Bowel movement is an essential part of life as it enables one to eliminate waste( faces) from the bowel because the build-up of these waste in the body system would be discomforting. The consistency of stool as well as the frequency of bowel emptying varies in individuals and could be dependent on multiple factors. Bowel frequency ranging from thrice a day to three times a week bowel movement could be considered as a healthy bowel. An individual should be able to understand his/her bowel pattern so that any pattern deviating from the normal needs medical attention. One of such conditions that result from irregularities in bowel movement is constipation.
Constipation is simply defined as bowel movement occurring less than 3 times a week or difficulty in passing out stool. Fecal material is stored in the rectum before defecation. The walls of the rectum usually accommodate the waste, receptors on the rectal wall stimulate the feeling to defecate but when the urge is not acted upon immediately the stool returns to the colon. If there is no bowel movement in days, the content in the colon begins to lose water and get harden (Stool impaction) making it more difficult to defecate which results in straining the bowel to pass out this hard stool. Chronic straining causes stress on the pelvic floor, there could be tears in the tissue surrounding the anus and over time the veins surrounding the anus become inflamed( hemorrhoid).
There are various causes of constipation. Poor fiber in diet, Reduced fluid intake, Age, pregnancy, and side effect of drugs (e.g opioids, aluminum-containing antacid), are causes of constipation. The amount of fiber in the diet and fluid intake contributes to the consistency of stool. Constipation can be a symptom of a medical condition, for example, irritable bowel syndrome, colorectal cancer, e.t.c.
The first remedy to constipation is Diet. Increased intake of dietary fiber is encouraged. Dietary fibers are not digestible, they pull water and add bulk into stool which softens stool making it easier to defecate. Skins of fruits and vegetables are rich sources of dietary fiber. Drinking plenty of water would also help prevent constipation. Fluid aids digestion, it facilitates the movement of food down the digestive system. Also, it prevents the formation of hard stool. if the body lacks enough fluid, the large intestine draws up water from food waste hence forming a hard stool that would be difficult to excrete. Avoid caffeinated drinks as they worsen constipation.
In chronic cases, laxatives could be given. There are multiple choices of laxatives, Talk to Your Doctor/Pharmacist for a suitable choice. Abuse of laxatives can worsen constipation. In some cases, the underlying cause of constipation is managed and constipation resolves.
In conclusion, Observe a healthy bowel pattern, develop a habit of emptying your bowel daily, if possible, make it the same time every day. Grooming children this way would help them learn to empty their bowel regularly.
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