Constipation therapy

How to Treat Constipation

The treatment of constipation includes many very different measures that have to be weighed against each other depending on the cause and extent of the constipation. The ultimate therapy should therefore always be discussed with the patient and tailored to the individual case.

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For one thing, there are many Home remedies for constipation. Above all, this includes foods rich in fiber, which can also be used to prevent constipation. Water or fruit juice in the morning lead to bowel movements in many people, too strong coffee can cause bowel movements in people who do not consume it regularly. Show the same effect dried fruit (especially plums or figs) and sauerkraut. Also one massage of the abdomen can help, whereby you should ensure that you massage along the natural course of the colon (i.e. from the right lower abdomen to the left in an arched manner). In addition, regular exercise and adequate hydration stimulate digestion.

In addition, you can Swelling and fillers It is important that these are always taken with enough water, otherwise they can worsen constipation. Serving as swelling substances, for example Flaxseed, bran and psyllium. These do not develop their effect acutely, but over a longer period of time and should be dosed carefully, otherwise they will Flatulence can trigger.

Then there are osmotically effective laxatives like Macrogol or lactulose, which treat constipation by liquefying the stool on the one hand, which makes it easier to pass, and on the other hand swelling itself, i.e. increasing its volume, which leads to a defecation stimulus. From other osmotic agents such as Glauber's salt or Epsom salt is not advised as these empty the bowel very quickly, which leads to a massive sudden loss of electrolytes.

Lubricants especially help against constipation if this is caused by hard balls of feces in the rectum. Most of these drugs contain glycerin and are given as suppositories or enemas. This treatment is particularly suitable for pregnant women and children.

Another group of drugs are the intestinal stimulating preparations such as Bisacodyl, Sennosides, Buckthorn bark, aloe or Sodium picosulfate. These ensure that the food is transported more quickly in the intestine and they also increase the excretion of electrolytes and fluids into the interior of the intestine. For this reason, however, they should be consumed with caution, as they can quickly lead to the body's electrolyte balance being imbalanced, which can lead to serious complications such as cardiac arrhythmias.

In rare cases, constipation can only be treated with surgery. However, it should only be used when all other treatment options have been tried and failed. Indications for an operation include Crohn's disease (a chronic inflammatory bowel disease) if it is accompanied by narrowing of the intestine, the Megacolon, Obstruction of the intestinal lumen due to tumors or adhesions (Brides) that can arise postoperatively.

Also read the article: Stimulate bowel movements.