The Signs & Symptoms Associated with Constipation

Constipated woman struggling with stomach crampsIt’s understandable why constipation is one of those topics that people don’t like to talk about. The truth, however, is that most of people will experience some level of constipation over the course of a lifetime. That being said, it’s not something that people should simply ignore. People living with chronic constipation know that it can be both frustrating and downright painful.

(Did you know that this is condition is a primary focus in many clinical trials being conducted around the country? Would you want to get involved in the search for better treatment?)

The symptoms associated with constipation can vary in severity from one person to the next, but there are a few essential ways for one to tell if something might be wrong. Nearly 2 percent of the U.S. population suffers from constipation, but it primarily affects women (during pregnancy especially) and the elderly.

Been concerned that you’re not staying regular enough? Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

  • Are you forced to strain during bowel movements (BM) more than 25 percent of the time?
  • Does the stool seem harder or more compacted more than 25 percent of the time?
  • Are you experiencing less than three BMs in a week?
  • Do you get that feeling of incomplete evacuation more than 25 percent of the time?

Answering “yes” to one or more of these questions could mean you’re dealing with some constipation. You can talk to your primary doctor about it, but you should also know what symptoms to expect.

Here’s a quick list of the most common symptoms (indications) to expect when constipated:

  • Lumpy or hard stool
  • Less than three BMs a week
  • Moderate to excessive straining during an evacuation
  • Experiencing that feeling of incomplete evacuation
  • Experiencing a blockage sensation in the rectum to varying degrees of discomfort

People struggling with chronic constipation will have experienced at least two of these symptoms for the last three consecutive months. If the blockage is severe enough, it might require manual extraction with a finger and slight pressure on the abdomen.

What Causes Constipation?

Constipation can be caused by a range of issues, but it’s far more common for the root source to be a disorder of the bowel rather than a structural problem. The most common causes of constipation include:

  • Not getting enough fiber or drinking enough water
  • Disrupting your normal diet or routine, like traveling
  • Eating too much dairy in your diet
  • Excess stress levels
  • Not moving enough or getting enough exercise
  • Becoming overly dependent on laxatives, which can chronically weaken the bowel muscles
  • Choosing to hold it rather than having a BM, often because of a hemorrhoid
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Taking too many antacid medicines which have aluminum or calcium
  • Depression
  • Certain eating disorders
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s disease
  • Certain pain medications like antidepressants, narcotics or iron pills
  • Pregnancy
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Might also be an early indication of colon cancer

Occasionally, the constipation may be the result of poor nerve and muscle function in the patient’s bowel.

There are certain occasions when constipation refuses to clear up on its own or even becomes painful and debilitating. Don’t let this become a serious problem because you would rather avoid the issue. Schedule an appointment with your primary doctor if you’re suffering from any unusual and persistent alterations with your bowel habits.