Chronic constipation
The definition of chronic constipation varies among different people. For some people, chronic constipation means infrequent bowel movements for weeks at a time. To others, chronic constipation means straining or having difficulty passing stools. For instance, many describe chronic constipation as feeling like you need to have a bowel movement, but no matter how long you sit, it just won’t happen. With chronic constipation, you may have hard or formed stools, small stools, or a combination of infrequent hard, formed or small stools.
Generally, the definition of chronic constipation is a stool frequency of less than three per week that lasts several months. Still, experts believe that many who think they suffer from chronic constipation may actually underestimate the frequency of their bowel habits, so this definition may not be accurate.
CAUSES
Many factors contribute to development of constipation. Different people will have different set of causative factors.
- Insufficient fiber intake in diet.
- Not chewing the food properly / eating hurriedly.
- Reduced water intake.
- Various medications
- Iron supplements
- Antidepressants, tri-cyclic anti-depressants.
- Diuretics
- Stopping cigarette smoking.
- Abuse of laxatives.
- Medications containing calcium and aluminium.
- Endocrine disorders like – under active thyroid.
- Any severe illness like stroke, paralysis.
- Major changes in life like pregnancy, old-age or traveling.
- Psychosomatic causes like depression and anxiety neurosis.
- Biochemical imbalance ‘ low potassium levels in blood.
- Lead poisoning.
- Conditions that obstruct the normal passage of the stools within the intestines ‘ foreign bodies in intestines, strictures, adhesions, tumors, etc.
- Abdominal surgeries.
- Weakened pelvic floor muscles.
- Constipation can occur sometimes as part of a condition called ‘irritable bowel syndrome’ where it alternates with diarrhea.
SYMPTOMS
Infrequent stools with no other complaints is rarely abnormal. Women are more affected than men. The elderly and children are however most prone to constipation.
- Hard, difficult to pass stools which require straining or manual removal with fingers – felt more than 25% of times.
- Stools infrequent, less than three times a week.
- Sensation of incomplete voidance.
Other symptoms that a person with constipation may feel are:
- The abdomen may seem bloated, distended or crampy.
- The bowel sounds may seem enhanced.
HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT
Homeopathy is very proficient in managing the symptoms of Chronic Constipation and has an excellent success rate in homeopathic treatment for Chronic Constipation.
The cause of every case of constipation varies, so the approach to each case should be tailored to suit specific person and medicines must fit the case. Since Homeopathy considers each case unique and treats patient and not merely constipation, it is most apt field for treatment of constipation and is strongly recommended. The hallmark of homeopathic treatment for Chronic Constipation is successful removal of the underlying cause.
Homeopathic treatment for chronic constipation is holistic and does not support toxic suppression of any diseases. Homeopathic medicines are safe and hence can be easily administered to children and pregnant women.
Moreover, it also helps in preventing the relapse of the condition.