Constipation

Constipation is defined as a change in your normal bowel movements.¹ A “normal bowel movement” is different for everyone; the characteristics of stool, such as consistency and color, vary from person to person as well as the frequency of defecation. Most people experience a change in their normal bowel habits at some point in their life, but severe cases of constipation can indicate or cause more serious illness. Fecal impaction and dehydration are two harmful results of constipation that is not treated.

Constipation can be acute or chronic. Acute constipation is occasional and fairly common. It is when it becomes chronic, or long-lasting, that a problem arises. Chronic constipation alone caused 380,000 hospitalizations and 1,322 deaths in 2010.² The causes of constipation include: a low-fiber diet, lack of exercise, stress, dehydration, underlying medical conditions (ex. IBS, underactive thyroid, or cystic fibrosis), and certain medications (often analgesics and other pain medications).³

The signs/symptoms that present are:                                                                             

• abdominal pain
• harder and drier stool than normal
• fewer bowel movements than normal
• the bowel generally feeling full after defecation, and…
• straining during bowel movements

In the diagnosis of constipation, your healthcare provider must consider these signs and symptoms, previous and current medications, a pelvic examination, and the result of any diagnostic tests if they are performed. The tests that could help diagnose constipation are blood tests, an x-ray of the abdomen, and a colonoscopy.¹

The most common treatment options for acute, mild cases of constipation are over-the-counter laxatives such as MiraLax, or a stool softener such as Colace. Chronic constipation is treated with a combination of changes – diet, exercise, and medications.³ Effective treatment largely depends on the underlying cause that changes on a person-to-person basis. For chronic idiopathic constipation, meaning constipation with no known cause, LINZESS (as discussed on page 5) is effective typically at 145 mcg.⁴

Constipation is a GI disorder that can often be prevented by:

• eating more fiber
• drinking plenty of fluids, and…
• exercising regularly

If these measures do not effectively prevent constipation, then it is idiopathic (of no known cause) or another GI disorder may be at play. In either case, seek the help of your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

References:

1. Constipation. University of Maryland Medical Center. Accessed October 19, 2016.

2.  Digestive Diseases Statistics for the United States. Accessed October 19, 2016.

3.  Noiesen E, Trosborg I, Bager L, Herning M, Lyngby C, Konradsen H. Constipation - prevalence and incidence among medical patients acutely admitted to hospital with a medical condition. J Clin Nurs. 2014;23(15/16):2295-2302. doi:10.1111/jocn.12511.

4. Staff F. Linzess (Linaclotide). Formulary. Published December 31, 2012. Accessed November 25, 2016.