CONSTIPATION, CHRONIC: DESCRIPTION AND POSSIBLE MEDICAL PROBLEMS
I don’t know of anyone who hasn’t been constipated at some point in his or her life. The problem, however, is that we all have a different definition of what constipation is. Some people say they have a bowel movement once or twice a day and think that’s typical, while others think a bowel movement once or twice a week is perfectly normal. Although as a rule we don’t make an issue of talking about bowel movements, on the octet hand, we get bombarded by laxative manufacturers who advertise that regularity is one of the God-given tights of every American, regardless of age. What is considered normal? I tend to use the patient’s own standards to determine what is normal.
The only normal thing that we all have in common is that as we get older the mobility of the bowel slows down, resulting in less frequent bowel movements. And the lack of fiber in the diet that is common among many older Americans will decrease the motility even mote.
In most cases, the cause of constipation is easily identified, whether it’s a long car trip, a change in diet, or new medication. If you are constipated, you should ask yourself a few basic questions and relay your answers to your doctor.
1. What do I consider to be a normal bowel movement?
2. Have I noticed a change in my bowel movements over the past few weeks or months?
3. Have I lost or gained weight recently?
4. Has my diet changed in any way?
5. Have I either added or dropped a medication lately?
6. Have I recently cut down on the amount of exercise I get?
7. Have I been using over-the-counter laxatives or antidiarrheal medications lately?
8. Is my stool hard and pelletlike?
9. Has my appetite changed? Have I been nauseous or vomiting lately?
10. Do I have constipation that alternates with diarrhea?
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