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FAMILY ILLNESS
Constipation
Some people have a bowel movement once or twice a day; others do so less frequently. If you have fewer bowel movements than usual or if your feces are small and hard, you are constipated. The cause is often a lack of fluid or fiber-rich foods in the diet. If constipation occurs suddenly or persists despite a change in your diet, consult your doctor.
START
How long have you suffered from constipation?
For a few weeks or less
For several months or years
Do you have pain in your rectum or anus when you defecate?
Pain
No pain
! Blood in the feces
Blood can appear in the feces as red streaks or in larger amounts. It can also make the stools look black. Small amounts of blood in the feces are usually caused by minor anal problems, such as hemorrhoids, but you should always consult your doctor if you notice blood in the feces because it is vital that other causes, such as colorectal cancer, are excluded.
Do you have intermittent bouts of cramping pain in the lower abdomen?
Does either of the following apply?
You regularly ignore the urge to defecate
You regularly use stimulant laxatives
Neither
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR Regular use of stimulant laxatives, such as senna, can seriously disrupt the normal functioning of the bowels.
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR Pain on defecation can cause or worsen constipation. You may have hemorrhoids or an anal fissure( tear in the lining of the anus).
ACTION
TRY SELF-HELP MEASURES Your bowel reflexes may have become sluggish as a result of being ignored.
• Include more fiberrich foods in your diet.
• Increase your daily fluid intake.
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR if your symptoms have not improved within 2 weeks.
Pain
No pain
ACTION
TRY SELF-HELP MEASURES Your constipation is probably due to a lack of fiber or fluid in your diet and possibly to lack of exercise.
• Include more fiberrich foods in your diet.
• Avoid eating too much processed food.
• Increase your daily fluid intake.
• Do not ignore the urge to defecate.
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR if your symptoms have not improved within 2 weeks.