Constipation

Symptoms of constipation

Constipation (medical: constipation) can cause very unpleasant symptoms. The following symptoms of constipation are possible:

• stomach pain
• swollen belly
• bloating
• gas
• pain during bowel movements
• Strong pressing on the toilet
• Hard lumpy stool
• Feels no complete emptying of the bowel
• Reduced appetite
• Basic malaise

In addition to these classic constipation symptoms, other complaints are also possible . The great pressure on the rectum during defecation can e.g. B. lead to tears in the rectum, anal tears or hemorrhoids.

Get help quickly for these constipation symptoms

You can usually treat simple constipation yourself, even without constipation medication from the pharmacy. However, you should definitely seek medical help in the following cases :

• If you often suffer from constipation
• If you also have severe abdominal pain
• If fever , nausea or vomiting also occur
• If you have lost a lot of weight despite being constipated
• If there is blood in the stool

Attention: An intestinal blockage can be behind an acute constipation with severe abdominal pain, a bloated stomach, nausea and vomiting ! This is life-threatening and must be treated immediately. If you suspect an intestinal obstruction, you should therefore call the emergency doctor immediately .

Causes of Constipation

Symptoms of constipation occur when the contents of the intestine, consisting of food and bacteria, take too long to travel through the colon to the rectum . The longer this process lasts, the more water is removed from the intestinal contents. As a result, the stool becomes dry and hard, making it even more difficult to defecate.

Common causes of constipation are lack of fluids or lack of physical activity . Diet also has a strong influence on bowel movements: a lack of fiber often causes constipation. Even unfamiliar foods can trigger constipation – this phenomenon often occurs on vacation.

There are also some medications that can cause slow bowel movements. These include e.g. These include cough medicines, iron pills, antidepressants, strong painkillers and some anxiolytics, which are drugs used to reduce anxiety.

After all, constipation can also be caused by more serious diseases , such as metabolic, hormone or electrolyte disorders. Last but not least, constipation can occur during pregnancy or just before menstruation .

diagnosis of constipation

The doctor will first ask you : How often do you have a bowel movement? Is the bowel emptying complete? What is the nature of the chair? On this basis, he can usually already determine constipation. A stool exam , colonoscopy , or other more invasive tests are also ordered as needed to determine the cause of the constipation.

You can do this yourself if you are constipated

Of course, constipation can be cleared with medication. In most cases, however, constipation can be counteracted with much gentler methods. The following will help prevent constipation :

• Eat high-fiber foods
• Eat in peace and chew well
• Drink a lot, e.g. B. An extra glass of water with each meal
• Be active and play sports
• Go to the toilet immediately if you feel like having a bowel movement

Diet in particular has a huge impact on digestion. Whole grain products, fruit and vegetables increase the volume of the intestinal contents and bind a lot of water, which makes it easier to transport the stool. Accordingly, you should also drink a lot . Plums and figs are particularly good foods for constipation – they have a laxative effect.

Treatment options for constipation

If the constipation is due to a disease such as diabetes or an underactive thyroid, it must be diagnosed and treated in a targeted manner. Medicines for constipation are available in pharmacies without a prescription, e.g. B. as tablets, drops, suppositories or mini enemas . There are also analgesic ointments for the opening of the rectum. Medications for constipation should always be used with caution as they can have critical side effects such as electrolyte depletion.

constipation in children

Constipation is quite common in children . It manifests itself, for example, in the form of stomach pains . Constipation in children should be clarified by a doctor. The administration of medication against constipation, including herbal preparations, should also be done in consultation with a doctor. Otherwise, for many children, just like adults, a healthy, high-fiber diet, sufficient fluids and plenty of exercise help against symptoms of constipation.

This is how Med-Healths can help with constipation

Do you suffer from constipation? The doctor will ask you the right questions to get to the bottom of the causes of your constipation symptoms . If necessary, he will prescribe you a suitable medication for constipation. He can also refer you to a specialist , for example for further tests.

Of course, you can also use Med-Healths to contact a doctor who is familiar with constipation in children . If your child has constipation symptoms, they must be present during the video call.