Causes Of Constipation

Constipation is commonly understood if it happens occasionally like having fewer than 3 bowel movements in a week. If you think you are experiencing constipation for more than 1 week already or you have noticed sudden changes in your bowel movements, it is recommended that you see your doctor immediately and know the causes of constipation. If you are having painful and difficult bowel movements, having dry and hard stools, having fewer than 3 bowel movements per week, feeling gassy or bloated or your straining excessively while going, then you are probably suffering from constipation.

There are several causes of constipation but it is important to be reminded that everyone’s body is different and so constipation will mean different things to different people and moving not more than 3 bowels per week might still be normal for other people. We get constipated when our digestive system does not work the way it should and there are possible causes that might lead to constipation such as the following:

• You do not use the bathroom when you have the urge to go.
• You are dehydrated.
• You are not eating enough fiber.
• You are undergoing a normal aging process.
• You are under severe stress.
• You are pregnant.
• There has been a change in your daily routine.
• It may be due to the prescribed medications, dietary supplement or vitamins.
• You may also suffer from constipation when you travel; it is often referred to as “travel constipation.”

For people who are taking medications, there are some prescribed medicines or over-the counter-products that may also be the cause of constipation, some of these are:

• Antacids
• Calcium channel blockers
• Anticholinergic drugs
• Calcium supplements
• Antidiarrheals
• Iron supplements
• Antihistamines
• Opiates
• Antiparkinson’s drugs
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Antipsychotic

These medications can also contribute to constipation when you are taking any of these, if that is the case, you must inform your physician about it. Constipation may also be due to various medical conditions such as the following:

• Hypothyroidism
• Lupus
• Stroke
• Spinal cord disorder
• Thyroid diseases
• Amyloidosis
• Scleroderma
• Uremia
• Diabetes
• Spinal cord injuries
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Digestive disorders
• Anorectal conditions

We cannot consider a person as constipated just because he or she is not moving bowels daily. A 3 times a week bowel movement might be normal for some people in some cases. This is due to our varying levels of activity and metabolism. We all know that our bodies function differently when compared to others that is why we cannot expect our bowel movements to be the same.