacterial infection, obstruction, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or colon cancer. If you have one or more of the following symptoms, call your health care provider:
Chronic Constipation: Facts vs. Myths
Learn how to relieve chronic constipation.
Chronic Constipation: When to See Your Doctor continued...
When you meet with your doctor, have a list of questions ready to ask him or her, and be assertive when describing the signs and symptoms of chronic constipation. According to Rao, there's a major problem in how doctors today perceive constipation.
"Physicians are too dismissive of symptoms when patients tell of having chronic constipation," says Rao, "and patients must be more forceful in describing their problem with constipation. Physicians must ask more questions to find out what's really going on."
To gain an understanding of the mechanism that's causing chronic constipation, Rao uses specific tests, including a colonic transit study, a balloon expulsion, and anal rectometry
After testing, Rao says that an estimated one-third of those individuals with chronic constipation might have normal results. The colon and rectum are normal, but there's still hypersensitivity, pain, and discomfort when having a bowel movement.
"But nearly one-third of those with chronic constipation have dyssynergic defecation," Rao says. "People with dyssynergic defecation cannot sense stool in their bowel or have difficulty using bodily mechanisms to expel the stool. Many with dyssynergic defecation are unaware that this is the cause of their constipation and often they don't seek help beyond using over-the-counter laxatives."
For those chronic constipation sufferers with dyssynergic defecation, Rao recommends biofeedback. "This is a simple, noninvasive therapy that can correct improper contraction of the pelvic floor muscles and external anal sphincter during defecation," says Rao. "This nondrug therapy has been shown categorically to be the only effective method to correct the behavior as these patients learn what is wrong and then learn how to correct it."
Traditional over-the-counter laxatives may work in relieving chronic constipation. Rao recommends senna products, magnesium, and fiber supplements. The prescription medication, Amitiza® (lubiprostone), a chloride channel activator that enhances intestinal fluid secretion, may also help in relieving chronic constipation.
When Chronic Constipation Is a Warning Sign
Changes in your bowel habits may be a warning sign of a viral or bacterial infection, obstruction, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or colon cancer. If you have one or more of the following symptoms, call your health care provider:
- Constipation that lasts for more than two weeks
- Severe diarrhea lasting more than two days
- Mild diarrhea lasting a week
- Unexplained urges to have a bowel movement
- Bloody diarrhea
- Black or tarry-colored stools
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