Constipation
When an individual feels constipated, their stool moves slowly through the gastrointestinal tract. The slow motility may cause the stool to become hard and dry because the system has already disposed of the fluids before waste has lodged in the colon. Constipation can lead to severe discomfort, and the stool can become difficult to pass due to its hardness. When a person only has three bowel movements in a week, they’re constipated and may need immediate medical attention to ease the pain and discomfort.
Constipation can affect children and adults, and it’s necessary to determine the underlying cause to provide the required treatment options. If left unchecked, constipation can lead to complications such as hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, anal fissures, fecal impaction, and stress urinary incontinence. So while constipation may be common and part of the IBS presentation, it’s essential to find solutions to manage or prevent it from recurring.
One of the best ways to manage and prevent constipation is to modify the diet by incorporating more fiber-rich food such as vegetables, fruits, and nuts. A person must also drink two to four more glasses of water per day to compensate for the needed liquids in the Gi tract.
