Constipation

Constipation is when your bowel movements slow down and become difficult to pass. This happens when stools stay in the colon for too long, absorbing moisture and becoming dry and hard. This can lead to difficulty and pain when trying to pass the stools.

In most cases, it is a minor issue, and you can manage it by altering your lifestyle and diet.

Constipation can cause the following symptoms:

• Tummy ache
  
  
• Feeling like you can’t empty your bowels
  
  
• Loss of appetite
  
  
• Hard or lumpy poo
  
  
• Tummy cramps
  
  
• Nausea
  
  
• Feeling like there’s a blockage that’s making it hard to go for a poo
  
  
• Large or small stools
  
  
• Bloating

The following symptoms may also occur in children in addition to those mentioned above:

• Soiling themselves
  
  
• Lack of energy
  
  
• Irritability

There are a variety of factors that may cause constipation in children and babies, including:

• Dietary Factors: Children or infants who are overfed or do not receive adequate fluids may experience constipation.
  
  
• Bottle Feeding: Infants fed through bottles are more likely to develop constipation.
  
  
• Inadequate Toilet Practices: Certain children may develop anxiety or discomfort about using the toilet, leading them to withhold their bowel movements. Seeking assistance is vital in such cases, as avoiding the issue can exacerbate constipation.

If your child is suffering from constipation, Push Doctor can provide them with the help they may need. Our expert team of medical professionals can provide treatment to ease your little one's discomfort and give you the peace of mind you need. Be sure to book your child's consultation with Mobi Doctor today.

The following symptoms should be taken seriously and should be treated by a medical expert as soon as possible:

• Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
  
  
• Persistent fatigue
  
  
• Unexplained loss of weight
  
  
• Intense pain during bowel movements
  
  
• Fever accompanied by lower abdominal discomfort, in combination with thin or loose stool, as this might indicate diverticulitis or another bowel issue.
  
  
• The onset of constipation after initiating new medication
  
  
• If constipation persists for 2 to 3 weeks alongside abdominal pain, particularly in older individuals or those with disabilities, this could point to an impacted stool.

The cause of your constipation might not be immediately apparent, yet it can stem from various factors, which encompass:

• Dietary habits, such as insufficient fibre intake or inadequate fluid consumption.
  
  
• Ignoring the body's signals to use the toilet.
  
  
• Sedentary lifestyle.
  
  
• Lifestyle alterations.
  
  
• Overweight or underweight status.
  
  
• Diminished health condition.
  
  
• Specific medications, including antidepressants, antacids, diuretics, iron or calcium supplements, as well as certain opiate painkillers like codeine or morphine.

When it comes to constipation, there is rarely anything to worry about, and it can usually be managed easily. There are, however, some cases in which it could indicate a severe health issue, such as:

• Muscular dystrophy
  
  
• Emotional and psychiatric issues
  
  
• Anxiety or depression
  
  
• Parkinson’s disease
  
  
• Inflammatory bowel disease - Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis
  
  
• Piles
  
  
• Bowel cancer
  
  
• Multiple sclerosis
  
  
• Hypercalcaemia
  
  
• Diabetes
  
  
• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
  
  
• Anal fissure
  
  
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  
  
• Pregnancy
  
  
• A spinal cord injury

Talk to a doctor as soon as possible if you think you have an underlying condition causing constipation.