Avoiding Severe Constipation
Hey, it isn’t like we all haven’t had some difficulty with a bowel movement here and there. Whether its because we are taking a new medication or just didn’t drink enough water for a couple of days, the truth is that mild constipation is inevitable. Having short term constipation may not be fun, but it is at least bearable in small doses. But when severe constipation strikes it can literally make our lives a living nightmare.
Severe Constipation Symptoms
One of the signs of sever constipation is abdominal pains—not just when you are having a bowel movement (or trying to!), but also when you are not. The abdominal pains felt during severe constipation are caused by pressure being exerted on the abdomen. The pressure is created by feces that is collecting behind a blockage—otherwise known as a fecal impaction.
A fecal impaction occurs when stool gets trapped and hardens at the bottom of the large intestines and rectum. New stool cannot get past the blockage which is why pressure begins to build. The longer the blockage, the greater the pressure, the more severe the abdominal pains. Until the blockage is removed, the pain will continue to intensify and more problems may arise. A colonic irrigation (performed by a professional) or colon cleansing (can be performed at home) are generally necessary to effectively remove the fecal impaction. If you are going to use a colon cleanser, be sure it is made from natural ingredients to avoid side effects and further medical problems.
Severe constipation can also lead to blood in the stool. When trying to pass especially hard or dry stool, a person must strain vigorously. When straining for a prolonged period of time, a person may cause the veins in their anus to begin seeping blood. Generally speaking, this is called hemorrhoids. Although hemorrhoids can arise out of a mild case of constipation, they are considered signs of a severe or chronic case as well.
Blood in the stool may also arise due to a fissure. A fissure is caused when someone is trying to pass a particularly hard or dry stool and it tears the anus tissue. This will expose nerve endings and is one of the more painful symptoms of severe constipation. Again, while fissures have been caused by mild cases of constipation, they are more likely the product of chronic or severe constipation.
Other severe constipation symptoms may include: nausea, loss of appetite, and a general loss of ambition and energy. But no matter the symptoms, most cases of severe constipation can be alleviated with proper diet, exercise, and cleaning out the bowels every so often.
A diet rich in fiber is known to promote regularity and soften stools. Water will help keep the stool soft and the bowels clean. A lack of physical activity is a known cause of constipation so be sure to include exercise in your anti-constipation plan. Finally, in order to reduce the chances of a fecal impaction or other blockages (and to remove all feces from the walls of the intestines and colon), be sure to cleanse your colon every few months with an all-natural cleanser to “keep the pipes flowing”.
By taking some very simple precautions and using common sense, you can avoid the pain and suffering caused by severe constipation. While you may still find yourself suffering from the occasional short term constipation, the health risks and pain are far less. Severe constipation can lead to serious health problems such as polyps so be sure to consult with a health care professional when symptoms occur.
