Suffering from constipation is very annoying, so how about if the constipation is chronic? Learn more about how to effectively treat chronic constipation and bloating by reading the article.
Let's learn about all the approaches to treating bloating and chronic constipation naturally and with medications in the sections that follow, up to and including surgery in some cases:
Treat chronic constipation and bloating naturally
In contrast to acute constipation, which lasts for three months or less, chronic constipation can last for years. Because chronic constipation makes life difficult for the sufferer, the following treatments are typically recommended before medication is prescribed:
- Eat more fiber
Constipation can be helped by including a sufficient amount of fibre in your diet, which you can get by consuming fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Usually, the patient is recommended to eat 14 grams of fiber for every 1,000 calories in the diet.
- Pelvic muscle training
This physical therapy requires a physical therapist to insert a small tube called a catheter into the rectum, and measure muscle tone while doing pelvic exercises. Chronic constipation may be lessened as the pelvic muscles regain their functionality.
- Doing exercise
Daily exercise promotes the movement of the intestines' muscles, which is effective for treating chronic constipation and bloating.
- Drink more water
Water acts as a stool softener and helps the muscles of the digestive system to work, which results in faster elimination of waste from the body.
- Take your time while urinating.
When defecating, you must sit for a long enough period of time and not rush to leave the bathroom. You must also use the restroom as soon as you feel the urge to urinate and not put off doing so.
Treating chronic constipation and bloating with medication
In the event that natural treatment options are unsuccessful, a doctor will turn to medication. The most common of these drugs are listed below. The doctor will first make an accurate diagnosis to determine the root cause of chronic constipation and bloating.
1. Chloride channel activator
One of its types is Lubiprostone, which relieves stomach pain, softens stool, and reduces the need for intense straining during defecation. It is typically used to treat chronic idiopathic constipation as well as constipation brought on by irritable bowel syndrome.
2. Osmotic laxatives
Helps the movement of stool by increasing the secretion of fluids in the intestines, most notably: Magnesium hydroxide.
3. Lubricants
The most well-known lubricant is dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, which moisturises the stool and speeds up its passage. Other lubricants include mineral oil.
4. Suppositories and enemas
Its objectives include lubricating, lubricating the stool, and stimulating the intestines to expel the stool. Glycerin suppositories are the most popular. As for enemas, they are done by inserting tap water with or without soap into the anus.
5. Fiber supplements
Most notable are the fiber supplements Psyllium, Polycarbophil calcium, and Methyl cellulose.
6. Other medicines
Other drugs that effectively treat bloating and chronic constipation include:
- Misoprostol: It is used to encourage pregnant women's bowel movements.
- Colchicine: People with kidney issues use it to stimulate bowel movement.
- OnabotulinumtoxinA is a medication that helps people with pelvic floor dysfunction have softer stools.
- Stimulants: We aim to increase the contraction of the intestine to excrete the stool, most notably Bisacodyl and Sennoside.
Surgical treatment of chronic constipation and flatulence
Surgery is necessary if the constipation is severe and has not responded to any prior treatments. Depending on the circumstances, the surgery's general approach involves removing a portion of the colon, but it may also involve removing the colon entirely.
The following list of postoperative complications should be noted:
- Bowel obstruction.
- abdominal pain
- bloating
- Diarrhea .