Facing the Problem of Adult Constipation

When it comes to adult constipation, effects vary per individual. To others this could just be a problem of not passing stools as frequent as they normally do and to some it could be difficulty defecating. Still other people’s symptoms may include bloating and gas.

Since adult constipation symptoms vary, so are treatments. This problem is cured by determining the causes.

What causes infrequent bowel movements in adults?

There are some medications that cause this problem. Patients taking anti-depressants, narcotic pain killers, antacids with aluminum, iron supplements and some types of anti-convulsants are prone to infrequent bowel movements.

Adult constipation is also common to some people with poor diets, laxative dependency and hormonal disorders. Sometimes, this discomfort occurs when digestion slows down in the intestine particularly in the colon.

What treatments are available?

A common solution to the problem of adult constipation is taking higher amounts of fiber. Fiber is non-soluble so it can pass through the body almost unchanged. This makes the stool softer and easier to pass. Vegetables and fruits are still the best sources of natural fiber as well as wheat or oat bran, Psyllium seed and synthetic methyl cellulose.

Another common adult constipation treatment is water. Drinking lots of water keeps the body hydrated and keeps the digestive system running smoothly. Liquid is also needed to support the increase in your fiber intake.

Laxatives can also help ease the discomfort of infrequent bowel movements. You must be careful not to take laxatives in prolonged dosage though as this might lead to dependency that can disrupt the natural bowel movement of your body. Consult a physician if you think that you need to take stimulants to cure your adult constipation.

Enemas too can help but like laxatives must not be used regularly. Enemas help in adult constipation in cases of impaction but there could be side effects like damaging the rectum and disturbing electrolytes in the body.