Constipation refers to the difficulty in passing stools. It is a symptom, rather than a disease and it is one of the most common digestive complaints.
Fecal content expulsion time varies significantly in people. While some have it thrice in a day, others defecate just few times weekly. However, having days passed by without defecating may lead to stool hardening and hence difficulty in getting it passed out.
It could be caused by dehydration or not taking enough water, poor diet especially that deficient in fibre or enough fluid, excessive intake of caffeine and caffeine-containing products,among others.
The signs range from strain in the anus to abdominal distention and bloating, to feeling of incomplete expulsion of faeces.
Whenever any of those signs are experienced, licensed and qualified professionals should be contacted.
Nevertheless,managing constipation requires drug and non-drug approaches.
The drug therapy approach includes the use of stool softeners, laxatives and lubricants well prescribed and dispensed by licensed health professionals.
The non-drug therapy approach involves eating fruits and foods rich in fibre, reducing the intake of caffeine as caffeine can serve the role of diuretic; drawing water away from the digestive system and hence making stooling difficult. It is also important to do exercise to improve muscles of the digestive and excretory system.
For nursing mothers, active breastfeeding over formula feeding is important because formula-fed babies are at higher chance of experiencing constipation.
- Babalola is of University of Ibadan.