How To Treat Chronic Constipation

Tips on How to Treat Chronic Constipation

Clinical trials are being conducted throughout the United States on investigational drugs for chronic constipation. For many people, current therapeutic options are not always effective. Constipation can cause bloating and straining resulting in hard lumpy stools and incomplete emptying of the bowel. Novel treatments are being studied to resolve the problem of chronic constipation and constipation due to pain medication.

Constipation is caused by food that is moving too slowly inside the digestive tract. There are many factors that contribute to this movement, like diet, lack of water, stress, medication, laxatives or hormonal disorders. Diets that are not rich in fibers may contribute to constipation. The digestive tract needs lots of fiber to push the food through the bowels.

Anyone who doesn't drink water or other liquids can develop constipation more easily than those who drink at least seven to eight glasses of liquid a day. Stress is another cause because it is disturbing the hormone levels. Many drugs as well are responsible for constipation, including painkillers, calcium channel blocking drugs, iron, anticonvulsants and antidepressants. Constipation can lead to rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, cramps or physical discomfort.

Treatment for chronic constipation sometimes requires the supervision of a doctor. Before treating chronic constipation, you should know the contributing factors and whether physical problems in the gastrointestinal track are the cause. A colonoscopy test is often performed to confirm or rule out a possible cause of constipation.

The diet with fibers is one of the least expensive and easiest way to avoid constipation. Eating the proper amount of fibers every day, may relieve the symptoms. Vegetables and fruits are very rich in fibers and you should eat at least five servings a day. Fiber supplements are available over the counter. Other sources of fiber include wheat, oat bran, flax seed, psyllium seed and malt extract.

Another tip on how to treat chronic constipation: use of laxatives. Emollient laxatives are working as a wetting agent, allowing the water from the bowels to enter and mix with the stool. Saline laxatives help retain water, softening the stool. The lubricant laxatives can be used for the short-term treatment of chronic constipation. They contain a combination of water and oil. The oil makes the stool softer and easier to eliminate.

Changing your lifestyle with diet and exercise can be effective. If not, medication is available as an alternative treatment. New and improved treatments will be available in the future when drugs under investigation reach the market.