Constipation

(Chronic Constipation)

Chronic constipation is medically defined as having less than three (3) bowel motions a week. 

There may also be straining at stool, hard or lumpy stools or a feeling that not all stool has been evacuated following a bowel motion.  Sometimes, a person may assist the passage of stool by pressing on the abdomen or using a finger to remove stool from the rectum. 

Symptoms should persist for at least 3 months. 

It should be noted, there is a wide spectrum of normal bowel function.  It is common to experience occasional episodes of hard stool or reduced frequency of bowel motion.  For most patients, this is short-lived.

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What causes constipation?

Often there is no specific reason why a person experiences chronic constipation.

Some factors that may contribute to constipation include eating a diet that is low in fiber, certain medications, some medical conditions and doing little to no physical activity.

In some cases, a bowel blockage may produce constipation symptoms.

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When to seek medical attention?

If you experience an unexplained and persistent change in your bowel habits, you should seek medical attention.

Additional symptoms that should prompt medical attention include blood in the stool, a change in the caliber (or width) of the stool, unintentional weight loss or a lump at the anus.

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How is chronic constipation diagnosed?

Some tests and procedures are used to try to find the cause of constipation.  Which test and procedures are recommended should be personalized to your individual symptoms and medical history. 

These may include blood tests, x-rays or scans and a colonoscopy.

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How is chronic constipation treated?

The treatment of chronic constipation is individualized to your symptoms and the underlying cause of the constipation. 

Treatment options range from diet and lifestyle modifications, bowel cleansing techniques to surgery.

Dr Zhu has extensive experience in the management of constipation.  Dr Zhu can assess your symptoms and recommend a personalized treatment plan.