Severe Constipation

Severe Constipation

Severe Constipation
Severe Constipation

Severe Constipation: A Painful Digestive System Disorder

What is severe constipation? It is constipation that is severe in its intensity, and can be a painful condition.

Let’s begin with some basic facts about constipation.

  • The medical definition of constipation is having less than three bowel movements per week.  Severe constipation is defined as less than one bowel movement per week.  However, either sort of constipation requires attention.
  • Constipation is caused by a slow stool passage through the colon.
  • This action (or rather, inaction) is caused by a number of factors including low fiber in the diet, laxative abuse leading to a weakened colon, hormonal problems, stress, medication and poor bowel habits such as resisting going to the bathroom despite the urge.
  • Colonic inertia and perlvic floor dysfunction can cause constipation.
  • When severe constipation is present, sudden, happens along weight loss or does not respond to normal constipation treatment, medical attention is needed.
  • Treatment includes laxatives (non-stimulant or stimulant), suppositories, biofeedback, other stress reduction methods and surgery.
  • Note: Stimulant laxatives should not be utilized as a first-line severe constipation treatment since they may result in permanent colon damage.
Constipation can also take place, alternating, with diarrhea, which is a common occurrence in those experiencing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Extreme, or, severe constipation, takes place after fecal impaction, during which the stool actually hardens in the rectum and no bowel movement is possible.
With age, the number of bowel movements typically decrease.  Most adults have one from 3 to 21 times in a single week.  Depending on whom is being asked, this is “normal”, with the average being one bowel movement daily.  Unfortunately, less than half of people have a daily bowel movement, or pass stool consistently at the same times each day that they do defecate.

Constipation is classed as three or less bowel movements a week; severe constipation is one or less.

There is a difference between chronic and acute constipation.  Acute constipation, unlike the chronic variety, has a rapid onset and requires urgent medical assessment and potential treatment.  The reason is that there may be a critical causative factor for acute constipation, such as colon cancer.  Medical attention should also be sought if the acute constipation is accompanied by abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, nausea, vomiting and cramps.

Remember: If the constipation is severe and acute, seek medical assessment and assistance; if it is chronic and irritating, take steps to improve your diet, reduce your stress and exercise.

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