Constipation is a common condition that many people struggle with daily, posing a significant challenge to their lives. It involves difficulty in bowel movements or a decrease in the frequency of bowel movements, which can significantly impact a person’s life. In this article, you will discover potential causes, lifestyle and dietary changes that can help alleviate this symptom, along with available options for diagnosis and treatment. We will also explore medical advice from Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie, which can aid in improving and facilitating the digestion process and effectively relieving constipation in a healthy manner.
What is Constipation?
Constipation is a common problem that causes difficulty in bowel movements, where the stool may be:
- Harder than it should be
- Smaller than it should be
- Too firm to be expelled
- Less than three times a week
What are the Causes of Constipation?
- Side effects of certain medications
- Poor diet
- Gastrointestinal diseases
What Symptoms Noted with Constipation?
These symptoms may indicate a more serious problem:
- Blood in the stool or on toilet paper after bowel movements
- Fever
- Unexplained weight loss
- Feeling weak
If you experience new or unusual symptoms of constipation without a change in your medications or diet, and if you’ve never had this condition before, it may be a sign of an underlying issue.
Medical and Dietary Tips to Relieve Constipation
- Consume foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, prune juice, and whole grains.
- Drink plenty of water and other fluids.
- When you feel the need to use the bathroom, do not delay.
- Take laxatives, which are medications that help ease bowel movements. Some laxatives come in the form of tablets, suppositories, or rectal injections.
When Should You Visit the Doctor?
You should visit your doctor in the following cases:
- If the symptoms are new or unusual for you.
- If you haven’t had a bowel movement for several days.
- If the problem comes and goes but persists for more than 3 weeks.
- If you experience severe pain during bowel movements.
- If you have other worrisome symptoms such as bleeding, weakness, weight loss, or fever.
- If there are other people in your family who have had colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease.
What are the Tests to Determine the Causes of Constipation?
Your doctor will decide on the tests you need based on your age and other symptoms. Common tests include:
- Rectal examination: Your doctor will examine the external part of the anus.
- Colonoscopy: The doctor places a thin tube into the anus and advances it into the colon. The tube is equipped with a camera to examine your intestines from the inside. During these tests, the doctor can also take tissue samples for microscopic examination.
- Imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs.
- Manometry pressure measurement: This test allows the doctor to measure the pressure inside the rectum at different points. It helps determine if the muscles controlling bowel movements are working properly.
How is Constipation Treated?
Treatment depends on the cause of constipation. First, your doctor may recommend trying to increase fiber intake and drinking more water. If that doesn’t help, your doctor may suggest:
- Medications for Constipation
- Changing medications for other conditions
- Rectal enemas, which may be plain water or contain medication.
Can Constipation be Prevented?
You can reduce the risk of constipation by following these tips provided by Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie, the best gastrointestinal and liver specialist in Egypt:
- Consume a fiber-rich diet.
- Drink water and other fluids throughout the day.
- Use the bathroom at regular times every day.
Best Doctor for Chronic Constipation Treatment
Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie is considered the best doctor for treating chronic constipation. He is a specialist in liver and gastrointestinal diseases and endoscopy, a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in England, and a member of the American College of Gastroenterology. Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie currently works as a lecturer in internal medicine, liver, and gastrointestinal diseases at Al-Azhar University in Cairo.
Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie actively participates in various local and international scientific conferences and has numerous scientific research publications in prestigious medical journals.
Book your appointment now if you would like to consult Dr. Mohamed Al Boraie regarding the diagnosis and treatment of chronic constipation using the latest technologies and modern treatment methods.