Chronic constipation is a common gastrointestinal motility disorder characterized by infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stools. At SHIFAA PAN African Hospitals, our Gastroenterology Department specializes in diagnosing and managing chronic constipation, offering comprehensive care to improve bowel function and quality of life.

Symptoms:

Chronic constipation symptoms may include passing fewer than three stools per week, straining during bowel movements, hard or lumpy stools, feeling like the bowel is not completely empty after a bowel movement, abdominal discomfort or bloating, and a sense of rectal blockage. These symptoms can significantly impact daily activities and overall well-being.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosing chronic constipation involves a comprehensive assessment of medical history, dietary habits, lifestyle factors, and physical examination. Diagnostic tests may include blood tests to rule out underlying conditions, imaging studies such as abdominal X-rays or colonoscopy to evaluate the colon’s structure and function, and anorectal tests to assess rectal sensation and muscle function.

Treatment:

Treatment for chronic constipation aims to relieve symptoms, promote regular bowel movements, and address underlying causes. Therapeutic interventions may include dietary modifications (e.g., increasing fiber intake, drinking plenty of fluids), lifestyle changes (e.g., regular exercise, establishing a regular toilet routine), over-the-counter or prescription medications to soften stools or stimulate bowel movements, and biofeedback therapy to improve rectal muscle coordination. Chronic constipation can lead to complications such as fecal impaction, hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse, and fecal incontinence. Monitoring for complications and regular follow-up evaluations are essential components of long-term management to adjust treatment plans as needed and optimize bowel function.

Prevention:

Preventive measures for chronic constipation may include maintaining a high-fiber diet, staying hydrated, engaging in regular physical activity, and establishing healthy bowel habits. Managing underlying conditions that contribute to constipation, such as diabetes or hypothyroidism, can also help prevent recurrent episodes.

Multidisciplinary Care:

Managing chronic constipation often requires a multidisciplinary approach involving gastroenterologists, dietitians, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals. Collaborative care focuses on individualized treatment plans, dietary counseling, lifestyle modifications, and patient education to improve bowel function and quality of life.

 

What causes chronic constipation?

Chronic constipation can result from various factors, including inadequate dietary fiber intake, insufficient fluid intake, sedentary lifestyle, certain medications (e.g., opioids, antidepressants), neurological disorders (e.g., Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis), and pelvic floor dysfunction.

 

How is chronic constipation diagnosed?

Diagnosing chronic constipation involves a comprehensive evaluation, including medical history review, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as blood tests, imaging studies, and anorectal tests to assess rectal sensation and muscle function.

 

What are the treatment options for chronic constipation?

Treatment for chronic constipation may include dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, over-the-counter or prescription medications, and biofeedback therapy. Treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s specific needs and underlying causes.

 

Can chronic constipation be prevented?

While some causes of chronic constipation may not be preventable, adopting a high-fiber diet, staying hydrated, engaging in regular physical activity, and establishing healthy bowel habits can help prevent or alleviate symptoms. Managing underlying conditions that contribute to constipation is also important for prevention.