Constipation can happen due to dietary changes, medications, or age, but usually these bouts are temporary and you resume a normal bathroom routine within a few days or weeks. However, some cases of constipation persist for a month or longer and interfere with your comfort and quality of life.
Constipation doesn’t have a strict definition; the definition depends very much on the individual. Some people have once or twice daily bowel movements, others have them just three times a week. If your bowel habits change notably and you’re having far fewer bowel movements than usual, stools are hard to pass, and when they do pass, they’re quite hard, you have constipation.
Constipation isn’t a disease. It’s a symptom of something going on in your system. At GastroDoxs, Dr. Pothuri evaluates your constipation, and if moderate interventions such as dietary changes don’t help, he may run specific tests to rule out a serious cause. If you’re constipated and worried about your digestive health, call our office today.
If your answer to any of these questions is a resounding “yes,” you’re likely constipated.
In many cases, constipation may be resolved with just a few lifestyle changes.
You can add more fiber to your diet in the form of fresh produce, whole grains, and dried fruits.
It helps to stay hydrated, too. When you drink enough water, your stool becomes softer and easier to pass.
Adding more physical activity also helps with constipation because exercise revs up your digestive tract along with other bodily systems.
If constipation is chronic and interfering with your daily life, it’s a good idea to call GastroDoxs for an evaluation to rule out any serious problems. If you find that lifestyle changes have no effect on your constipation, contact us, too.
Chronic constipation can be an early sign of a serious condition, such as colon cancer. Other physical problems cause constipation, including Parkinson’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, hypothyroidism, and diabetes. When these diseases are controlled with proper medical management, constipation often resolves.
If you’re bothered by infrequent bowel movements or stool that’s hard to pass, call our GastroDoxs office in Cypress, Texas, or schedule an appointment online. Dr. Pothuri reviews your symptoms, your medical and family history, and performs screening tests to get at the root of your problem and help you find relief.
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
If constipation lasts more than two weeks, or if it's accompanied by severe pain, blood in stool, or unexplained weight loss, you should see a doctor.
Constipation is serious if it causes severe pain, bloating, vomiting, or blood in the stool, as these could indicate an underlying medical condition.
The "rule of 3" suggests that if a baby has fewer than three bowel movements per week for three consecutive weeks, it may be classified as constipation.
Occasional constipation is normal, but if you haven't had a bowel movement in more than three days and experience discomfort, you may need intervention.
More than a week of constipation, especially with bloating, pain, or rectal bleeding, should be evaluated by a doctor.
