Constipation

For millions of people, constipation is a frequent problem. The human body is a finely tuned machine and it does not take much to throw off its delicate balance. Infrequent constipation can be caused by dietary changes or a lack of activity. There are also many medications and natural foods that can bring about a side effect of constipation. However, chronic constipation may be a sign that there is a serious problem occurring in the colon.

There are actually many symptoms associated with constipation, and many people may not realize that they are having problems. In some cases, people can endure chronic constipation for years, only to discover that it was a side effect of a more serious health issue.

The most obvious side effect of constipation is the inability to have a regular bowel movement. If this condition persists for more than three days, it is important to consult a physician to determine what may be causing the problem. Ignoring constipation will not make it go away, and can lead to a more serious bowel obstruction.

There are however several other symptoms of constipation that are easy to write off as harmless. Many are, but there are times when they can point to a more serious problem.

Dry bowel movements

- Dry movements are usually indicative that something is going wrong in the intestinal tract. The colon is not absorbing enough water to make bowel movements easier and obstructions can occur.

Vomiting and Nausea

- Many constipation sufferers notice that they are frequently nauseous during a bout. This can have many causes, but it may be serious. Chronic vomiting is cause for concern in many patients, and can lead to dehydration, which further upsets the intestinal tract.

Abdominal Swelling

- This should not be confused with bloating, which is another common side effect of constipation. Swelling is quite painful and may indicate that there is a serious blockage in the intestinal tract. If you have experienced acute abdominal swelling and have not had a bowel movement recently, it is very important to seek medical assistance.

The main problem for those with constipation is a lack of knowledge about its underlying causes. In some cases, chronic constipation may point to a more serious health problem, such as colon cancer. Frequent colon cancer screenings are the best way to detect this cancer in its early stages, while it is still easy to treat.