Constipation: Chronic Constipation Begins with Behavior, Leading to Habit

Constipation is one of the common stomach discomforts that many people have experienced. Some people experience constipation at least once or twice a week, while others have recurring constipation that becomes a habit. However, there are still many people who consider it a minor issue that can happen occasionally.

Constipation is one of the common digestive issues many people have experienced. Some may experience constipation at least once or twice a week, while others have recurring episodes, making it a habit. However, there are still many who view it as a minor issue that can happen in daily life. In reality, unnatural bowel habits can have a more significant impact on health than most people think.

In this article, Associate Professor Dr. Sathaporn Manatsathit invites readers to gain a deeper understanding of constipation, from common behavioral causes to serious medical conditions that require proper treatment. Additionally, the article provides recommendations for screening for colorectal cancer, helping us to be proactive and better manage the disease effectively.

 

What is Constipation? Is it Just Difficulty Passing Stool... or More?

     Constipation is a digestive issue that can occur at any age, but it is more common in the elderly and those whose lifestyle has changed, such as due to a busy schedule, lack of physical activity, stress, anxiety, or depression. It can also develop from habitual stool retention.

     The term "constipation" is generally understood as not having a bowel movement every day, having fewer bowel movements than the amount of food consumed, straining for a long time during bowel movements, having hard stools, having smaller stool size, or feeling like the bowel movement is incomplete. These common definitions of constipation may not always align with the medical definition.

     Therefore, if you're unsure whether you're experiencing constipation, it's recommended to consult a doctor for a thorough diagnosis, especially if hemorrhoids are present, as they often indicate a history of chronic constipation. Although many people see a doctor for hemorrhoid treatment, they may not address or resolve the underlying constipation issue seriously and consistently.

 

Causes of Constipation Due to Behavior

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sathaporn explains that constipation is not caused by a single factor but is the result of a combination of behaviors in daily life, such as:

 - Diet: Nowadays, we often choose to eat low-fiber foods, drink little water, or consume processed foods. These types of food are not good for the intestines.

 - Work Lifestyle: Especially office workers who sit in the same position all day, rarely move, or avoid going to the bathroom. Frequently holding in bowel movements can slow down the function of the intestines and reduce their efficiency.

 

Causes of Constipation from Medical Conditions

     Another factor that can cause constipation is a medical condition, either one you are aware of or one that is hidden in your body. Sometimes constipation may be the first sign of a disease or could occur later as the disease progresses.

Factors related to constipation include

 - Neurological Disorders: Such as Parkinson's disease, dementia, depression, stroke, and spinal cord diseases, which may affect bowel control.

 - Endocrine Disorders: Such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, hyperparathyroidism, and adrenal insufficiency, which can slow down bowel movements.

 - Diseases That Narrow or Dysfunctionalize the Intestines: Such as intestinal tumors, abdominal adhesions, chronic inflammatory bowel disease, hernias, abnormal bowel motility, or anal sphincter dysfunction. These can cause constipation as a leading symptom or a consequence of the disease.

 - Pregnancy: As the growing uterus presses against the intestines, it reduces the efficiency of bowel contractions, leading to constipation, which worsens as the pregnancy progresses.

 - Side Effects of Medications: Many regular medications can cause constipation, such as certain painkillers, especially opioids, iron supplements, calcium, heart medications, blood pressure medications, psychiatric drugs, and anticonvulsants.

 

When to See a Doctor for Constipation

Warning signs related to constipation that should prompt a visit to a doctor for further investigation include:

 - A change from regular bowel movements to constipation lasting more than 3 months.

 - A long history of constipation that changes to normal bowel movements or diarrhea lasting more than 3 months.

 - Frequent alternating between constipation and diarrhea.

 - Presence of blood in the stool.

 - Unexplained weight loss.

 - Abdominal pain accompanied by other symptoms.

 

Is Constipation Related to Colon Cancer?

     Currently, colon cancer screening through colonoscopy plays an important role in detecting abnormalities at an early stage, especially for those who are at higher risk of colon cancer than the general population, including:

 - Individuals aged 45 and older

 - Those with a family history of colon cancer in immediate or extended relatives

 - People who have noticeable changes in bowel habits, such as a shift from normal bowel movements to chronic constipation

 

In addition, for individuals who have already undergone a colonoscopy, doctors may recommend repeating the procedure every 5 years based on risk levels, or in some cases, sooner, to effectively detect risks that could lead to cancer.

 

Benefits of Colonoscopy Beyond Cancer Screening

     Colonoscopy is a procedure used for screening colon cancer, allowing doctors to directly view the walls and overall condition of the colon using a high-performance camera. Additionally, it can detect other abnormalities related to bowel movements, such as:

 - Detecting abnormal polyps before they develop into cancer

 - Removing polyps during the procedure, eliminating the need for a separate surgery appointment

 - Effectively reducing the future risk of colon cancer

 - Diagnosing and treating other conditions within the colon, such as identifying abnormalities in the colon and rectum, as well as determining and treating causes of gastrointestinal bleeding.

 

Colorectal Cancer Screening with Colonoscopy: A Health Care Option for Everyone

    MedPark Hospital recognizes the importance of colon health as part of holistic care. The colorectal cancer screening program with colonoscopy has been carefully designed with a focus on safety, convenience, and the comfort of the patients.

 

Health Care Begins with Behavioral Adjustments and Self-Observation

     Good gut health is one of the foundations of a good quality of life. Colonoscopy is not something to worry about, but rather a long-term health care plan that can help reduce the risk of colon cancer.

 

 

Source : MedPark Hospital

**Translated and compiled by ArokaGO Content Team