Health is our most valuable asset, yet in today’s busy lifestyle, it often gets neglected. Among the common health issues faced, constipation is prevalent, affecting a significant portion of the population. A survey in India indicates that 22% of adults experience constipation, with 13% facing severe symptoms. Moreover, 6% deal with constipation linked to conditions like diabetes, hypothyroidism, and anorectal disorders.
Constipation refers to infrequent, difficult, or painful bowel movements. Typically, this means having fewer than three bowel movements per week, with hard, dry stools that can be uncomfortable to pass. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, including blood in the stool says the leading laparoscopic surgeon for the abdominal in Delhi NCR Dr Amita Jain.
What are the Major Causes of Constipation in India?
Some of the major causes of constipation are:
Medications
Certain medications can slow down bowel movements, leading to constipation:
- Opioid Pain Relievers: Opioids used for pain management can reduce intestinal movement, making stool passage difficult.
- Iron Supplements: Common for treating anemia, these supplements often cause constipation and darken stool as a side effect.
- Antidepressants: Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline) have anticholinergic effects, which inhibit bowel movement, leading to constipation.
- NSAIDs and Antihistamines: Common painkillers and allergy medications can decrease bowel activity, causing constipation.
- Blood Pressure Medications: Some hypertension drugs affect muscle contractions in the digestive tract, slowing bowel movement.
- Antacids with Calcium or Aluminum: Excessive use can result in hard stools and constipation.
- Anti-Nausea Medications: These can slow digestion and increase the risk of constipation.
Medical Conditions
Several health conditions can contribute to constipation by affecting digestion:
- Endocrine Disorders: Diabetes and hypothyroidism can slow digestive processes, leading to constipation. Diabetes may damage nerves in the colon, while hypothyroidism reduces overall metabolic activity.
- Neurological Disorders: Diseases like Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and muscular dystrophy affect muscle coordination, making bowel movements challenging.
- Digestive Obstructions: Tumors, tears, or conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) can block the colon, leading to constipation.
- Colon and Bowel Disorders: Conditions such as Crohn’s disease and diverticulosis can disrupt normal bowel movements due to inflammation or infection.
- Pregnancy: High progesterone levels during pregnancy relax muscles, slowing digestion and causing constipation.
Lifestyle Factors
Unhealthy lifestyle choices are major contributors to constipation:
- Physical Inactivity: Lack of exercise can slow down bowel movements. Regular physical activity helps stimulate bowel function.
- Inadequate Fluid Intake: Not drinking enough water can make stools hard and difficult to pass.
- Low-Fiber Diet: Diets lacking fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains slow digestion and lead to constipation.
- Ignoring the Urge: Delaying bowel movements can weaken the body’s natural urge, resulting in constipation over time.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal fluctuations can significantly impact bowel movements:
- Estrogen and Progesterone Levels: High estrogen can slow gastrointestinal motility, while elevated progesterone can inhibit bowel movement, both contributing to constipation. Low progesterone levels can also result in dry stools.
- Stress: Elevated cortisol levels from stress can disrupt digestion, exacerbating constipation.
Constipation is a widespread issue in India, driven by factors such as medication use, underlying medical conditions, a sedentary lifestyle, inadequate fiber and fluid intake, and hormonal changes. Addressing these factors through lifestyle changes, increased physical activity, and a balanced diet can help manage and prevent constipation effectively. For persistent symptoms, medical consultation is advised to identify underlying causes and receive appropriate treatment.
Dr Amita Jain is a surgeon with highest degree of professional competence, precision and surgical craftsmanship. Performed all complicated general surgery procedures with in depth knowledge of invasive and few minimal invasive and onco surgical techniques. Underwent special training in trauma, executed various trauma-related complex life-saving neurosurgical procedures, reconstructed injured mangled limbs and performed vascular and reconstructive procedures with critical care.
Dr Amita Jain holds 28 plus years of rich experience in Trauma and General Laparoscopic Surgeries (including Gallbladder stone removal, appendix removal, hernia repair surgery, piles and fissure surgeries). She was the Professor Surgery of at the Army College of Medical Sciences and Base Hospital Delhi Cantt. In 1994 she was commissioned as Surgeon under the United Nations Mission in Congo. From 2020 to 2022, she worked with Bansals Hospital. Currently, Dr Amita Jain is the Senior Consultant, (Speciality: General and Laparoscopic Surgeon) at Artemis Lite Hospital, New Delhi