FAQs
1. What medications are used to treat constipation?
Besides the diet and lifestyle changes, laxatives or stool softeners may be used for the treatment of constipation when necessary. Counseling of the patient may also be necessary
2. Which doctor should I visit in case I suffer from constipation?
You should visit your family doctor / general practitioner to treat constipation. He may refer you to a gastroenterologist if required.
3. What happens to untreated constipation?
Discomfort and irritation are most commonly associated with constipation and can lead to haemorrhoids (piles) , rectal bleeding (red streaks in stool or bloody diarrhea), (skin tear around the anus) and (leakage of liquid stool) (4✔)
4. Can stress cause constipation?
Yes, stress and anxiety can affect digestion and slow down bowel movement which results in constipation (5✔).
5. Why constipation is common in elderly people?
Older adults are more prone to constipation due to slow metabolism , reduced physical activity, medication side effects and low-fibre diets or reduced appetite (6✔).
6. Are there any natural remedies for constipation?
Yes, Prunes or prune juice warm water with lemon in the morning, psyllium husk or flaxseed as natural fiber sources and regular physical activity and abdominal massages can help to relieve constipation (7✔).
7. Does fasting or skipping meals cause constipation?
Yes, fasting or skipping meals reduces food intake, which slows down intestinal activity and bowel movements. A regular eating schedule helps maintain consistent digestion and bowel habits (8✔)
8. Can constipation cause bad breath?
Yes, because waste products accumulate in the colon and release toxins. These toxins can enter the bloodstream and cause a foul odor in breath (9✔).
9. Why is the position I sit when in the toilet important?
The standard toilet forces the body into a 90° angle, which can bend the rectum and make it harder for stool to pass. A squatting position (knees above hips) helps straighten the rectum, relax the pelvic floor muscles, and allow for smoother bowel movements (10✔).
10. Does using a Western toilet worsens constipation?
Yes. Western toilets force a sitting position that creates a sharper angle, making stool passage harder. Squatting toilets are considered more natural for bowel movements because they straighten the rectal canal. Using a footstool can mimic squatting on a standard toilet (11✔).
