Constipation & slow-transit constipation Treatment in Indore

Constipation - Description

Constipation is one of the more common digestive disorders, typified by infrequent bowel movements, difficulty passing stools, or hard, dry stools. It can be either acute-that is, of recent origin-or chronic, extending over several weeks or months.

Constipation can be caused by dietary factors, life habits, medications, or even disease processes. Common causative factors include a low-fibre diet, insufficient intake of fluids, sedentary lifestyle, medications such as opioids and anticholinergics, and diseases like hypothyroidism and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Symptoms include:

Infrequent bowel movements (less than 3 per week)

Straining upon defecation

Hard or lumpy stools

Abdominal bloating and discomfort

Feeling of incomplete evacuation

Slow-Transit Constipation – Description

STC is a type of chronic constipation characterised by the abnormally slow transit of stool through the colon, usually due to reduced colonic motility. Unlike regular constipation, STC usually exhibits resistance to laxatives and may be associated with abdominal bloating and an infrequent urge to defecate.

Causes of STC include:

Dysfunction of the colon muscles or nerves

Genetic factors

Neurotransmitter abnormalities that affect gut motility

Secondary causes include hypothyroidism, diabetes, and medications.

Symptoms include:

Infrequent bowel movements: sometimes once in a few days or once per week

Hard stools

Abdominal discomfort, bloating, and gas

Rare urge to defecate

Symptoms often persist despite standard constipation treatment.

Types of Constipation

1. Based on Duration

Acute constipation: This is a sudden-onset condition and often temporary.

Chronic constipation: lasts more than 3 months

2. Based on the Underlying Mechanism

Normal-transit constipation: Stool moves at a normal rate, but the patient feels constipated due to difficulty with evacuation

Slow-transit constipation: Reduced motility of the colon; infrequent bowel movements and minimal urge

Outlet obstruction/Pelvic floor dysfunction: Difficulty with evacuation because of dysfunction of the anal or pelvic floor muscles

3. Functional vs Secondary

Functional constipation: No organic cause is identifiable; it is usually related to lifestyle factors.

Secondary constipation: It is caused by medications, metabolic disorders, neurological conditions, or structural abnormalities.

Prevention of Constipation & Slow-Transit Constipation

1. High-Fibre Diet

Include fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.

Fibre adds bulk to the stool and stimulates bowel movements.

2. Proper Hydration

Drink 6–8 glasses of water per day to avoid hard stools.

3. Regular Physical Activity

Exercise stimulates the motility of the colon and maintains bowel regularity.

4. Healthy Bowel Habits

Respond promptly to the urge to defecate

Avoid prolonged straining during bowel movements

Establish a regular bowel routine

5. Medications-if necessary

Bulk-forming agents (psyllium)

Stool softeners or osmotic laxatives under medical guidance

6. Treat Underlying Conditions

Manage hypothyroidism, diabetes, neurological disorders, or pelvic floor dysfunction 7. Avoid Constipation-Inducing Drugs: Minimise opioids, anticholinergics or iron supplements when feasible