Piles, Fissure & Fistula Medicine
Constipation Care
Acidity Care
IBS & Gut Health
Healing with Turmeric
By Dr. Priyanka Oka
BAMS, PGDHM,
Consulting Physician, Healing Hands Clinic
Table of Contents
What is Constipation?
Constipation is a digestive condition where you have fewer than three bowel movements per week, often with hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass. This common issue affects people of all ages and can significantly impact your daily comfort and quality of life, but it's manageable with the right approach.
Types of Constipation
Understanding the different types of constipation helps you identify the right approach for relief. Doctors classify constipation based on what's causing it and how your bowel movements are affected.
Primary Constipation
This occurs when the bowel or pelvic floor muscles don’t function properly on their own, without any other medical condition being responsible.
Normal Transit Constipation
In this type, stool moves at a normal speed through the colon, but the person feels that it is hard to pass. It is often associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Slow Transit Constipation
In slow transit, the colon muscles do not contract effectively, which causes stool to move very slowly through the system.
Outlet Dysfunction Constipation
In this type of constipation, the person has trouble pushing stool out because the pelvic floor muscles do not coordinate properly during bowel movements.
Chronic Idiopathic Constipation
This is a long-term form of constipation where no clear or identifiable cause can be found by doctors.
Secondary Constipation
Secondary constipation happens when something else in your body or lifestyle is causing the problem. Common causes include medications like painkillers or antacids, health conditions like diabetes or thyroid problems, not eating enough fiber, drinking too little water, or sitting too much during the day.
Obstructive Defecation Syndrome (ODS)
ODS is a chronic form of constipation where something blocks normal stool passage. This could be a physical blockage in your rectum or problems with how your pelvic floor muscles work. You might need to strain hard, feel like you haven't emptied completely, or use your hands to help pass stool.
Refer to the below table for a clear idea:
| Type | Subtype | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Constipation | Normal Transit Constipation | Stool moves normally but feels difficult to pass, often linked with IBS. |
| Slow Transit Constipation | Stool moves very slowly because the colon muscles do not contract well. | |
| Outlet Dysfunction Constipation | The pelvic floor muscles fail to coordinate, making it hard to push stool out. | |
| Chronic Idiopathic Constipation | A long-term type of constipation with no identifiable cause. | |
| Secondary Constipation | NA | Constipation caused by medications, health conditions, or lifestyle factors. |
| Obstructive Defecation Syndrome | NA | Structural or anatomical problems (such as rectocele, rectal prolapse, or intussusception) physically block stool passage, even when bowel movements reach the rectum normally. |
What Causes Constipation?
Several factors can lead to constipation, often working together to slow down your bowel movements.
- Dietary Factors: Diet plays a major role. When you don't eat enough fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dal, your stool doesn't have enough bulk to move easily through your intestines. Not drinking enough water makes your stool hard and dry, which is much harder to pass.
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Lifestyle Habits: Lifestyle habits significantly impact your bowel health. If you sit for long hours at work or don't get regular exercise, your intestinal muscles become sluggish. Physical activity naturally stimulates your bowel movements, so a sedentary routine often leads to constipation.
- Travel: Changes in routine, disrupted sleep patterns, and eating unfamiliar foods while traveling can upset your digestive system. Long flights or road trips also mean sitting for extended periods, which slows down bowel movements.
- Holding Your Urge to Defecate: Ignoring nature's call is a common problem. When you delay going to the toilet because you're busy or the facilities aren't clean, you weaken your body's natural reflexes. Over time, this makes it harder for your body to signal when it's time to go.
- Medications: Certain medicines can cause constipation as a side effect. Pain medications, especially opioids, antacids containing calcium or aluminium, some antidepressants, and iron supplements are common culprits.
- Health Conditions: Ailments like hypothyroidism, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, or pelvic floor problems can interfere with normal bowel function. During pregnancy, hormonal changes and pressure from the growing baby often cause constipation.
- Stress and Emotional Factors: These also affect your digestive system. Anxiety, depression, or major life changes can disrupt your normal bowel patterns.
- Age: Age-related changes make constipation more common in older adults. As you age, your colon muscles work less efficiently, and you're more likely to take medications or have health conditions that contribute to the problem.
Symptoms of Constipation
Constipation symptoms can make daily life uncomfortable and affect your overall well-being. Some of the most common symptoms include the following:
- The most obvious sign is having fewer than three bowel movements per week. You might find yourself straining excessively when trying to pass stool, which shouldn't be necessary for normal bowel movements.
- Hard, dry, or lumpy stools are classic constipation symptoms. These stools are difficult and sometimes painful to pass. You might also experience a feeling that you haven't completely emptied your bowel even after using the toilet.
- Abdominal discomfort and bloating happen because stool builds up in your intestines, creating pressure and gas accumulation. This can make your stomach feel tight and uncomfortable throughout the day.
- In severe cases, you might need to use manual techniques like pressing on your abdomen or using your fingers to help stool passage. Some people also experience a sensation of blockage in their rectum, making it feel impossible to have a normal bowel movement.
These symptoms of constipation often cause embarrassment, leading many people to avoid discussing the problem with family or doctors. However, ignoring constipation can lead to complications like hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or more severe bowel problems.
What are the Risk Factors of Constipation?
Several factors increase your chances of developing constipation, and understanding these can help you take preventive steps.
- Age: Age plays a significant role—older adults face higher risks due to reduced mobility, slower bowel movement, and common health conditions that affect digestion. Children, especially school-going kids, are also prone to constipation as they may ignore the urge to pass stool or hold it in due to lack of access to clean toilets or being preoccupied with school activities.
- Gender: Women experience constipation more often than men, particularly during pregnancy when hormonal changes and the growing baby put pressure on the intestines. Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation and menopause also contribute to this increased risk.
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Daily Habits: Your daily habits strongly influence bowel health:
- Low physical activity slows down intestinal movement, making it harder for waste to pass through
- Insufficient dietary fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains reduces stool bulk and softness
- Dehydration hardens stools, making them difficult to pass
- Ignoring the urge to use the toilet disrupts your body's natural rhythm
- Depression and Anxiety: Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety can disrupt the gut-brain connection, affecting normal bowel function. Various medications, including painkillers, antacids, and certain blood pressure medicines, list constipation as a common side effect.
- Health Conditions: Medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, and neurological problems can also slow down bowel movements. In urban Indian settings, sedentary office jobs combined with processed foods and irregular meal times often contribute to digestive issues.
How is Constipation Diagnosed?
Doctors use a systematic approach to diagnose constipation and identify its underlying causes. The process typically begins with understanding your symptoms and medical history, followed by specific tests when needed.
History and Physical Exam
Your doctor will ask detailed questions about your bowel habits, including how often you pass stools and their consistency. They'll review your diet, medications, and any symptoms like abdominal pain or bleeding. The physical examination includes checking your abdomen for tenderness and performing a rectal exam to detect any blockages or abnormalities.
Tests
When symptoms persist or seem severe, doctors may recommend specific tests to better understand your condition. These range from simple blood work to more detailed imaging studies, each providing valuable insights into potential causes.
Blood Tests
Blood work helps identify underlying medical conditions that might cause constipation. Your doctor looks for thyroid problems, diabetes, or electrolyte imbalances that can slow down bowel function. These tests also check for signs of inflammation or nutritional deficiencies affecting your digestive system.
MRI Defecography
This specialised imaging test shows how your pelvic floor muscles and rectum work during bowel movements. It helps doctors spot problems like muscle coordination issues or structural abnormalities that might be blocking normal stool passage.
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy allows doctors to examine the inside of your colon using a flexible camera. This test is particularly important if you have warning signs like blood in stools or unexplained weight loss, as it can detect polyps, tumours, or inflammation.
Anal Manometry
This test measures the strength and coordination of your anal muscles during rest and straining. It's especially helpful for diagnosing pelvic floor problems where muscles don't work properly together during bowel movements.
Treatment for Constipation
Treatment for constipation varies based on the severity and underlying cause of your condition. The approach typically starts with simple lifestyle changes and progresses to medical interventions when needed. Most people find relief through dietary modifications and natural remedies before requiring stronger treatments. Here's how to relieve constipation:
Preventive Constipation Remedies
Prevention remains the most effective approach to managing constipation. Simple changes in your daily routine can significantly improve bowel function and prevent future episodes.
- Increasing your fiber intake forms the foundation of prevention. Include whole grains like jowar, bajra, ragi, brown rice and oats, plenty of vegetables such as spinach and beans, and fruits like guavas and oranges in your meals. These foods add bulk to your stools and make them easier to pass.
- Proper hydration keeps your stools soft and prevents them from becoming hard and difficult to pass. Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily, and consider starting your morning with warm water or jeera water, which many find helpful for digestion.
- Regular physical activity stimulates your intestinal muscles and promotes healthy bowel movements. Even a 30-minute daily walk can make a significant difference. Simple yoga poses like the wind-relieving pose can also help.
- Traditional Indian foods like buttermilk, papaya, and figs naturally support healthy digestion. Limiting processed foods, excessive tea, and refined flour products also helps maintain regular bowel movements.
#QUICK TIPS - What Helps With Constipatio
Over-the-counter Medication
When lifestyle changes aren't enough, several over-the-counter options can provide constipation relief. These medicines work through different mechanisms to ease bowel movements.
- Bulk-forming agents like psyllium husk (isabgol) absorb water and create softer, larger stools that are easier to pass. They're generally safe for long-term use and work well with increased fluid intake.
- Stool softeners help water penetrate hard stools, making them easier to eliminate. Osmotic laxatives like lactulose draw water into the intestines, softening stools naturally.
- Stimulant laxatives containing senna or bisacodyl trigger intestinal contractions to move stools along. While effective, they should be used sparingly to avoid dependency.
Always start with the gentlest option and consult a healthcare provider if you need these medications regularly. Some people find that alternating between different types works better than relying on one consistently.
Plant-based Medication
Ayurvedic medicine for constipation offers time-tested solutions that work gently with your body's natural processes. Healing Hands Constipation Care offers a holistic solution for mild to severe constipation by blending traditional wisdom with modern science. The range includes Constac Granules and Constac Tab, both carefully formulated to provide effective and safe relief from your bowel woes. Here you go -
- Constac Granules – designed for mild constipation, gentle enough for regular use.
- Constac Plus Granules – a stronger variant for severe or chronic constipation.
- ConstacTab – a convenient tablet option for those who prefer an easy-to-take alternative.
These patented formulations combine traditional Ayurvedic herbs known for their digestive properties with modern scientific quality standards. The herbal ingredients work by:
- Stimulating natural digestive fire (agni) to improve overall gut function
- Providing gentle laxative effects without creating dependency
- Work as natural stool softner for easy evacuation
- Providing natural fiber content for better digestion
- Supporting healthy gut bacteria that aid regular bowel movements
- Reducing inflammation in the digestive tract
Unlike harsh chemical laxatives, these plant-based remedies work gradually to restore your body's natural rhythm. They also support overall digestive health rather than just treating symptoms.
The approach emphasises treating the root cause rather than providing temporary relief. This includes dietary guidance focusing on traditional Indian high-fiber foods and eating habits that support long-term digestive wellness.
Many users find that constipation medicine based on natural ingredients causes fewer side effects and works more harmoniously with their body. The gradual action allows your digestive system to maintain its natural function while receiving gentle support.
Biofeedback Therapy
Biofeedback therapy helps retrain your pelvic floor muscles to work properly during bowel movements. This treatment for constipation is particularly effective when muscle coordination problems cause your symptoms.
During sessions, sensors monitor your muscle activity while you practice proper straining and relaxation techniques. Visual or audio feedback helps you understand how your muscles should work and identify when they're not functioning correctly.
The therapy is especially beneficial for people whose pelvic floor muscles tighten when they should relax, a condition called dyssynergic defecation. Many patients see significant improvement after several sessions with a trained therapist.
This non-invasive approach can reduce reliance on laxatives and provide long-term relief. The skills learned during therapy continue to benefit patients long after treatment ends.
Surgery
Surgical intervention becomes necessary only when severe constipation doesn't respond to other treatments and significantly impacts quality of life. These procedures address specific structural problems causing obstruction.
Stapled Trans Anal Rectal Resection (STARR)
STARR surgery removes excess rectal tissue that may be blocking normal bowel movements. The procedure uses a circular stapling device to cut away prolapsed or redundant tissue while preserving normal anatomy.
This surgery specifically helps people with obstructed defecation syndrome where internal tissue prolapses interfere with stool passage. Recovery typically takes several weeks, during which patients follow specific dietary and activity guidelines.
Obstructed Defection Syndrome
When structural problems like rectocele or severe pelvic floor dysfunction cause chronic constipation, various surgical repairs may be necessary. The specific procedure depends on the exact anatomical problem identified through detailed testing.
Surgery for obstructed defecation syndrome requires careful patient selection and thorough evaluation. Success rates are generally good when patients are properly chosen, but recovery involves commitment to post-operative care and continued lifestyle modifications.
All surgical options carry risks and require extensive discussion between patient and surgeon. Most people explore all conservative treatments before considering surgery, and post-operative success often depends on maintaining healthy bowel habits learned during non-surgical treatment phases.
When to See a Doctor?
You should see a doctor if your constipation persists for more than three weeks, even after making dietary and lifestyle changes. This is especially important if you experience warning signs like severe stomach pain, blood in your stool, sudden weight loss without trying, or if passing stool becomes much harder than usual.
Quick Tip: Don't wait if you notice blood in your stool or severe pain. These could signal something more serious that needs immediate attention.
Sometimes, ongoing constipation points to underlying health issues like thyroid problems, diabetes, or bowel disorders that need proper medical care. Many people in India delay seeing a doctor because they feel embarrassed or think these symptoms are normal. However, early consultation helps determine whether your constipation stems from simple lifestyle factors or something more serious like bowel blockage.
If you find yourself reaching for over-the-counter laxatives excessively, or if your bowel habits suddenly change without reason, it's time to get professional help. Your doctor may check your overall health, run blood tests, or use imaging to find the root cause and create the right treatment for constipation plan for you.
Possible Complications of Untreated Constipation
Ignoring persistent constipation can lead to painful complications that affect your daily life and overall health. The constant straining during bowel movements puts extra pressure on your rectal area, creating several problems. The most common issues include:
- Piles (hemorrhoids) - swollen veins around your anus that cause pain, itching, and bleeding
- Anal fissures - small tears in the skin around your anus that lead to sharp pain and bleeding during bowel movements
- Fecal impaction - when hard, dry stool gets stuck in your colon or rectum, often requiring medical removal
- Rectal prolapse - part of your rectum pushes outside your anus due to excessive straining
These complications cause significant discomfort and can be socially embarrassing, often making people avoid seeking help. In urban India, where people consume less fiber and lead sedentary lifestyles, these risks increase when constipation goes untreated. Chronic constipation can also raise your risk of infections and worsen existing bowel problems, making early constipation relief essential.
Building Lasting Digestive Health
Successfully managing constipation requires a complete approach that focuses on long-term digestive wellness rather than quick fixes. Start by gradually adding more fiber through familiar foods like dal, leafy vegetables, fruits such as guava and papaya, and whole grains like millets and brown rice.
Proper hydration works hand-in-hand with increased fiber intake to keep your stool soft and easy to pass. Regular movement, whether it's walking, yoga, or simple stretching, naturally stimulates your bowel muscles. Listen to your body's signals and don't delay when you feel the urge to go - timing matters for healthy bowel habits.
Creating a routine around mealtimes helps too, as your gut is most active after eating. Reducing processed foods and managing stress through relaxation techniques further supports your digestive system. When lifestyle changes aren't enough, seeking professional guidance ensures you get safe, effective Ayurvedic medicine for constipation that works with your body's natural healing processes for sustained relief.
FAQs
Q1. What are the main symptoms that indicate I have constipation?
Constipation symptoms include fewer than three bowel movements per week, hard or dry stools, excessive straining, bloating, abdominal discomfort, and feeling incomplete evacuation after passing stool.
Q2. What natural remedies provide effective constipation relief at home?
Increase fiber intake through papaya, guava, and whole grains. Drink warm water or jeera water in the morning. Regular walking, yoga, and responding promptly to bowel urges help relieve constipation naturally.
Q3. When should I consider Ayurvedic Medicine for Constipation instead of conventional treatments?
Ayurvedic Medicine for Constipation works well for chronic, mild cases through gentle, plant-based ingredients. Consider it when seeking natural, long-term digestive balance without dependency on harsh laxatives or chemical treatments.
Q4. What causes constipation most commonly in Indian households?
Low fiber diets lacking vegetables and fruits, inadequate water intake, sedentary lifestyles, irregular meal times, ignoring natural urges, and stress commonly cause constipation. Refined foods and reduced physical activity worsen symptoms.
Q5. How do I know when constipation requires professional treatment?
Seek professional treatment for Constipation if symptoms persist beyond three weeks, accompanied by severe pain, blood in stools, sudden bowel habit changes after age 50, or unexplained weight loss.
Q6. How does constipation affect sleep?
Abdominal bloating and discomfort from constipation can disrupt sleep, while poor sleep itself may slow digestion and worsen the problem.
Q7. Can constipation cause bad breath?
Yes. Severe constipation can cause toxins and gases to build up in the digestive system, which may lead to halitosis (bad breath).
Q8. What is the link between constipation and hemorrhoids?
Straining during hard bowel movements increases pressure on rectal veins, leading to or worsening hemorrhoids or anal fissures.
Q9. Are laxatives safe for long-term use?
Occasional use of laxatives is safe, but long-term reliance can reduce natural bowel function and may cause dependency. For safe long-term use you can use Healing Hands Constipation medicines, which are patented, clinically proven and are safe for long term use.
Q10. Can constipation cause weight gain?
Constipation can cause temporary bloating and a feeling of heaviness, but it does not directly cause fat gain. However, unhealthy eating habits that cause constipation may also contribute to weight gain.
Q11. Does exercise really help with constipation?
Yes. Physical activity stimulates intestinal muscles, improving motility and making it easier for stools to pass. Even a daily 20–30 minute walk helps.
Q12. Is constipation more common in women than men?
Yes. Hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, and slower gut transit times make women more prone to constipation than men.
Q13. Can constipation cause urinary problems?
Yes. A full rectum can press against the bladder, leading to urinary urgency, incomplete emptying, or even urinary tract infections (UTIs).
References
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4059-constipation
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/constipation/symptoms-causes/syc-20354253
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11781917/
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/184704-overview
