Handling Constipation (Constipation), the Gastrointestinal Disturbance

Constipation (constipation) is a digestive disorder due to decreased intestinal function, where this digestive problem is characterized by complaints of difficulty defecating or not defecating smoothly for a certain period of time. In general, constipation can be defined as irregular bowel movements, namely less than 3 times a week. Even so, the frequency of defecation will be different for each person. Some people may defecate several times a day, while others defecate one to two times a week. This condition is often triggered by a diet that does not consume enough fiber. The frequency of defecation can vary from person to person. Normally, the frequency of defecation is 3 times a day to 3 times a week. In people with constipation, the stool becomes dry and hard, making it difficult to expel from the anus. As a result, the frequency of defecation becomes less than 3 times a week.

Causes of Constipation

This constipation can occur due to blockage of the large intestine or rectum (end of the large intestine) or interference with the nerves around the large intestine and rectum. Apart from that, constipation can also be influenced by increasing age, a low fiber diet or being less active.

The main symptoms of constipation include difficulty passing stool, defecation frequency that is less frequent than usual, and pain when passing stool. Constipation can be said to be chronic if the symptoms have lasted for 3 months. Some of the causes are:

1. Blockage in the colon or rectum

A blockage in the colon or rectum can slow or stop the movement of stool. The causes include:

• Small tears in the skin around the anus (anal fissure)
• Blockage in the intestine (intestinal obstruction)
• Colon cancer
• Narrowing of the large intestine
• Cancer in the stomach that causes pressure on the large intestine
• Rectal cancer
• The rectum protrudes from the back wall of the vagina

2. Nerve disorders around the colon and rectum
Nerve disorders can inhibit the work of the muscles of the large intestine and rectum in pushing stool. This condition can be caused by:

• Damage to the nerves that control body functions (autonomic neuropathy)
• Parkinson's disease
• Spinal cord injury
• Strokes
• Multiple sclerosis

3. Disorders of the pelvic muscles
Disorders of the pelvic muscles which function to help defecate can cause chronic constipation. These disorders can include contraction disorders or weakening of the pelvic muscles.

4. Hormonal disorders
Several types of hormones function to balance body fluids. If there is a disturbance in these hormones, the balance of body fluids is also disturbed, triggering constipation. Some of the causes are:

• Diabetes
• Hyperparathyroidism
• Pregnancy
• Hypothyroidism

Constipation Risk Factors

There are a number of factors that can increase the risk of constipation in adults, namely:

• Increasing age
• Female gender, especially during pregnancy and after giving birth
• Dehydration
• Low fiber diet
• Not active enough to move
• Side effects of drugs, such as laxatives, antacids, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, calcium antagonists, diuretics, iron supplements, and drugs for Parkinson's disease
• Mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression
• Resisting the urge to defecate
• Have had abdominal or pelvic surgery

Meanwhile, in babies and children, constipation can be triggered by the following factors:

• Drink less and consume fiber foods
• Worried or worried about something, for example moving house, going to school for the first time
• Anxiety or distress when practicing defecation in the bathroom

Constipation Symptoms

Constipation can be characterized by the following symptoms:

1. The frequency of defecation (BAB) is less frequent than usual or less than 3 times a week
2. Difficulty passing feces
3. Pain when defecating
4. Having to push when defecating
5. The stool looks dry, hard, or lumpy
6. Defecation feels incomplete
7. A lump sensation in the rectum (the end of the large intestine)
8. Bloated
9. Nauseous
10. Cramps or pain in the stomach
11. Need help to remove stool, such as pressing on the stomach or using a finger to remove stool from the anus

Constipation Management

Constipation treatment aims to speed up the movement of stool in the intestine so that it is excreted more easily and more regularly. Treatment methods include:

1. Lifestyle changes

The first treatment for constipation is to change your diet or lifestyle to a healthy lifestyle, such as drinking water, exercising regularly, eating vegetables and fruit.

2. Use of drugs

If lifestyle changes do not resolve constipation, your doctor will prescribe laxatives

3. Pelvic muscle exercises

If necessary, patients can also train their pelvic muscles to make defecating easier. An exercise that can be done is biofeedback therapy, which involves inserting a catheter into the rectum to measure rectal muscle tension.

In this exercise, the patient will be guided to tighten or relax the pelvic muscles with the help of sound or light. This sound or light will signal when the muscles have relaxed.

4. Operation

To treat constipation due to intestinal obstruction, a tear in the anus (anal fissure), or rectal prolapse, the doctor will perform a surgical procedure. Surgery is also performed if constipation is caused by cancer of the colon, rectum or anus.

Constipation can be treated by making lifestyle changes, for example by improving your diet and exercising regularly. However, if these efforts do not resolve constipation, your doctor may recommend the use of medication or other measures. Apart from being a way to deal with constipation, changing your lifestyle to a healthier one can also prevent constipation. Constipation can also be prevented by not making a habit of delaying defecation.

Friends of Hermina who have symptoms or complaints regarding constipation can consult with a specialist in digestive surgery at Hermina Pandanaran Hospital. Get easy doctor registration via the HALO HERMINA mobile application, CALL CENTER 1500488 and the website www.herminahospitals.com.