Constipation and Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Constipation results from a digestive system abnormality. It results in the difficulty to expel feces from the body on account of over-absorption of water from ingested food, within the colon. The condition triggers the onslaught of irritable bowel syndrome, a prolonged variant. When ingested food moves very slowly through the gastro-intestinal tract, the colon absorbs the water content in excess. This results in the hardening of the undigested food that is expelled by the body in the form of feces. Defecation not only becomes painful, but also very distressing. Fecal impaction ultimately leads to bowel obstruction, if not addressed in time. A case of severe constipation can be the cause of dietary, anatomical or hormonal trigger factors. Sometimes, the condition also manifests on account of medication side effects and certain digestive-tract allied illnesses. Mild constipation almost always intensifies into irritable bowel syndrome, if neglected. The treatment options vary according to the severity of the symptoms. They include dietary changes, exercise, use of laxatives and various types of medical intervention.

Causes of Constipation and Irritable Bowel Syndrome:

The main causes that trigger the onset of constipation include insufficient dietary fiber intake, inadequate fluid intake and administration of diuretics and iron or calcium concentrated medication. The condition could also be the result of paralysis, hypothyroidism, hypokalemia, patulous anus, lead poisoning or lactose intolerance.

Signs and Symptoms:

The signs and symptoms of constipation include:

• Difficulty in passing hard stools.
• Infrequent urge to void.
• Hemorrhoids on account of straining.
• Distended and taut abdomen.
• Infrequent bowel movements.
• Sensation of incomplete bowel evacuation.
• Vomiting.
• Paradoxical diarrhea in severe cases.

The diagnosis of constipation and irritable bowel syndrome is basically description-based. Verbal communication of the difficulty and pain involved in bowel movements and description of the feces help the doctor to stage the condition. Physical manifestations like the bloating and distension of the abdominal cavity, localized abdominal pain and stress due to a sense of incomplete defecation are also considered. The doctor may also inquire into the patient's dietary habits to determine fiber and/or fluid intake. He would ideally identify and address poor ambulation, immobility, side effects of certain medications and hypothyroidism symptoms. Scybala, rectal examination, enema, x-ray and the study of colonic propagating pressure wave sequences are other diagnostic measures.

Constipation and Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Treatment

The treatment options for constipation and irritable bowel syndrome include:

• Increased intake of fluids and dietary fiber.
• Use of laxatives.
• Enemas for mechanical stimulation.
• Ingestion of lactulose, a synthetic sugar, nonabsorbable in nature, that retains sodium and water within the intestinal lumen.
• Colonic irrigation.
• Regular exercise.

Constipation and irritable bowel syndrome are easier to prevent than to treat. The remedies are focused on inducing a daily bowel movement. Physical exercise plays a vital role in the prevention and management of constipation. The resultant chronic abdominal pain and discomfort trigger certain psychological conditions that demand medical and social intervention. Dietary adjustments, psychological interventions and patient education go a long way in treating the disorder and preventing a recurrence. If neglected, constipation could result in the onslaught of coeliac disease, giardiasis and various inflammatory bowel diseases. Research reveals that the disorder also springs from impaired interaction between the brain and the gastrointestinal tract. Abnormalities in gut flora ad within the immune system also result in constipation. Social implications need to be addressed alongside medical intervention. Fatigue, increased medical costs and absenteeism result in high societal cost, dramatically affecting the quality of life.