Estreñimiento remedios caseros

Constipation Home remedies and foods for constipation

What is constipation?

Constipation means a complication at a different level depending on the person. For many people, this simply means infrequent bowel movements (stools). For others, however, this means hard stools, difficulty in evacuating them (exertion) or a feeling of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement. The cause of each of these symptoms of constipation varies, so the approach of each person must be tailored to each specific patient.

Constipation can also alternate with diarrhea. This pattern often occurs in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). At the end of the spectrum, we speak of fecal impaction, which is when the stools harden in the rectum and impede passage (although sometimes diarrhea can occur even with obstruction due to a leak of colic fluid around the affected stool).

The number of bowel movements usually decreases with age. Most adults have what is considered normal, between three and 21 times per week. The most common pattern is an arch movement per day, but this pattern is observed in less than half of the individuals. In addition, most are irregular and do not have depositions every day or the same number every day.

From a medical point of view, constipation is generally defined as less than three bowel movements per week. Severe constipation is defined as less than one commission per week. There is no medical reason to have a saddle every day. Not having one for two or three days does not cause physical discomfort, only mental anguish (in some people). Contrary to popular belief, there is no evidence that "toxins" accumulate when movement is infrequent or constipation leads to cancer. But then, what to do in case of constipation?

It is important to distinguish between acute constipation (of recent onset) and chronic constipation (of long duration).

Acute constipation requires an urgent evaluation because a serious medical condition may be the underlying cause (for example, colon tumors). It also requires immediate evaluation if it is accompanied by symptoms such as rectal bleeding, pain and abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting, and involuntary weight loss.

The evaluation of chronic constipation may not be urgent, especially if simple measures provide relief.

When do we talk about chronic constipation?

Chronic constipation is a rare bowel movement or a difficult bowel movement that lasts several weeks or longer.

Constipation is usually described as having less than three bowel movements per week.

Although occasional constipation is very common, some people suffer from chronic constipation that can affect their ability to perform their daily tasks. Chronic constipation can also cause excessive efforts to have bowel movements and other signs and symptoms.

The treatment and cures for chronic constipation depend in part on the underlying cause. However, in some cases, a cause is never found ... but it is always possible to do something to treat the symptoms!