Constipation
This is a condition of the digestive system in which there is difficulty
in emptying the bowels. The stool is often hard, difficult to pass and
infrequent. The normal frequency of bowel movements in adults is between three
per day and three per week. When there is constipation, bowel movements may be
less than 3 stools a week.
Common causes of constipation include dehydration,
not eating enough fibre, and decreased physical activity.
Chronic
constipation can also be a symptom of a secondary disease like those below or
medications. So, it’s worth checking out your symptoms with a doctor especially
if there are other symptoms associated with it.
1. Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism means that you
have under-active thyroid hormone. It is sometimes also referred to
as "slow" thyroid. Hypothyroidism
slows down many of the body's systems, including digestion and
elimination. This could lead to chronic constipation. Other symptoms of
hypothyroidism include puffiness in the face, especially
around the eyes, hair loss, brittle nails, lower-than-normal body temperature,
weight gain and fatigue.
2. Diabetes: Diabetes can cause several health problems like chronic constipation. According to Mayo Clinic, high blood sugar levels seen in type 1 and 2 diabetes can lead to diabetic neuropathy, or nerve damage. The nerves of the digestive tract can get damaged and lead to chronic constipation. Other symptoms of diabetes are excessive thirst, weight loss, and frequent urination.
3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Constipation is one of the symptoms of this disease. A key symptom of this disease is abdominal pain caused by changes in bowel movement. Other symptoms are bloating and discomfort.
4. Parkinson’s Disease: Constipation is a common problem in Parkinson's disease and may occur even before the motor symptoms appear. Other symptoms of this chronic and progress movement disorder include tremor, rigidity, and difficulty with balance.
2. Diabetes: Diabetes can cause several health problems like chronic constipation. According to Mayo Clinic, high blood sugar levels seen in type 1 and 2 diabetes can lead to diabetic neuropathy, or nerve damage. The nerves of the digestive tract can get damaged and lead to chronic constipation. Other symptoms of diabetes are excessive thirst, weight loss, and frequent urination.
3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Constipation is one of the symptoms of this disease. A key symptom of this disease is abdominal pain caused by changes in bowel movement. Other symptoms are bloating and discomfort.
4. Parkinson’s Disease: Constipation is a common problem in Parkinson's disease and may occur even before the motor symptoms appear. Other symptoms of this chronic and progress movement disorder include tremor, rigidity, and difficulty with balance.
5. Colo-rectal cancer: This is a tumour
from the inner wall of the colon or rectum. The symptoms are non-specific
depending on where the tumour is situated. Symptoms include blood in the stool,
dark coloured stool, diarrhoea, and constipation.
