Constipation is common in children and may be related to any of the causes noted in the previous section. In a small number of children, constipation may be the result of physical problems. Children with such defects as the absence of normal nerve endings in portions of the bowel, abnormalities of the spinal cord, thyroid deficiency, mental retardation, and certain other inherited metabolic disorders often suffer symptoms of constipation. Constipation in children, however, usually is due to poor bowel habits.

Studies show that many children who suffer from constipation when they are older have a history of passing stools that are firmer than average in their early weeks of life. Because this occurs before there are significant variations in diet, habits, or attitudes, it suggests children who develop constipation have a normal tendency to have firmer stools. Such children suffer little from the tendency unless it is aggravated by poor bowel habits or poor diet.

Constipation may result in pain when the child has bowel movements. Cracks in the skin, called fissures, may develop in the anus. These fissures can bleed or increase pain, causing a child to withhold his or her stool. Children may withhold their stools for other reasons as well. Some find it inconvenient to use toilets outside of the home. Also, severe emotional stress caused by family crises or difficulties at school may cause children to withhold their stools. In these instances, the periods between bowel movements may become quite long, in some cases lasting longer than one or two weeks. These children may develop fecal impaction’s, a situation where the stool is packed so tightly in the bowel that the normal pushing action of the bowel is not enough to expel the stool spontaneously.

written by Joy Seeman

© 2009 HIC Digestive Health

Constipation, at one time or another everyone gets it. Constipation might be a symptom of a more serious medical disease. It is very important to understand that constipation is not a disease but a symptom.  Suffering from constipation is not a cause for serious alarm as it is often caused by a poor diet or elimination habits. Constipation is easily relieved by using laxatives and increasing amount of water intake.

Constipation is a common medical condition wherein a person suffers from decreased and irregular bowel movements.  In this condition, bowel movement is described as occurring less than 3 times a week.  Passing out feces maybe accompanied by pain and stool is described as dry and hard.

Why do stools harden?

Pain in constipation is caused by passing out hard stools.  Water is mainly absorbed in the large intestines. The large intestine also plays a major role in stool formation. The main cause of hardened stools is decreased water intake. Liquids are not only taken up by drinking water but are also contained in food. Water acts as a natural laxative making stools softer and making it easier to pass out.

Stools also harden when they stay abnormally long in the rectum. Stool is normally stored in the rectum before they are passed out through defecation. Establishing normal patterns of elimination is needed for regular bowel movements.

Sedentary lifestyles or lack of exercise may also cause constipation. Peristalsis is the movement of food in the body. General body weakness may cause decreased peristalsis, making stool to stay longer in the rectum before being passed out. Patients recovering after a major surgery often find themselves suffering from constipation. Anesthesia causes decreased peristaltic movements and laxatives are introduced to promote easier defecation.

Another cause for hard stools is the lack of fiber in the diet. A daily intake of fruits, vegetables and grains is recommended. These types of food are not only good for promoting normal stool consistency but are also excellent for preventing many types of diseases such as cancer.

Medicines such as diuretics, or those containing calcium and iron can cause constipation. Diuretics increase water elimination through urination making little water available for the formation of stools making them harder. Calcium is a mineral that causes the body to absorb more water; it is needed for maintaining normal levels of fluid in the body. Medicines containing large amounts of calcium may increase fluid retention decreasing water available for stool formation.

Abnormal growths in the lower digestive tract such as the large intestines or rectum can block the passages making stools to stay longer than normal. Polyp formation or cancers can produce abnormal tissue growth decreasing the surface and diameter of the lower passages.

Managing and treating constipation

Laxatives are used as immediate treatment for people suffering from constipation. Laxatives or stool softeners maybe directly introduced through the anus to instantly induce defecation. Increasing water intake can also be done to improve stool content and act as a lubricant for passing out stool.

Constipation can be easily avoided by lifestyle changes, below are simple ways on how you could maintain a normal bowel elimination pattern.

• Drinking plenty of water and liquids
• Developing regular bowel habits
• Avoiding medicines which may cause constipation
• Regular exercise
• Maintaining a diet rich in fiber  (read H.I.C. article Fruit and Fiber)

Assessment and diagnostic methods

Diagnosis is based on history, physical examination and visualization through different laboratory tests and techniques. A medical history is taken to assess how long the patient has been suffering from constipation. A patient is also asked to describe the consistency of the stool and asked if there is any blood or any abnormal content in the stool. A quick interview is also made by asking for any recent medications or changes in diet.

For patients found to be exhibiting severe symptoms associated with constipations a laboratory test is done to visualize the anatomy and determine if the digestive tract is functioning normally.

• Sigmoidoscopy
• Barium Enema X ray
• Colorectal Transit Study
• Anorectal Function Test
• Defecography

Constipation should not be taken lightly. Constipation might be an early symptom of a serious disease such as cancer. Constipation can cause hemorrhoids. Harder stools require a greater effort during defecation. Straining causes tissue trauma to the anus or linings of the anus and rectum which may result to bleeding. Treatment for hemorrhoids includes warm tub baths, applying creams and placing an ice pack over the affected area.

Constipation is a very common problem; development of the condition is usually related to insufficient water intake and an improper diet. Laxatives are only prescribed when the symptoms of constipation are severe. It is always important to maintain and restore normal bowel movements through natural means and medications are only a last resort.  Constipation is usually not a cause of great concern, it is easily treated with a proper diet and a healthy lifestyle.

written by,

Ronald Uy , RN

© 2009  Hemorrhoid Information Center

Ahhh, the savory aroma of freshly-brewed coffee in the morning, and those consumed cups of morning Joe help millions of people come alive to prepare for their day. We are a nation of coffee drinkers, consuming tons of the roasted coffee beans to make it a profitable 18 billion dollar industry in this country alone. Some scientists believe the smell of coffee helps restore appetite and refreshes your ability to detect odors. Perfume boutiques offer coffee beans to refresh olfactory receptors between perfume sniffing. But what are the health effects of coffee drinking on the digestive system? Many medical studies have looked at the connection between coffee consumption and digestive disorders; although findings can be inconclusive, some observations can be made.

Regular or Decaf Coffee?

As everyone knows, coffee can be purchased either caffeinated or decaffeinated (where the caffeine has been removed). Caffeine in coffee has been considered the source of health problems for many people because of its effect on the central nervous system, so they often switch to decaf to avoid jitteriness and insomnia. Also, caffeine is addictive and withdrawal from it can be difficult, so many people switch to decaf in the hope that it is better for them. But it seems to have little effect on digestive problems whether you drink caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee.

All coffee affects the digestive system in these ways:

Pregnant women can develop iron-deficiency anemia from Coffee

• Creates a laxative effect, stimulating the wave-like movements of the gastrointestinal tract to empty of its contents. It can be helpful to constipation sufferers, but it can also contribute to extremely loose stools.
• Increases acidity of gastric juices with more acid, surprisingly, produced by decaffeinated coffee. Also, stomach contents may exit into the small intestine before being adequately digested, causing distress or pain in the abdomen.
• Can damage the lining of the intestines in excessive amounts and in sensitive individuals allowing the formation of ulcers and gastritis (inflammation of the stomach’s lining) or aggravating existing conditions. People who suffer from gastrointestinal problems such as IBS, Crohn’s disease, and colitis are usually advised not to drink coffee.
• Increases heartburn or acid reflux by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter muscle at the juncture of esophagus and stomach. Caffeine is a known relaxant of this muscle, but it can also occur from drinking decaffeinated coffee too.
• Allows the absorption of two chemicals, cafestol and kahweol, which increase LDL levels in cholesterol. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are considered the bad cholesterol which leads to cardiovascular disease. These components can be removed from coffee by using paper coffee filters.
• Interferes with the absorption of iron for people who take iron supplements. Pregnant women can develop iron-deficiency anemia.

Most medical authorities believe coffee is harmless to a healthy individual when used in moderation (usually considered drinking two to three cups a day), but aggravates gastrointestinal problems in others. Moderate coffee drinkers have been shown to enjoy some health benefits, such as less risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, type 2 diabetes, gall bladder disease, certain types of cancer, and Parkinson’s disease. On the other hand, caffeine dependency can create anxiety and sleep disorders, and attempts to withdraw from caffeine can be difficult to handle in heavy coffee drinkers. Furthermore, people who suffer from gastrointestinal disorders are more sensitive to the adverse effects of both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee. In the person who experiences digestive disorders, the aroma of freshly-brewed morning Joe should be all that is enjoyed because of the adverse correlation between coffee and the digestive system.

written by Joy Seeman

© 2009 H.I.C. Digestive Health

Coffee and Gastrointestinal Function. (n.d.). Retrieved September 15, 2009, from The Coffee Science Information Center: http://www.cosic.org/

Coffee and Health. (2009, September 16). Retrieved September 16, 2009, from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page

Higdon, P. D. (2005, August). Oregon State University. Retrieved September 16, 2009, from Linus Pauling Institute: http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/

Being pregnant is not an easy job, your body is adapting to the monumental task of creating a new life. Suddenly problems that you never experienced before, and thought you never would are happening to your body. One of these unexpected problems can be constipation, and it is a common problem in pregnancy. Hormonal changes and the growing baby inside you are requiring your body to make adjustments, and the price you often pay is called constipation. Some women breeze through pregnancy without this problem, but they are the lucky ones. It is estimated that about 25 percent of pregnant women suffer from constipation. Learn how to overcome your symptoms and take care of yourself, so that your baby will be given a great start in life.

You’re considered constipated if you have two or more of these symptoms:

• Have fewer than three bowel movements a week
• Have stools that are hard and dry
• Strain excessively at a bowel movement
• Experience pain
• Feel that you have not completed all the bowel movement

Bowel movements should occur easily without straining if your digestive system is working smoothly. Never stifle the urge to have a movement because it contributes to greater constipation.

What is causing your constipation? One of the culprits is a higher level of the hormone progesterone that your body is producing to guard against miscarriage, and as an aid to the placenta in nourishing the baby. At the same time, progesterone is slowing down the movement of food through your digestive tract. Since you are in a manner of speaking eating for two, your digestive system is slowing down to extract all the nutritional value out of the food that it possibly can. As it stays in the intestines longer, more and more liquid is squeezed out, making the stool smaller and more difficult to pass. Hemorrhoids can form, caused by the straining involved in a bowel movement. Another culprit to having constipation is iron supplements. Check the dosage of your prenatal vitamins; if it isn’t higher than 30 milligrams for the iron, you are probably okay. If you are anemic, consult your health care providers for their recommendations because there are slow-release iron supplements available. Then, there is the added pressure of the baby as it grows and realigns your digestive system.

Here are some steps to overcome your constipation:

• Increase your fiber intake. Eat cereals, whole-grain breads, beans, fruits with skins on, and vegetables. Be aware that fiber creates gas and bloating, and you may need to add more fiber to your diet gradually, so that your system can adjust better.
• Drink six to eight glasses of water a day.
• Drink a glass of fruit juice everyday, such as prune juice.
• Exercise daily. Walks and other moderate exercises can get things moving.
• Try eating six smaller meals a day instead of three larger ones, so that your system isn’t overtaxed.
• Try to create regular times to use the bathroom, and never stifle the urge to have a bowel movement.
• Stool softeners can be used which moisten the stool and make it easier to pass. Usually, they are considered to be safe for use during pregnancy. But first consult your health care providers for their advice and recommendations.
• Fiber supplements which are considered natural fiber laxatives should be used only under the supervision of your health care providers. Laxatives can be harmful to your baby.

The best news is that after you deliver your bundle of joy your constipation should clear up following the postpartum period. Consult your health care providers about your constipation and follow their recommendations for your situation. Remember everyone is unique just like that new life that is beginning inside of you.

written by Joy Seeman

© 2009  H.I.C.

Sources:

Constipation during pregnancy. (2006, June). Retrieved July 31, 2009, from babycenter.com.

Roger W. Harms, M.D.  (2009, July 2). Pregnancy Constipation: Are Stool Softeners Safe? Retrieved July 31, 2009, from mayoclinic.com.

Marjorie Greenfield, M.D. (2004, August 12). Constipation in Pregnancy. Retrieved July 31, 2009, from drspock.com.

Constipation and Hemorrhoids. At first, finding relief from hemorrhoids through your diet and an exercise program may not make sense to you. Since hemorrhoids affect the last junction in the alimentary canal and seem unrelated to what you eat and how you live. But eating healthy foods helps your digestive tract maintain balance. Exercise activates a sluggish digestive system. There is a definite link between your diet and lifestyle, and whether you suffer from hemorrhoids and constipation. The good news is that you most likely can eliminate both complaints with a few dietary and lifestyle changes.

Constipation and hemorrhoids are very common to have at the same time. In fact, constipation is the number one cause of hemorrhoid symptoms. Certainly, there are many factors leading to constipation other than diet, such as medication, aging, or overuse of laxatives. But whatever has led to the constipation, straining to pass hard bowel movements is probably the underlying cause of most cases of hemorrhoids. The longer wastes stay in the colon, the more water is absorbed from them, leaving the feces dry and hard. The contractions of the intestinal walls must work harder and harder to move the waste along if the body is sluggish.

Constipation is defined as having two or more of the following symptoms:

Having fewer than three bowel movements a week
Having stools that are hard and dry
Straining excessively at evacuation
Experiencing pain during the bowel movement
Feeling that you have not completed all the bowel movement
Using manual movements as with a finger or palpitating near the rectum to help elimination.

· Start drinking more water; preferably, six to eight glasses daily which will supply the lubrication that your system needs.

· Add fiber to your diet, at least 20 to 35 grams every day. Fiber absorbs more water and creates bulk to soften the stool. Foods containing high amounts of fiber are beans, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Cheese, meat, and processed foods contain little fiber and intake should be limited.

· Limit the fat in your diet and choose lower fat alternatives instead. Eat low fat cheeses and drink skim milk. Avoid frying foods by choosing other methods such as broiling or baking.

· Exercise daily and create some goals for yourself. Walking is a good way to start exercising and you can increase the time gradually to build up your endurance.

Once you start making these changes in your life, the results should show up quickly. Not only will you feel better mentally, but your body will work better, freeing you from the problems of constipation and hemorrhoids.

written by,

Joy Seeman

© 2010 H.I.C. Digestive Health