Medicines Used for Chronic Constipation

The body contains a built-in timing mechanism that tells the colon when to have regular contractions. These contractions are what move waste products through the system and out of the body. Constipation occurs when irregular conditions alter the body's natural contraction rhythm and slow or halt the movement of waste through the body. There are many causes for this and chronic constipation may lead to other complications. Medicines and preventive steps are the best treatment.

Identification

Constipation is a condition where bowel emptying occurs infrequently or where stools are hard and small, or are difficult and painful. Symptoms of constipation include pain in the abdomen associated with bowel movements, a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bowel, and a bloated feeling in the stomach region. Daily bowel movements are not an indication of good health nor are they essential. As long as the bowels move regularly and without discomfort the frequency is not important.

Medicines

Chronic constipation is treated in a number of ways. Bulking agents like bran and ispaghula husk are the most common type of laxatives with names like Fybrogel or Regulan. Stimulant laxatives like Senokot and Dulco-lax cause bowel muscles to contract. Osmotic laxatives like lactulose work by increasing the amount of water in stools by drawing it from the bowel lining. Lubricants like mineral oil and castor oil coat the bowel and stool with a waterproof film to help the stool retain moisture to improve evacuation. For severe cases, stronger prescription laxatives may be used over the more readily available over-the-counter variety.

Causes

Causes of constipation include poor general health, an inactive lifestyle, insufficient hydration, inadequate toilet facilities and a low fiber diet. Other potential causes are an under active thyroid, spinal injury, irritable bowel syndrome, colon or rectal cancer, kidney failure, and the use of narcotic pain killers, antacids or antidepressants.

Complications

Complications of constipation on the body include hemorrhoids caused by straining, which is very painful and may cause local bleeding. Abuse of laxatives over a long period of time can lead to a sluggish bowel and force a dependency. Hernias or bulging of the abdominal contents through a weak point in the abdominal wall can be painful and lead to surgery to correct the issue.

Prevention

Prior to the need for medications, preventive steps are possible to help ward off the condition. A well-balanced high-fiber diet that includes bran and fruits and vegetables is often the most helpful, but limiting white bread, cakes and refined sugar products also has benefits. Proper hydration of eight to 10 glasses of water is a good thing for total body health, with the addition of some hot beverages to stimulate the bowel. Prunes and plum juice is beneficial, and regular exercise and stress management will improve digestion and the processing of waste.

References

• Smart Medicine for Healthier Living: Practical A-Z Reference to Natural and Conventional Treatments for Adults; Janet Zand, James B. LaValle and Allan N. Spreen; 1999
• Put Hemorrhoids and Constipation Behind You: New Treatment and Technology for 2 of Today's Most Common Yet Least Talked-About Problems; Kenneth Yasny PhD; 1997
• Why Can't I Go?: Answers and Relief for Women with Constipation; Christopher Lahr; 2004