Constipation, Kidney Disease May Be Linked. ... Those with constipation were
13 percent more likely than patients without constipation to develop chronic
kidney disease and 9 percent more likely to experience kidney failure. The risk
was even higher for those whose constipation was more severe.
Dull lower back pain can be a symptom of constipation. Increasing the amount
of fiber in your diet and your water intake will most likely help with your
constipation. ... If you're experiencing extreme pain, blood in your stool, or other
worrying symptoms, you should visit your doctor to discuss your symptoms.
Causes of constipation.
Constipation is sometimes related to diet — for example, not eating enough
foods that contain fiber. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that your body can't
digest. While having an indigestible substance in your body may sound like a
bad thing, when it comes to fiber, it's not. Fiber, in particular a kind called
insoluble fiber, can help move waste through your intestines and prevent
constipation.
complications of the condition. This might mean making dietary and lifestyle
changes on your own or getting evaluated for the condition by your doctor.
But a low-fiber diet isn't the only cause. Other contributing factors include low
liquid intake; certain medications (including antidepressants, opioid pain
relievers, and sleeping pills); and some medical conditions, including
Parkinson's disease, thyroid problems, multiple sclerosis, and diabetes, says Dr.
Nee. In some cases, a physical problem is to blame. For example, in some
people, the colon doesn't move forcefully enough to push the stool through the
digestive tract. When the body doesn't clear stool quickly enough, the intestines
continue to draw water away from the stool, which dries it out and makes it
more difficult to pass.
Treatment for constipation
The right diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause of the constipation can
keep the condition from becoming chronic and prevent uncomfortable
complications.
A diet rich in fiber — 25 to 31 grams a day — can help prevent constipation,
according to the NIDDK. High-fiber foods include vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole
grains, and legumes (such as chickpeas and black beans).
Treatment for constipation is typically individualized to each patient, says Dr.
Nee, but very often doctors recommend a laxative as the first step in treatment.
Your doctor will likely also want to evaluate your medications and your diet to
find the cause.
In addition, drinking lots of water can also help keep your bowel movements
regular because the fluid helps prevent stool from hardening, making it easier to
pass. Regular exercise can also help.
Besides advising lifestyle interventions, your doctor may want to check for
health conditions that could be causing the constipation.
performed. Although constipation is very common, in an older woman, we
would still be concerned about evaluating for colon cancer," says Dr. Nee. The
doctor may also order tests designed to evaluate the pelvic floor and may
consider other tests to assess gut function.
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