Constipation Problems

One of the most common problems that the digestive system suffers from is constipation. Though this health problem is hardly serious in nature, one must know the exact cause of constipation in order to get relief from it. One of the major causes of constipation is poor diet. A person suffering from constipation will experience dry, hard stools, that are difficult to eliminate. Individuals from all age groups suffer from constipation. It is also common to experience constipation and bladder problems, when the body has a lack of proper fluid intake.

Constipation in Children

Constipation is a common problem in children and is caused due to the following reasons.

• Change in the regular diet
• Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement.
• Allergy to cow's milk or drinking whole milk.
• Taking medications like antacids or other drugs that may lead to constipation.
• Change in routine like travel, hot weather, etc.
• Lack of fibers in the diet.

Children suffering from constipation can be treated by making them practice timely bowel movements, including fiber rich fruits and vegetables in their diet and by increasing their fluid intake in the form of juices. Children must be encouraged to drink plenty of water and be told to follow regular bowel movements.

Constipation in Toddlers

Constipation in toddlers is caused due to the following reasons.

• Sudden change of diet from semi solid to solid food.
• Lack of water intake that may cause dehydration, hence leading to constipation.
• Early potty training, that the child may find uncomfortable and tend to avoid.
• Withholding the urge for bowel movements, if the child has experienced painful bowel movements earlier.

Toddler constipation can be treated by including bran in your child's diet and reducing the intake of foods that can cause constipation like yogurt, cooked carrots, cheese and bananas. If your toddler is suffering from constipation, change his diet to a fiber rich one and you can also give him stool softeners, if he finds it difficult to eliminate stools.

Constipation during Pregnancy

Though constipation during pregnancy is common, it can get very uncomfortable, since, there is a drastic change in the level and function of the hormones. During pregnancy, the body produces high amounts of a hormone called progesterone, which lowers the speed at which food is digested, leading to constipation. A pregnant woman suffering from constipation will experience the following symptoms.

• Feces are hard and traces of blood can be seen while passing feces.
• Lower abdominal pain.
• Irritable bowel syndrome.

In order to prevent constipation, a pregnant woman must avoid foods that cause constipation and follow a proper exercise regimen.

Constipation and Gas Problems

Constipation and gas are inter-connected and have common causes. When a person suffering from constipation is unable to practice proper bowel movements, the body produces certain toxins which can cause painful hemorrhoids and anal fissures, leading to flatulence or gas. In order to avoid problems related to gas and constipation, avoid eating foods that release gas and take antacids as a preventive measure.

Symptoms of Constipation

Given below are some of the common symptoms, that a person may show if he is suffering from constipation.

• Hard, dry stools that are small in size.
• Traces of blood in stools.
• Pain in the rectum and difficulty while eliminating stools.
• Loss of appetite and feeling of bloating.
• Improper bowel movements with fewer than three bowel movements in a week.
• Lower abdominal pain followed by cramps in the stomach.
• Nausea and vomiting.

One must remember that constipation is not a disease but a symptom. There are several ways to stop constipation. If you suffer from constipation, in spite of taking remedies and medication, it would be advisable to consult your general practitioner, who would help you diagnose the actual problem causing constipation and give the correct medication.