Experts say that constipation occurs when bowel movements become less frequent and stools become difficult to pass. Dr Charles Sindabimenya, a specialist in internal medicine at Doctors Plaza in Kimironko, says it’s common now to attend to patients with different digestion disorders, constipation being one of them. He says this in normal circumstances happens due to changes in diet or routine, or due to inadequate intake of fibre. “People who eat less fibre and other unhealthy food are more likely to suffer with issues related to constipation,” he observes. Dr Sindabimenya says that constipation can occur due to different reasons, however, he is quick to note that constipation that comes with severe pain, blood in the stools, or constipation that lasts longer than three weeks, there is a need to consult a physician. Meanwhile, Dr Sindabimenya says people of all ages can have an occasional bout of constipation. There are also certain people and situations that are more likely to lead to becoming more consistently constipated, which normally refers to chronic constipation. However, Dr Daniel Gahungu, a general practitioner at Clinic Galien in Gasabo, says that some people might be at higher risk of getting constipation compared to others. For instance, older people tend to be less active, have a slower metabolism, and less muscle contraction strength along their digestive tract than when they were younger. Also, he says pregnant women and women after childbirth are prone to constipation. This, Gahungu explains, is caused by the changes in a woman’s hormones, making them more prone to constipation, as this is so because the baby inside the womb squishes the intestines, slowing down the passage of stool. Besides, experts also note that not eating enough high-fibre foods also contributes to constipation as high-fibre foods help keep food moving through the digestive system. Dr Sindabimenya says taking certain medications may also cause constipation, as well as having certain neurological diseases of the brain and spinal cord and digestive disorders. Complications Dr Gahungu says that although there might be few complications associated with constipation, some complications too can be fatal. These include; swollen, inflamed veins in the rectum (a condition called haemorrhoids that tears in the lining of your anus from hardened stool trying to pass through anal fissures). Also, it’s evident that in most cases of mild to moderate constipation, it can be managed by one at home as self-care starts by taking an inventory of what you eat and drink and then making changes. Some recommendations to help relieve your constipation, however, include drinking two to four extra glasses of water a day and avoiding caffeine-containing drinks and alcohol, which can cause dehydration. Also, adding fruits, vegetables whole grains, and other high-fibre foods to your diet is essential if you want to keep constipation at bay.
