What is constipation?
Bowel function differs from person to person, but constipation occurs when you have fewer than three bowel movements a week and your stools are hard, dry, and/or are difficult to pass.
It’s not unusual to experience constipation on occasion, but ongoing constipation may be a symptom of an underlying gastrointestinal condition that needs more specific identification and should be evaluated by the experienced team at SoHo Gastroenterology: Dr. Murray Orbuch, MD.
What causes constipation?
Constipation usually occurs if the stool is moving too slowly through your colon or there’s a blockage preventing the stool from passing through. Some of the most common causes of constipation include:
- Bowel obstruction
- Colon or rectal cancer
- Narrowing of the colon
- Damage to the nerves that control bowel function
- Weak pelvic muscles or dysco-ordication of the muscles around the rectum
- Endometriosis
- Side effects of medications
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-C)
- Hypothyroidism
Not getting enough fiber or drinking enough water can also lead to constipation. Your risk of constipation increases as you get older, and constipation occurs in women more often than men.
What can I expect during a constipation evaluation?
The team at SoHo Gastroenterology: Dr. Murray Orbuch, MD, conducts comprehensive examinations when you come to the office with concerns about constipation.
During your evaluation, the team reviews your symptoms and medical history and also asks questions about your diet and lifestyle.
To better understand the cause of your constipation, the team may request various tests, such as a blood or stool test, X-ray, MRI, colon transit studies or colonoscopy.
What are the treatments for constipation?
Initially, the team at SoHo Gastroenterology: Dr. Murray Orbuch, MD, may recommend changes to your diet and lifestyle to improve bowel movements and alleviate your constipation. This may include:
- Increase fiber in your diet
- Drink more water
- Regular exercise
- Development of good bowel habits (not holding in your stool)
- Identification of causes outside of the colon
- Medication treatment with the latest agents
If your constipation doesn’t improve, the team may suggest medication, such as laxatives or gastrointestinal motility medications to improve bowel movements and function.
If your constipation is due to a blockage or obstruction, surgery may be needed.
If your constipation is due to weak pelvic muscles or dysco-ordination of pelvic or rectal muscles, physical therapy may be needed.
Constipation can be a symptom of an underlying health condition. To get answers to your health questions, contact SoHo Gastroenterology: Dr. Murray Orbuch, MD, by phone or online today.
