Constipation

What is constipation?

Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal symptoms, affecting about 20% of the population and represent the second most frequent complaint of demand to the gastroenterology outpatient clinics. In general, constipation can be defined as a bowel movement too parched, rare and infrequent, establishing a number of bowel movements less than once every 72 hours, or weighing less than 35g/dia.

What causes constipation? Why it happens?

There are many causes, the main one being inadequate diet, that is, individuals who ate with an inadequate amount of fiber and large amounts of refined foods and do not form the stool. A normal balanced diet must contain a minimum of 20 grams to 30 grams of fibber per day and when these values are not respected, there is increased colonic transit time, decreased stool volume and increased water absorption of faecal waste, making the stools hard.

Certain drugs such as antidepressants can contribute to constipation. Neurological disorders, diseases such as hypothyroidism, diabetes and hypopituitarism should be investigated.

What are the symptoms?

Patients have decreased number of bowel movements, change in stool consistency to become parched, abdominal pain and distension for the formation and accumulation of gases, changes of mood by the feeling of abdominal fullness and discomfort caused by the accumulation of faeces in the rectum.

Prevention?

Dietary measures are preventative of constipation. Ingestion of diet rich in fiber and low in carbohydrates, drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day and frequent  physical activity.

The incidence of constipation is higher in men or women?

Is higher in women, since these, by a physiological reason, have an increased colonic transit time compared to men. There is also the psychological factor more frequent in women. Many women inhibit reflex straining of shame or lack of courage to use a public restroom.

How to re-educate the bowel?

Establish a daily schedule for disposal, preferably after a meal, which may be the breakfast.

Treatment

There is little doubt that acupuncture is an excellent therapy for people suffering from constipation