Constipation

Constipation most commonly occurs when waste or stool moves too slowly through the digestive tract or cannot be eliminated effectively from the rectum, which may cause the stool to become hard and dry. Chronic constipation has many possible causes.
Constipation can have causes that aren't due to underlying disease. Examples include dehydration, lack of dietary fibre, physical inactivity or medication side effects.

SOME IMPORTANT FACTS

• One of the most common diseases which affects children, adults and the elderly.
• Recent onset of Constipation should be taken seriously.
• Constipation, if accompanied by Weight Loss and BLOOD IN STOOLS should be immediately investigated.

CAUSE OF CONSTIPATION

Constipation is of 2 types

• Secondary Constipation
• Primary or Idiopathic Constipation.

Secondary Constipation is caused by blockage of the passage of stools in the large intestine.
THE BLOCKAGE CAN BECAUSE OF CANCER OF THE LARGE INTESTINE (colon) as seen in adults or neurological causes like Hirschsprung’s disease in children.
Primary Constipation is the most common cause of constipation. The constipation is related to low fiber diet, deranged colonic motility and low water intake.

HOW TO DETECT THE CAUSE OF CONSTIPATION

To differentiate secondary from primary constipation the large intestine has to be examined. This examination can be performed with the help of a test known as colonoscopy.
In Colonoscopy, A tube with a camera on its tip goes into the large intestine and a clear image of the narrowing or tumor if any, appears on the T.V. Monitor.
This can also be viewed the patient and his /her relatives.