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Constipation
Being constipated means your bowel movements are tough or happen less often than normal. Almost everyone goes through it at some point. Although it’s not usually serious, you'll feel much better when your body is back on track. The normal length of time between bowel movements varies widely from person to person. Some people have them three times a day. Others have them just a few times a week. Going longer than 3 or more days without one, though, is usually too long. After 3 days, your poop gets harder and more difficult to pass.
What Are the Symptoms?
You may have:
Few bowel movements
Trouble having a bowel movement (straining to go)
Hard or small stools
A sense that everything didn’t come out
Belly bloating
Why Does It Happen?
Some causes of constipation include:
Changes to what you eat or your activities
Not enough water or fiber in your diet
Eating a lot of dairy products
Not being active
Resisting the urge to poop
Stress
Overuse of laxatives
Some medications (especially strong pain drugs such as narcotics, antidepressants, and iron pills)
Antacid medicines that have calcium or aluminum
Eating disorders
Pregnancy
Problems with the nerves and muscles in your digestive system
Neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis
Underactive thyroid (called hypothyroidism)
Occasionally, constipation can be the result of colon cancer.
Diagnosis
We can help diagnose the cause of your constipation by performing a colonoscopy to rule out colon cancer as well as other motility disorders through a test called anorectal manometry.
If you suffer from constipation, call your doctor or call us at 978-459-6737 to make an appointment.