Everyone has difficulty moving their bowels from time to time. Many factors can impact regularity. What is normal for one does not apply to all. Chronic constipation is the inability to produce healthy bowel movements often. While every person has a different degree of regularity, passing fewer than three quality bowel movements per week is usually considered constipation.
There are a number of reasons why patients suffer from constipation. At Germantown Primary HealthCare, our experts can get to the root cause of the condition and help you find relief.
Severe constipation may be accompanied by abdominal pain and bloating. In these cases, if any stool at all is passed, the consistency may be exceptionally hard. The process of moving hard stool can be painful. In addition, you might feel as if your gut has not emptied completely or the sensation of a blockage.
Many factors can lead to constipation and related symptoms. These causes range from minor to severe. Some common reasons for constipation include a lack of fiber, insufficient water intake, poor diet, opioid use, pregnancy, and bowel obstruction.
Constipation treatment in Germantown starts with a proper diagnosis. Our physicians will collect your medical history and conduct a physical examination. In severe cases, a GI doctor may request diagnostic imaging, like digital x-rays or a CT scan. Sometimes, more advanced diagnostic procedures are necessary, such as a colonoscopy.
Naturally, constipation treatment in Germantown depends on the cause of the problem. Fortunately, a change of diet does the trick for many patients. Boosting fiber intake by eating fruits and vegetables and drinking more water is often all it takes. For others, prescription medications like stool softeners and laxatives may be needed. Enemas or manual stool removal may be required for fecal impactions. Surgery may be necessary if a bowel obstruction is a reason.
Keep in mind; constipation may indicate either a minor or a serious illness. To determine the underlying cause, book an appointment with one of our physicians at Germantown Primary HealthCare.
