Constipation is a digestive problem wherein bowel movements do not happen daily and the excreta from the body keeps collecting inside. If bowel movements are not passed daily, it is a case of constipation; and if they are not passed for more than 2-3 days at a time, then it is a case of chronic constipation.
There are a few causes for constipation:
- Strong antibiotics and medicines being taken for some other ailment
- Tension and stress
- Poor dietary habits
- Lack of fluid intake
- Serious abdominal ailments like ulcers or tumours
- Piles or Fissures
The serious causes for constipation are justifiable as this constipation has been caused due to other reasons. However, in many people, especially children, constipation is a result of poor eating habits. Is a person does not eat fibrous food and drink adequate water everyday, constipation is bound to happen. Once constipation starts happening regularly, it often becomes a case of chronic (continual) constipation. The stools become hard and it is painful to pass these stools, whereby the afflicted person avoids going to the toilet. But, this causes further constipation and, at times, medical intervention may be necessary.
Home Remedies
The best home remedy is to eat large quantities of fibrous fruits and vegetables. Leafy vegetables like spinach, fenugreek leaves, cabbage and lettuce are high in fibre and aid bowel movements. These fibrous foods act as natural laxatives. Drinking lots of water (especially warm water) helps soften the excreta and move the food along the digestive tract. Applying pure petroleum jelly around the anus also helps in bowel movements and does not cause fissures in the anal tract (due to the hardened excreta).
Medical Intervention
If there is chronic constipation, medical intervention needs to be sought. Thi scan be done through three modes; namely, suppositories, enemas and long-term usage of oral laxatives.
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