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Constipation is defined as a condition in which the frequency of bowel movement decreases.This condition is usually associated with hardening of stool,and difficulty in passage of stool.
Causes of constipation can be divided into those causes that can be easily taken care off.Constipation may also be a sign of certain serious diseases,where the main aim is proper diagnosis,evaluation and management of the causal disease.
Some very common causes of constipation are consumption of low-fiber diet,not drinking adequate amount of fluids,postponing visits to the toilet,lack of exercise,excessive use of laxatives and enemas.
Spinal cord injury and fractures,other disease and conditions causing prolonged immobilization may also lead to constipation.
Hypothyroidism,[which is characterized by low level of thyroid hormones in the blood],conditions that increase the calcium level in our blood may also lead to constipation.
Patients suffering from cancer also presents with constipation,fairly commonly.This constipation may be due to the cancer itself[ for example a cancer of the gut,may narrow the lumen of the gut, thereby leading to constipation and finally to complete obstruction.The chemo-therapeutic drugs, used for the treatment of cancer and the declining health associated with the cancer may be responsible for the constipation.
Some medicines like the pain relief medications,anti-depressants,sleep medications,chemotherapeutic drugs,iron and calcium tablets/capsules,diuretics etc fairly common causes of constipation.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:Increased amount of dietary fiber intake[vegetables,cereals,fruits]
Drink plenty of fluids.
Regular exercise
Use laxatives,suppositories,enemas only after proper prescription of a doctor.
If constipation becomes severe in intensity or prolonged in duration,please consult your doctor for proper evaluation.
For further information on this please consult with your doctor and visit other relevant internet sites.
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