Last updated on : 12 Nov, 2024
Read time : 10 min
Constipation is a common digestive issue that can cause discomfort and disrupt daily life. It affects people of all ages and can significantly reduce quality of life. Various factors contribute to constipation, including changes in diet, lifestyle, medications, and underlying health conditions. Identifying the root cause is crucial for selecting the right treatment. Depending on the type of constipation, treatment plans may differ and often include lifestyle changes like increasing fiber intake and staying hydrated.
Understanding the different types of constipation is key to addressing the problem effectively. Let’s explore these types and their specific causes, symptoms, and treatments.
The two main types of constipation: primary (also known as functional) and secondary. The symptoms and treatments can vary depending on the type.
Below are the different types of constipation:
Primary or functional constipation is a common digestive problem characterised by infrequent or difficult bowel movements that are not caused due to any underlying medical conditions. Various factors, including poor diet, inadequate fluid intake, lack of exercise, and certain medications, can cause primary constipation. It’s further classified into:
Read more: Best Home Remedies to Get Rid of Bloating
Secondary constipation is another type of constipation that occurs as a side effect of taking medications or due to an underlying medical condition. According to a study in the Neurogastroenterology and Motility journal, the following are the most common causes of secondary constipation:
The common Causes of secondary constipation are:
You can effectively manage constipation through lifestyle and dietary changes. These include:
Read more: Role of probiotics and prebiotics for gut health
Several medications are available to treat the different types of constipation. It is advised to consult your doctor before taking them. Here are some examples:
Also Read: Home Remedies for Constipation
Untreated constipation can cause various health problems. While occasional constipation is normal, chronic or severe cases can lead to serious issues. Here are some potential complications:
It’s possible to treat all constipation types and improve your digestive health. If you’re experiencing persistent constipation, seek the advice of a doctor to provide recommendations based on individual needs and health status. Including more fibre in your food, drinking more water, and doing regular exercise can help relieve constipation naturally. When ordering medicines online, you can save money by choosing an alternative or generic medicine the experts recommend. You can save up to 72% on your purchase and get free home delivery across India.
Doctors treat constipation based on its type. For functional constipation, they may recommend dietary changes, increased fiber intake, and regular exercise. For slow transit constipation, laxatives or stool softeners might be prescribed. In cases of obstructive defecation, biofeedback therapy or surgery may be necessary if there is a structural issue.
You can identify the type of constipation by observing your symptoms. Functional constipation typically involves infrequent bowel movements and difficulty passing stool. Slow transit constipation is characterized by infrequent bowel movements with little urge to defecate. Obstructive defecation often involves difficulty and straining despite the frequent urge to pass stool.
The most serious form of constipation is obstructive defecation, especially if it is caused by an underlying structural issue like a rectal prolapse or a pelvic floor dysfunction. This type can lead to severe complications and may require surgical intervention to prevent long-term damage to the digestive system.
The most common form of constipation is functional constipation (also called idiopathic constipation). It is often caused by lifestyle factors such as a low-fiber diet, insufficient fluid intake, or a lack of physical activity, rather than any underlying medical condition.
Four types of constipation are as follows: Normal transit constipation: Where stool moves normally through the colon but is difficult to pass. Slow transit constipation: Where the colon muscles contract slowly, leading to infrequent bowel movements. Pelvic floor dysfunction: Where pelvic muscles do not coordinate properly, making it hard to pass stool. Secondary constipation: Caused by medications, medical conditions, or dietary factors.
Type 2 constipation occurs when the muscles in the colon are sluggish, causing delayed movement of stool. Causes include low-fiber diet, dehydration, sedentary lifestyle, hormonal imbalances, neurological disorders, or the side effects of certain medications.
Disclaimer
Our healthcare experts have carefully reviewed and compiled the information presented here to ensure accuracy and trustworthiness. It is important to note that this information serves as a general overview of the topic and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, prevent, or cure any health problem. This page does not establish a doctor-patient relationship, nor does it replace the advice or consultation of a registered medical practitioner. We recommend seeking guidance from your registered medical practitioner for any questions or concerns regarding your medical condition.
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