Constipation is an absent, delayed or laborious bowel movement. This is due to stool remaining in the large intestine for too long. In the large intestine, moisture is extracted from the stool. The longer the stool remains in the large intestine, the more the stool gets harder and dryer. Constipation is an uncomfortable, but generally harmless condition.

Cause

Cause

Constipation is often caused by an unhealthy and low-fiber diet. Poor exercise, irregular life, stress and psychological factors may play a role. Constipation can also occur when using some medications or as a result of a disease.
Other causes of constipation are:

In some cases, the cause of constipation is unknown.

Symptoms

Symptoms

We speak of constipation when a person has stool for less than three times a week. Characteristic for constipation is hard, dry stool. It often takes a lot of effort to get rid of the stool and it only succeeds by pressing hard. Abdominal pain and a hard, swollen abdomen are also common. As a result of constipation, a person can suffer from hemorrhoids, breaks and fissures. Also, overflow diarrhea (paradoxical diarrhea) can occur. This is the leakage of some loose stools along the hard stool, when the intestine is very full. This causes poo sweeps in underwear and unpleasant smells.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of constipation is made by the general practitioner, based on the symptoms. The general practitioner can physically examine the patient. Optionally, the doctor can perform an internal examination through the anus (rectal examination). If necessary, the patient is referred to a gastroenterologist and hepatologist or internist for further investigation.

Treatment

Treatment

In case of constipation, the general practitioner initially gives advice on lifestyle and diet. If this is not effective, the doctor may prescribe various types of medicines:

Constipation can result from misuse of the pelvic floor muscles. There are special pelvic floor centers or clinics that specialize in these problems. There are also pelvic floor physical therapists who can teach patients to use pelvic floor muscles the right way. Good posture on the toilet and good use of pelvic floor muscles can reduce and prevent symptoms.

Prognosis

Prognosis

In infants with constipation, who are treated early and appropriately, the prognosis is good. After six months of treatment, the majority is symptom-free and the treatment with laxative medication can be stopped. In older children, the duration of treatment varies. Sometimes it only takes a few months, sometimes years. Because children don’t always grow over the condition, it's important to start treatment in time. Then the chance that the symtoms definitively disappear is the greatest. In adults, it usually succeeds to normalize bowel movements with lifestyle changes and laxatives, but chronic medication is often necessary.

Considerations

Considerations

Facts

Facts