What Causes Constipation? Common Reasons You Shouldn’t Ignore

We all have experienced the discomfort and challenges that come with constipation. From bloating to stomach ache, constipation can interfere with your life and make the simplest of movements feel like a task. It is an issue that is often overlooked and ignored. However, it could be a huge indicator of a bigger inconvenience, your body's way of conveying that something is definitely wrong.

At Park Hospital, a leading and renowned stomach pain hospital, known for precision diagnosis and compassionate care, they understand how disruptive constipation can be to your daily life. This blog breaks down the real causes of constipation and why you shouldn't brush it under the rug. Whether you're dealing with occasional discomfort or chronic digestive distress, this guide is for you.

Inside the Gut: Unpacking the Most Common Causes of Constipation

You need to know what is going on inside your gut and need to take the right preventive measures to effectively manage issues like constipation. Unpacking the most common causes of constipation can truly help you gain a clear direction of the things you are supposed to avoid in order to maintain a healthy digestive system.

1. Low-Fiber Diet: The Missing Roughage: Not having a balanced diet is usually the number one cause of constipation. A low-fiber diet usually invites constipation as fiber adds bulk to your stool and retains water, helping in a smooth bowel movement. As suggested by the best stomach pain hospital, getting the right amount of fiber is the easiest and most convenient way to achieve a healthy digestive system.

2. Inadequate Water Intake: Dehydration Dilemma: Not drinking plenty of water is bad for your colon because it starts to draw water from the food waste to fill the water needs. This leads to your stool becoming hard and dry, making it difficult to pass, and causing pain and discomfort. Hence, it is very crucial that you drink at least 8-10 glasses of water every day.

3. Ignoring the Urge to Go: Timing Matters: Sometimes, when you hold your bowel movement, it can be more serious than you think. Whether it is due to busy schedules or travelling, ignoring the urge to go can leave an impact on your natural rhythm. The best gastro doctor in Delhi suggests that this can desensitize your desire to go, which will cause long-term constipation, so it is better to take the right initiatives right away.

4. Sedentary Lifestyle: Movement is Medicine: A lack of physical activity can also lead to constipation. Hence, it is extremely important to keep your body moving to get rid of any bloating, indigestion, and discomfort regarding your digestive health.

5. Medication Side Effects: Hidden Triggers in Your Pillbox: Doctors of the best gastroenterology hospital tell how medication can have constipation as one of its side effects. Many drugs like opioids, antidepressants, iron supplements, and antacids contain calcium, which can often slow down your bowel movement. If you experience something similar after using certain medications, it might be time to consult with a professional. 

6. Hormonal Changes and Health Conditions: Many times, you can experience difficulty in bowel movements due to severe hormonal changes and health conditions like thyroid disorders, diabetes, pregnancy, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or Parkinson's disease.

The Warning Signs: When Constipation Means More Than Just Discomfort

Constipation is a common health concern and is experienced by the best of us. However, if it persists, that is the moment of concern, requiring immediate attention from you. Here are some signs that you should try not to avoid:

● Cramping and stomach pain

● Blood in stool

● Bloating 

● Straining excessively during bowel movements

Gastro care is a sensitive aspect of your overall health, and at Park Hospital, you are given ultimate support to elevate digestive wellness. They help you understand the true root cause of the discomfort, navigating you meticulously through the diagnosis and treatment, along with aftercare.

One major fact that is quite frequently ignored by many is that constipation can be more than a standalone issue. It can be one of the symptoms of a bigger issue, requiring your prompt focus. At Park Hospital, being a leading gastro care hospital, they shed light on the significance of early detection and a root-cause-based approach. Some of the major health issues that you could be ignoring right now are:

● Hemorrhoids

● Anal fissures

● Fecal impaction

● Intestinal blockage

So what does one do at a severe time like this? No need to panic, just visit a gastroenterology hospital that will ensure that you get the best health care with a precise diagnosis and well-curated, personalized treatment procedure.

From Discomfort to Diagnosis: Let Park Hospital Lead the Way

Constipation may start as a minor nuisance, but it's often your gut's way of telling you something's not right. Whether it's dietary, hormonal, or a side effect of medication, constipation has many faces, and ignoring it only makes things worse.

At Park Hospital, you will meet a team of experts who are highly committed to helping you listen to your body before the symptoms spiral. As a leading stomach pain hospital and gastro care hospital, they believe in proactive solutions that go beyond temporary fixes.

Also read: Common Dietary Triggers for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

FAQs

1. What are the most common causes of constipation?

There are a number of reasons that can cause constipation, including a lack of fiber in your diet, inadequate water intake, stress, and lack of physical activity. It is crucial to include all these factors meticulously in your daily routine, as it will help you elevate your overall gut health.

2. Can constipation be a sign of a serious health issue?

Although constipation is a commonly faced issue, chronic constipation is definitely a sign of a more serious health issue. It can be hinting towards conditions like hemorrhoids, colon obstruction, neurological disorders, or colorectal cancer. If you see blood in your stool, it might be time to visit a professional for expert consultation.

3. How often is it considered normal for bowel movements?

It is common to have different "normals" depending on person to person. However, having anywhere near three bowel movements in a day to three a week is considered 'normal.' If you are experiencing discomfort or pain during your bowel movement, it's time to evaluate your health.

4. What medications can cause constipation?

A number of medications can have side effects such as constipation. These are some of the many instances of such medicines:

● Opioid pain relievers

● Antidepressants

● Iron supplements

● Antacids containing calcium or aluminum

● Certain antihistamines and blood pressure medicines

5. When should I see a doctor for constipation?

In a number of cases, it becomes crucial for you to visit a gastro care hospital. For instance, if your bowel movements have been irritating you for three weeks or more, it could be your body hinting at a more serious health issue. Others include blood in stool, unexplained pain, loss, and severe stomach ache.