Theoretically, constipation can be caused by the slow passage of digesting food through any part of the intestine. But most of the time the slowing occurs in the colon. A frequently over-looked cause of constipation is medications.

The most common offending medications are given below.
• Narcotic pain medications such as codeine, oxycodone, and hydromorphone .
• Antidepressants such as amitriptylene and imipramine.
• Anticonvulsants such as phenytoin and carbamazepine.
• Iron supplements Calcium channel blocking drugs such as diltiazem and nifedipine.
• Aluminum-containing antacids such as Amphojel and Basaljel .

In addition to the medications listed above; there are many others that can cause constipation. Simple measures for example increasing dietary fiber for treating the constipation caused by medications often are effective, and discontinuing the medication is not necessary. If simple measures fail to work, it may be possible to substitute a less constipating medication. For example, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug may be substituted for narcotic pain medications. One of the newer and less constipating anti-depressant medications (e.g., fluoxetine or Prozac) may be substituted for amitriptylene and imipramine.

Regular Habit

Bowel movements are under voluntary control. The normal urge people feel when they need to have a bowel movement can be suppressed. Although occasionally it is appropriate to suppress an urge to defecate when a bathroom is not available. Doing this too frequently can lead to a disappearance of urges and result in constipation. The Diet: Fiber is important in maintaining a soft, bulky stool. Diets that are low in fiber can cause constipation. The best natural sources of fiber are fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Laxatives: One suspected cause of severe constipation is the over-use of stimulant laxatives like senna, castor oil, and certain herbs. An association has been shown between the chronic use of stimulant laxatives and damage to the nerves and muscles of the colon.it are believed that the damage is responsible for the constipation. It is not clear, whether the laxatives have caused the damage or the damage existed prior to the use of laxatives. Nevertheless, because of the possibility that stimulant laxatives can damage the colon, most experts recommend that stimulant laxatives be used as a last resort after non-stimulant treatments have failed.

Hormonal causes

Hormones can affect bowel movements. Too little thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) and too much parathyroid hormone by raising the calcium levels in the blood can cause constipation. At the time of a woman's menstrual periods, estrogen and progesterone levels are high. This may cause constipation. High levels of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy also can cause constipation. Diseases that damage the colon: There are many diseases that can affect the function of the muscles and nerves of the colon. These include diabetes, scleroderma, intestinal pseudo-obstruction, Hirschsprung's disease, and Chagas disease. Cancer or narrowing of the colon that blocks the colon likewise can cause a decrease in the flow of stool.

A few diseases of the brain and spinal cord may cause constipation, including Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injuries. Colonic inertia is a condition in which the nerves and muscles of the colon do not work normally. As a result, the contents of the colon are not propelled through the colon normally. The cause of colonic inertia is unclear. In some cases, the muscles or nerves of the colon are diseased. Colonic inertia can also be the result of the chronic use of stimulant laxatives. Pelvic floor dysfunction also known as outlet obstruction or outlet delay refers to a condition in which the muscles of the lower pelvis that surround the rectum do not work normally. These muscles are critical for defecation. It is not known why these muscles fail to work properly in some people, but they can make the passage of stools difficult even when everything else is normal.

 

Main Menu UTI ADD ADHD Acne Warts Moles Cancer Herpes Asthma Eczema Snoring Arthritis Candida Shingles Thyroid Hair Loss Asperger Bronchitis Heartburn Anti Aging Baby Colic Cold Sores Bedwetting Bad Breath Hemorrhoids Child Anxiety Child Autism Athlete Foot Hair Removal Stretch Marks Child Tantrums Chronic Fatigue Child Sleep Disorder Natural Treatment Contact FREE Subscription Signup for Our Newsletter and Receive up to Date Details on Important Issues Affecting your Health. Name: Email: Note : We never rent, trade, or sell our email lists to anyone. We assure that your privacy is respected and protected.