Most of us will experience constipation sometime throughout our lifetime. That painful and irritating bloating and discomfort throughout the torso combined with the challenge of using the restroom can lead to worries and even panic when left untreated. Fortunately, treating constipation is not complicated and in most cases it is not a sign of serious problems.
Causes of Constipation
The causes of constipation are an important part of determining an appropriate treatment method. In most cases, the causes are not harmful to health and might need a few changes to combat the problem.
One common cause of constipation is medication. Taking a new medication, particularly medications for heartburn, can cause constipation. For many, this is temporary and will lessen with time. Most medications that cause constipation will list it among the potential side effects.
Another potential cause is poor diet or dietary changes. Changes to eating habits, particularly for short term time periods like going on vacation or traveling, can lead to constipation. The same is true of eating a poorly balanced diet that does not contain enough fiber.
For some, dehydration might cause constipation.
Irritable bowel syndrome or similar bowel disorders often lead to constipation. This is a potential cause for consistent problems with constipation and if other symptoms of the disease are met. If it is only constipation, the likelihood of a bowel disorder is low. Knowing how to treat constipation will go a far way in relieving your problem.
Over-the-Counter Treatment
One of the first steps to try is a basic over-the-counter constipation treatment. Almost any pharmacy or grocery store that sells medication will have a few options available to help relieve constipation and improve the situation.
Laxatives are among the most common over-the-counter treatment options available. This constipation treatment comes in a few different forms like pills, liquids and tea bags. The method of taking the laxative will vary based on the type. When treating constipation with a laxative, drink plenty of water afterward to stay hydrated. The laxative will help loosen the stools and relieve the constipation. For some, it might cause diarrhea for a short period of time.
Natural Treatment
In many cases, constipation is possible to relieve and treat through natural sources. Natural remedies make use of foods and drinks to help break down hard stools so that it is possible to relieve the problem.
The first natural treatment is drinking more water. Water helps loosen stools and keeps the body hydrated. A lack of water in the body results in water retention, which means less water is available in the digestive track. That often leads to constipation and dehydration. By adding more water and liquids, it will help loosen the stools and make the system heal.
Drinking caffeinated beverages like coffee or black tea is another natural treatment to help with constipation. Caffeine will help stimulate the body to go to the restroom and push out the hard stools causing constipation.
Treating constipation with food is another natural option to get through the situation. Fibrous foods like fruits, whole grains and beans might cause gas for some individuals as the body adjusts, but it will also push out everything blocking the digestive track and help alleviate the constipation.
For some, yogurt and the probiotics within it is known the help improve regularity in the digestive system and relieve some constipation. This might or might not work, depending on the cause of the constipation, but it is helpful in some cases.
Medical Attention
Sometimes, it is necessary to seek medical attention. If constipation persists after trying over-the-counter laxatives and natural remedies, it might be time to seek a doctor’s help. Any time a fever, vomiting, severe abdominal pain or bloody stools occur, seek medical attention immediately as it might be a sign of more serious conditions.
Treating constipation is not difficult. In most cases, a laxative or natural treatment is appropriate to handle the situation. Sometimes, a doctor might need to get involved if more serious symptoms occur, but usually constipation is a minor irritation.