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Hypothyroidism And Musculoskeletal Pain - Know More About Its Link!

MBBS, Diploma In Orthopaedics (D. Ortho), DNB - Orthopedics/Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedic Doctor, Delhi
Hypothyroidism And Musculoskeletal Pain - Know More About Its Link!

Your thyroid glands are important to the body because it produces essential hormones. However, if you suffer from hypothyroidism, your thyroid glands will not be able to produce these hormones sufficiently.

In the early stages of hypothyroidism, you will not detect any noticeable changes in your body or health. However, if you do not start treatment for the condition, you will soon start to experience symptoms, such as obesity and infertility. Joint pain is another serious symptom of hypothyroidism.

Symptoms of musculoskeletal pain related to hypothyroidism-

Hypothyroidism can lead to a range of muscular and skeletal disorders in your body. Here are some musculoskeletal symptoms you are likely to experience if you suffer from hypothyroidism.

  • Painful and stiff muscles, which mainly affect your hip and shoulder region

  • Swelling across the joints of feet and hands

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome, where pressure on a nerve in your wrist causes pain and tingling across the entire arm

  • Stiffness and pain in the joints

Treating hypothyroidism related muscle and joint pain-

Over-the-counter pain medications help deal with the pain and the swelling. However, they are a temporary solution for the discomfort. Treating hypothyroidism is the best way to reduce your pain and discomfort.

Your doctor will prescribe a levothyroxine supplement, which is a synthetic hormone. This medicine will rectify the imbalance in your hormone levels, which in turn will reduce pain in your muscles and joints. Apart from the joint pain, the medication will also lower your elevated cholesterol levels from hypothyroidism.

How to get the best results from the medication-

If you consume certain foods, supplements and medication while being on levothyroxine, the drug may not work effectively. Here is a look at some things to avoid when you are on the medication.

For the best effects, you need to consume the hypothyroidism medication on an empty stomach. Your doctor will likely advise you to take the medicine first thing in the morning and then wait about an hour before having your meal. In some cases, you may need to take the drug before going to bed. However, ensure you consume the medicine at least 4 hours after the last meal for the day.

1850 people found this helpful

Constipation - How To Avert It?

Dr. Vedant H Karvir 89% (27 ratings)
MBBS, MD-Gastroentrology, Fellowship in Gastroenterology, FACG
Gastroenterologist, Mumbai
Constipation - How To Avert It?

We are seeing a veritable explosion of constipation in the world. Most people will experience some constipation in their lives but it’s when the problem gets chronic or is accompanied by pain and /or blood in stools, that it should ring alarm bells for sure. Being constipated means that your bowel movements don’t happen normally. But, what’s normal? We know that the normal length of time between bowel movements varies widely from person to person. Some people go to the loo three times a day and that’s normal for them. In general, not clearing your bowels for more than three days is usually considered too long. The stool also becomes hard and difficult to pass after three days.

Symptoms

  1. Fewer bowel movements
  2. Trouble passing stools
  3. Hard stools
  4. Feeling full even after passing stools
  5. Flatulence and belly pain
  6. Vomiting

Causes
Having too many antacid medicines, especially those containing calcium or aluminium

  1. Changes in lifestyle including diet and usual activities
  2. Colon cancer
  3. Dairy products
  4. Eating disorders
  5. Irritable bowel syndrome
  6. Neurological problems like Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis
  7. Inactivity
  8. Having less water or fibre in diet
  9. Laxative overuse
  10. Pregnancy
  11. Nerve and muscle problems in the digestive system like due to fibromyalgia
  12. Medications like NSAIDS, drugs, antidepressants, or iron pills
  13. Stress
  14. Hypothyroidism

Treatment

  1. Drink more water consciously- Drink two to four extra glasses of water a day.
  2. Drink warm liquids, especially after getting up in the morning.
  3. Add more fibre to your diet by eating more fruits and vegetables.
  4. You can use a mild over-the-counter stool softener like docusate or a laxative like magnesium hydroxide, but for not more than two weeks.
  5. Call your doctor if you have a sudden attack of constipation with abdominal pain and you aren’t able to pass any gas or stool.

Other ways to get rid of constipation are

  1. Eat a well- balanced diet with enough fibre. Eat bran and multi-grain bread instead of white bread. Cut out processed foods from your diet. Eat regularly.
  2. Drink 1 1/2 to litres of water and other fluids a day.
  3. Avoid caffeine found in tea, coffee and soft drinks. This can exasperate constipation
  4. Cut back on dairy, especially milk.
  5. Exercise regularly. Just 30 minutes of walking or some activity can manage constipation.
  6. Don’t hold back from going to the bathroom when you feel the urge.
  7. Eat more vitamin B 12. Sometimes lack of this vitamin can cause constipation. A deficiency can also make you tired, weak and nervous.
  8. Stress is a big cause of constipation. Be sure to nix it as it causes changes in the body that cause problems in your body like constipation.
  9. The gastrointestinal system is especially sensitive to stress so anything meditative like Tai chi, yoga or listening to music can be a big relief.
2809 people found this helpful

Constipation - Know About It In Detail!

Dr. Jagdish Kaswan 91% (52 ratings)
MBBS, MD - General Medicine, DNB- Gastroenterology
Gastroenterologist, Sri Ganganagar
Constipation - Know About It In Detail!

Constipation by itself is not a disease but it a condition in which your bowel movement is infrequent and the stools are hard and difficult to pass.
Constipation happens to most of us at one time or the other and then it goes away naturally. Chronic constipation is constipation which is long-term and it usually signals a deep-rooted medical problem which requires intervention.

Symptom of constipation
While fewer bowel movements is a foremost symptom of constipation, other common symptoms are-

  1. Trouble passing stools
  2. Pellet-like hard or small stools
  3. A sense of being full even after a bowel movement
  4. Flatulence, swollen belly
  5. Belly pain
  6. Throwing up

Causes
Medicines like antacids that contain calcium or aluminium

  1. Changes in your lifestyle and usual diet like travelling
  2. Having too much of dairy
  3. Colon cancer
  4. Eating disorders
  5. Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS
  6. Neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis
  7. Inactive lifestyle
  8. Less water and fibre in the diet
  9. Overusing laxatives
  10. Pregnancy
  11. Problems with the muscles and nerves in the digestive system
  12. Drugs like pain medications and narcotics, antidepressants, or iron pills
  13. Stress
  14. Hypothyroidism

What should you do?
Constipation can be handled by taking simple steps like:

  1. Drinking four extra glasses of water a day over your normal intake.
  2. Drinking warm water in the morning.
  3. Adding more fibre to your diet by eating more fruits and vegetables.
  4. Eating more bran cereal and brown rice.
  5. You can use a very mild over-the-counter stool softener and laxatives like magnesium hydroxide. But take care to not use them for more than two weeks at a time. If you don’t get any relief, it’s time to call your doctor.

You should not wait to consult a doctor, however, if you have sudden constipation with abdominal pain or extreme cramping and you aren’t able to pass any gas or stool.
Also, call your doctor if:

  • Constipation happens out of the blue and is not a new problem for you.
  • You see blood in your stool.
  • You are losing weight.
  • You are experiencing severe pain during bowel movements.
  • Your constipation is more than two weeks old.
  • You are getting pencil-thin stools.

Diagnosis
The following tests are recommended to unearth the reasons behind chronic constipation:

  • Blood tests to check hormone levels
  • Barium studies a kind of test which looks for blockages in your colon
  • Colonoscopy which again looks for blockages in your colon

A type of constipation which is due to pelvic floor /outlet dysfunction. This may need biofeedback therapy. At times some kind of minor surgery

Prevention
Constipation really is very amenable to diet and lifestyle changes. Eat a well-balanced diet and go for light, regular exercise to prevent chronic constipation. Also, drink two quarts of water every day to keep yourself regular.

1601 people found this helpful

Constipation - What Causes It?

MBBS, MD - General Medicine, DM - Gastroenterology
Gastroenterologist, Ahmedabad
Constipation - What Causes It?

Constipation by itself is not a disease but it a condition in which your bowel movement is infrequent and the stools are hard and difficult to pass.
Constipation happens to most of us at one time or the other and then it goes away naturally. Chronic constipation is constipation which is long-term and it usually signals a deep-rooted medical problem which requires intervention.

Symptom of constipation
While fewer bowel movements is a foremost symptom of constipation, other common symptoms are-

  1. Trouble passing stools
  2. Pellet-like hard or small stools
  3. A sense of being full even after a bowel movement
  4. Flatulence, swollen belly
  5. Belly pain
  6. Throwing up

Causes
Medicines like antacids that contain calcium or aluminium

  1. Changes in your lifestyle and usual diet like travelling
  2. Having too much of dairy
  3. Colon cancer
  4. Eating disorders
  5. Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS
  6. Neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis
  7. Inactive lifestyle
  8. Less water and fibre in diet
  9. Overusing laxatives
  10. Pregnancy
  11. Problems with the muscles and nerves in the digestive system
  12. Drugs like pain medications and narcotics, antidepressants, or iron pills
  13. Stress
  14. Hypothyroidism

What should you do?
Constipation can be handled by taking simple steps like:

  1. Drinking four extra glasses of water a day over your normal intake.
  2. Drinking warm water in the morning.
  3. Adding more fibre to your diet by eating more fruits and vegetables.
  4. Eating more bran cereal and brown rice.
  5. You can use a very mild over-the-counter stool softener and laxatives like magnesium hydroxide. But take care to not use them for more than two weeks at a time. If you don’t get any relief, it’s time to call your doctor.

You should not wait to consult a doctor, however, if you have sudden constipation with abdominal pain or extreme cramping and you aren’t able to pass any gas or stool.
Also, call your doctor if:

  • Constipation happens out of the blue and is not a new problem for you.
  • You see blood in your stool.
  • You are losing weight.
  • You are experiencing severe pain during bowel movements.
  • Your constipation is more than two weeks old.
  • You are getting pencil-thin stools.

Diagnosis
The following tests are recommended to unearth the reasons behind chronic constipation:

  • Blood tests to check hormone levels
  • Barium studies a kind of test which looks for blockages in your colon
  • Colonoscopy which again looks for blockages in your colon

A type of constipation which is due to pelvic floor /outlet dysfunction. This may need biofeedback therapy. At times some kind of minor surgery

Prevention
Constipation really is very amenable to diet and lifestyle changes. Eat a well-balanced diet and go for light, regular exercise to prevent chronic constipation. Also, drink two quarts of water every day to keep yourself regular.

2140 people found this helpful

Constipation - What Are The Most Common Reasons Of It?

Dr. Srishail Chiniwalar 90% (100 ratings)
DNB ( Surgical Gastroenterology), Membership of The Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS), MBBS, MS - General Surgery
Gastroenterologist, Hubli-Dharwad
Constipation - What Are The Most Common Reasons Of It?

Constipation by itself is not a disease but it a condition in which your bowel movement is infrequent and the stools are hard and difficult to pass.
Constipation happens to most of us at one time or the other and then it goes away naturally. Chronic constipation is constipation which is long-term and it usually signals a deep-rooted medical problem which requires intervention.

Symptom of constipation
While fewer bowel movements is a foremost symptom of constipation, other common symptoms are-

  1. Trouble passing stools
  2. Pellet-like hard or small stools
  3. A sense of being full even after a bowel movement
  4. Flatulence, swollen belly
  5. Belly pain
  6. Throwing up

Causes
Medicines like antacids that contain calcium or aluminium

  1. Changes in your lifestyle and usual diet like travelling
  2. Having too much of dairy
  3. Colon cancer
  4. Eating disorders
  5. Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS
  6. Neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis
  7. Inactive lifestyle
  8. Less water and fibre in diet
  9. Overusing laxatives
  10. Pregnancy
  11. Problems with the muscles and nerves in the digestive system
  12. Drugs like pain medications and narcotics, antidepressants, or iron pills
  13. Stress
  14. Hypothyroidism

What should you do?
Constipation can be handled by taking simple steps like:

  1. Drinking four extra glasses of water a day over your normal intake.
  2. Drinking warm water in the morning.
  3. Adding more fibre to your diet by eating more fruits and vegetables.
  4. Eating more bran cereal and brown rice.
  5. You can use a very mild over-the-counter stool softener and laxatives like magnesium hydroxide. But take care to not use them for more than two weeks at a time. If you don’t get any relief, it’s time to call your doctor.

You should not wait to consult a doctor, however, if you have sudden constipation with abdominal pain or extreme cramping and you aren’t able to pass any gas or stool.
Also, call your doctor if:

  • Constipation happens out of the blue and is not a new problem for you.
  • You see blood in your stool.
  • You are losing weight.
  • You are experiencing severe pain during bowel movements.
  • Your constipation is more than two weeks old.
  • You are getting pencil-thin stools.

Diagnosis
The following tests are recommended to unearth the reasons behind chronic constipation:

  • Blood tests to check hormone levels
  • Barium studies a kind of test which looks for blockages in your colon
  • Colonoscopy which again looks for blockages in your colon

A type of constipation which is due to pelvic floor /outlet dysfunction. This may need biofeedback therapy. At times some kind of minor surgery

Prevention
Constipation really is very amenable to diet and lifestyle changes. Eat a well-balanced diet and go for light, regular exercise to prevent chronic constipation. Also, drink two quarts of water every day to keep yourself regular.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

1873 people found this helpful

Constipation - Know The Reasons Behind It!

MBBS , DNB MEDICINE, DM GASTRO
Gastroenterologist, Bhopal
Constipation - Know The Reasons Behind It!

Constipation by itself is not a disease but it a condition in which your bowel movement is infrequent and the stools are hard and difficult to pass.
Constipation happens to most of us at one time or the other and then it goes away naturally. Chronic constipation is constipation which is long-term and it usually signals a deep-rooted medical problem which requires intervention.

Symptom of constipation
While fewer bowel movements is a foremost symptom of constipation, other common symptoms are-

  1. Trouble passing stools
  2. Pellet-like hard or small stools
  3. A sense of being full even after a bowel movement
  4. Flatulence, swollen belly
  5. Belly pain
  6. Throwing up

Causes
Medicines like antacids that contain calcium or aluminium

  1. Changes in your lifestyle and usual diet like travelling
  2. Having too much of dairy
  3. Colon cancer
  4. Eating disorders
  5. Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS
  6. Neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis
  7. Inactive lifestyle
  8. Less water and fibre in diet
  9. Overusing laxatives
  10. Pregnancy
  11. Problems with the muscles and nerves in the digestive system
  12. Drugs like pain medications and narcotics, antidepressants, or iron pills
  13. Stress
  14. Hypothyroidism

What should you do?
Constipation can be handled by taking simple steps like:

  1. Drinking four extra glasses of water a day over your normal intake.
  2. Drinking warm water in the morning.
  3. Adding more fibre to your diet by eating more fruits and vegetables.
  4. Eating more bran cereal and brown rice.
  5. You can use a very mild over-the-counter stool softener and laxatives like magnesium hydroxide. But take care to not use them for more than two weeks at a time. If you don’t get any relief, it’s time to call your doctor.

You should not wait to consult a doctor, however, if you have sudden constipation with abdominal pain or extreme cramping and you aren’t able to pass any gas or stool.
Also, call your doctor if:

  • Constipation happens out of the blue and is not a new problem for you.
  • You see blood in your stool.
  • You are losing weight.
  • You are experiencing severe pain during bowel movements.
  • Your constipation is more than two weeks old.
  • You are getting pencil-thin stools.

Diagnosis
The following tests are recommended to unearth the reasons behind chronic constipation:

  • Blood tests to check hormone levels
  • Barium studies a kind of test which looks for blockages in your colon
  • Colonoscopy which again looks for blockages in your colon

A type of constipation which is due to pelvic floor /outlet dysfunction. This may need biofeedback therapy. At times some kind of minor surgery

Prevention
Constipation really is very amenable to diet and lifestyle changes. Eat a well-balanced diet and go for light, regular exercise to prevent chronic constipation. Also, drink two quarts of water every day to keep yourself regular.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

1915 people found this helpful

6 Symptoms Of Constipation And Its Prevention!

MBBS, MS - General Surgery, MCh - Surgical Gastroenterology/G.I. Surgery
Gastroenterologist, Chennai
6 Symptoms Of Constipation And Its Prevention!

Constipation by itself is not a disease but it a condition in which your bowel movement is infrequent and the stools are hard and difficult to pass.
Constipation happens to most of us at one time or the other and then it goes away naturally. Chronic constipation is constipation which is long-term and it usually signals a deep-rooted medical problem which requires intervention.

Symptom of constipation
While fewer bowel movements is a foremost symptom of constipation, other common symptoms are-

  1. Trouble passing stools
  2. Pellet-like hard or small stools
  3. A sense of being full even after a bowel movement
  4. Flatulence, swollen belly
  5. Belly pain
  6. Throwing up

Causes
Medicines like antacids that contain calcium or aluminium

  1. Changes in your lifestyle and usual diet like travelling
  2. Having too much of dairy
  3. Colon cancer
  4. Eating disorders
  5. Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS
  6. Neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis
  7. Inactive lifestyle
  8. Less water and fibre in diet
  9. Overusing laxatives
  10. Pregnancy
  11. Problems with the muscles and nerves in the digestive system
  12. Drugs like pain medications and narcotics, antidepressants, or iron pills
  13. Stress
  14. Hypothyroidism

What should you do?
Constipation can be handled by taking simple steps like:

  1. Drinking four extra glasses of water a day over your normal intake.
  2. Drinking warm water in the morning.
  3. Adding more fibre to your diet by eating more fruits and vegetables.
  4. Eating more bran cereal and brown rice.
  5. You can use a very mild over-the-counter stool softener and laxatives like magnesium hydroxide. But take care to not use them for more than two weeks at a time. If you don’t get any relief, it’s time to call your doctor.

You should not wait to consult a doctor, however, if you have sudden constipation with abdominal pain or extreme cramping and you aren’t able to pass any gas or stool.
Also, call your doctor if:

  • Constipation happens out of the blue and is not a new problem for you.
  • You see blood in your stool.
  • You are losing weight.
  • You are experiencing severe pain during bowel movements.
  • Your constipation is more than two weeks old.
  • You are getting pencil-thin stools.

Diagnosis
The following tests are recommended to unearth the reasons behind chronic constipation:

  • Blood tests to check hormone levels
  • Barium studies a kind of test which looks for blockages in your colon
  • Colonoscopy which again looks for blockages in your colon

A type of constipation which is due to pelvic floor /outlet dysfunction. This may need biofeedback therapy. At times some kind of minor surgery

Prevention
Constipation really is very amenable to diet and lifestyle changes. Eat a well-balanced diet and go for light, regular exercise to prevent chronic constipation. Also, drink two quarts of water every day to keep yourself regular.

3384 people found this helpful

Microdermabrasion - Know All About It!

Dr. Malini Patil 93% (1270 ratings)
MBBS, Diploma in Venerology & Dermatology (DVD)
Dermatologist, Thane
Microdermabrasion - Know All About It!

Microdermabrasion is a quick and painless treatment that accelerates the rate at which dead skin is exfoliated, and jump-starts the proliferation of new skin cells. Your dermatologist may recommend a series of microdermabrasion treatments, which can treat hyperpigmentation, sun-damaged spots, dryness, fine lines and wrinkles and even minor acne scars. Microdermabrasion can be coupled with just about any other type of skin treatment and is usually recommended to be done every few weeks to every two or three months.

Suitable for all but the most sensitive skins, microdermabrasion combines vacuum suction with tiny abrasive crystals to polish away the uppermost layer of skin, eliminating roughness as well as fine lines and wrinkles. It is a quick and virtually pain-free procedure that uses tiny, rough aluminium crystals to vigorously exfoliate the top layer of the skin, removing dead skin cells. 

How is a microdermabrasion procedure performed?

Most often, your microdermabrasion treatment will be performed by a licensed skincare professional in your plastic surgeon's office or medical spa.

There are two general methods for microdermabrasion:

Crystal Microdermabrasion: For this type of microdermabrasion, a handpiece emits crystals onto the surface of the skin, resulting in a gentle abrasion or "polishing" process. Then the dead skin cells along with the crystals are suctioned off either instantaneously (in the same handpiece) or in a secondary process.

Diamond-Tip Microdermabrasion: This type of microdermabrasion works with a diamond-tip handpiece that gently abrades and exfoliates dead skin cells. Like the crystal microdermabrasion, the dead skin is either suctioned off right away in the same handpiece or in a secondary process. The diamond-tip microdermabrasion is safer to perform closer to the eyes and has more flexibility in sensitive areas or on more sensitive skin.?

Ideal Candidates:

Microdermabrasion works best for anyone looking to revitalize their skin. If you have any of these conditions, you are a candidate for microdermabrasion:

  1.  Fine lines and wrinkles
  2.  Hyperpigmentation or sun spots
  3.  Dry skin
  4.  Minor acne scars
  5.  Blemishes or large pores

Acne:

Acne is a skin condition that leads to the outbreak of pimples and sores as well as whiteheads and blackheads. These have a reddish appearance and make the skin look less than ideal. With the help of microdermabrasion, one can gradually reduce the appearance of light scarring and make the skin look even toned.

Rosacea:

This is an inflammation-based skin condition which leads to the appearance of prominent blood vessels as well as other kinds of skin eruptions. Microdermabrasion can come to the rescue of the patient who is suffering from severe symptoms of this condition.

When to Avoid Microdermabrasion:

This procedure should be avoided by people who have sustained deep scars. Also, anyone who has active keloids and lesions that are yet to be diagnosed should avoid this treatment as it may lead to an aggravation. Further, anyone who is suffering from an immune system disorder or diabetes should also avoid this kind of treatment as it may lead to complications. If you have had a chemical peel recently, you should also steer clear of this kind of treatment as it may lead to inflammation, swelling and bleeding on the skin which is already tender from the previous treatment.

3430 people found this helpful

Constipation - What Can You Do To Get Rid Of It?

Dr. Jaikish Jayaraj 88% (46 ratings)
M.Ch - Surgical Gastroenterology/G.I. Surgery, MS (General Surgery), MBBS Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, MRCPS, Fellowship Of International Medical Sciences Academy (FIMSA)
Gastroenterologist, Calicut
Constipation - What Can You Do To Get Rid Of It?

We are seeing a veritable explosion of constipation in the world. Most people will experience some constipation in their lives but it’s when the problem gets chronic or is accompanied by pain and /or blood in stools, that it should ring alarm bells for sure. Being constipated means that your bowel movements don’t happen normally. But, what’s normal? We know that the normal length of time between bowel movements varies widely from person to person. Some people go to the loo three times a day and that’s normal for them. In general, not clearing your bowels for more than three days is usually considered too long. The stool also becomes hard and difficult to pass after three days.

Symptoms

  1. Fewer bowel movements
  2. Trouble passing stools
  3. Hard stools
  4. Feeling full even after passing stools
  5. Flatulence and belly pain
  6. Vomiting

Causes
Having too many antacid medicines, especially those containing calcium or aluminium

  1. Changes in lifestyle including diet and usual activities
  2. Colon cancer
  3. Dairy products
  4. Eating disorders
  5. Irritable bowel syndrome
  6. Neurological problems like Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis
  7. Inactivity
  8. Having less water or fibre in diet
  9. Laxative overuse
  10. Pregnancy
  11. Nerve and muscle problems in the digestive system like due to fibromyalgia
  12. Medications like NSAIDS, drugs, antidepressants, or iron pills
  13. Stress
  14. Hypothyroidism

Treatment

  1. Drink more water consciously- Drink two to four extra glasses of water a day.
  2. Drink warm liquids, especially after getting up in the morning.
  3. Add more fibre to your diet by eating more fruits and vegetables.
  4. You can use a mild over-the-counter stool softener like docusate or a laxative like magnesium hydroxide, but for not more than two weeks.
  5. Call your doctor if you have a sudden attack of constipation with abdominal pain and you aren’t able to pass any gas or stool.

Other ways to get rid of constipation are

  1. Eat a well- balanced diet with enough fibre. Eat bran and multi-grain bread instead of white bread. Cut out processed foods from your diet. Eat regularly.
  2. Drink 1 1/2 to litres of water and other fluids a day.
  3. Avoid caffeine found in tea, coffee and soft drinks. This can exasperate constipation
  4. Cut back on dairy, especially milk.
  5. Exercise regularly. Just 30 minutes of walking or some activity can manage constipation.
  6. Don’t hold back from going to the bathroom when you feel the urge.
  7. Eat more vitamin B 12. Sometimes lack of this vitamin can cause constipation. A deficiency can also make you tired, weak and nervous.
  8. Stress is a big cause for constipation. Be sure to nix it as it causes changes in the body that cause problems in your body like constipation.
  9. The gastrointestinal system is especially sensitive to stress so anything meditative like Tai chi, yoga or listening to music can be a big relief.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

2039 people found this helpful

Constipation - Common Reasons Behind It!

MBBS, DNB - Internal Medicine, DNB - Gastroenterology
Gastroenterologist, Delhi
Constipation - Common Reasons Behind It!

Constipation by itself is not a disease but it a condition in which your bowel movement is infrequent and the stools are hard and difficult to pass.
Constipation happens to most of us at one time or the other and then it goes away naturally. Chronic constipation is constipation which is long-term and it usually signals a deep-rooted medical problem which requires intervention.

Symptom of constipation
While fewer bowel movements is a foremost symptom of constipation, other common symptoms are-

  1. Trouble passing stools
  2. Pellet-like hard or small stools
  3. A sense of being full even after a bowel movement
  4. Flatulence, swollen belly
  5. Belly pain
  6. Throwing up

Causes
Medicines like antacids that contain calcium or aluminium

  1. Changes in your lifestyle and usual diet like travelling
  2. Having too much of dairy
  3. Colon cancer
  4. Eating disorders
  5. Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS
  6. Neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis
  7. Inactive lifestyle
  8. Less water and fibre in diet
  9. Overusing laxatives
  10. Pregnancy
  11. Problems with the muscles and nerves in the digestive system
  12. Drugs like pain medications and narcotics, antidepressants, or iron pills
  13. Stress
  14. Hypothyroidism

What should you do?
Constipation can be handled by taking simple steps like:

  1. Drinking four extra glasses of water a day over your normal intake.
  2. Drinking warm water in the morning.
  3. Adding more fibre to your diet by eating more fruits and vegetables.
  4. Eating more bran cereal and brown rice.
  5. You can use a very mild over-the-counter stool softener and laxatives like magnesium hydroxide. But take care to not use them for more than two weeks at a time. If you don’t get any relief, it’s time to call your doctor.

You should not wait to consult a doctor, however, if you have sudden constipation with abdominal pain or extreme cramping and you aren’t able to pass any gas or stool.
Also, call your doctor if:

  • Constipation happens out of the blue and is not a new problem for you.
  • You see blood in your stool.
  • You are losing weight.
  • You are experiencing severe pain during bowel movements.
  • Your constipation is more than two weeks old.
  • You are getting pencil-thin stools.

Diagnosis
The following tests are recommended to unearth the reasons behind chronic constipation:

  • Blood tests to check hormone levels
  • Barium studies a kind of test which looks for blockages in your colon
  • Colonoscopy which again looks for blockages in your colon

A type of constipation which is due to pelvic floor /outlet dysfunction. This may need biofeedback therapy. At times some kind of minor surgery

Prevention
Constipation really is very amenable to diet and lifestyle changes. Eat a well-balanced diet and go for light, regular exercise to prevent chronic constipation. Also, drink two quarts of water every day to keep yourself regular.

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