Overview
Constipation is a condition whereby the bowel movements are infrequent or difficult to pass. There may be a number of influencing factors including age, medications, diet and mobility.
Causes
Constipation has an array of causes which are dependent on age. As a baby, constipation may be attributed to not getting enough milk. For babies on milk formula, constipation may be caused by an uneven ratio of formula powder to water. The movement to eating solid food is also a common cause on constipation in babies. For young children, Adjusting to toilet training can lead to irregularity in bowel movements, and thus at times, be a factor in causing constipation. For adults, constipation can be caused by no drinking enough fluid, not eating enough fibre, a lack of physical exercise, side effects of medications and other medical conditions.
Constipation Treatments
Many cases of constipation can be treated by a simple lifestyle change, such as changing your diet or increasing the amount of exercise you do. However, in cases of sever discomfort, short term constipation issues can be treated with stimulant laxatives, softeners and osmotic laxatives. Stimulant laxatives stimulate the movement of the gut to encourage bowel movement. These are a short-term solution and should not be used for extended periods of time. Osmotic Laxatives draw water into the bowel, softening the stool and making it easier to pass. Osmotic laxatives are suitable for long term use as they are non-habit forming.
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