Some important facts:

• One of the most common diseases which affects children, adults, and the elderly.
• The recent onset of Constipation should be taken seriously.
• Constipation, if accompanied by Weight Loss and BLOOD IN STOOLS should be immediately investigated.

Cause of constipation:

Constipation is of 2 types

• Secondary Constipation
• Primary or Idiopathic Constipation.

Secondary Constipation is caused by blockage of the passage of stools in the large intestine.

THE BLOCKAGE CAN BECAUSE OF CANCER OF THE LARGE INTESTINE (colon) as seen in adults or neurological causes like Hirschsprung’s disease in children.

Primary Constipation is the most common cause of constipation. Constipation is related to a low fiber diet, deranged colonic motility, and low water intake.

How to detect the cause of Constipation:

To differentiate secondary from primary constipation the large intestine has to be examined. This examination can be performed with the help of a test known as a colonoscopy.

In Colonoscopy, A tube with a camera on its tip goes into the large intestine, and a clear image of the narrowing or tumor if any appears on the T.V. Monitor.

This can also be viewed by the patient and his /her relatives.

Care and Guidance:

The colonoscopy differentiates between primary and secondary constipation. Patients having an obstruction or a narrowing require specific treatment. In general, patients with primary constipation should eat high-fiber diets like fruits, salads, and green leafy vegetables, drink more water, go for brisk walks and do abdominal exercises and yoga.