Causes of Constipation
Two Diagnostic Types
Constipation is divided into two diagnostic types. In one type, possible causes of constipation are identified and treatment is possible. In the other, there are no clear causes of constipation, but treatment follows a paradigm that supposes diagnostics, modification of diet, and intake of laxatives can alleviate severity of symptoms.
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It is worthwhile to to get a comprehensive view of what things are attributed to cause constipation.
Dietary Causes of Constipation
Some people will find dietary modification, either naturally or using supplements, is sufficient to treat constipation. Crafting a good diet is not easy and requires planning. High dose fiber therapy using psyllium or methylcellulose supplements can substitute effectively. The causes of constipation need not be known if therapy succeeds.
Dyssynergia of the Pelvic Floor
The bundle of muscles right below the pelvis are responsible for assisting in the passage of stool through the rectum. These muscles can be damaged either in sports or during childbirth. The physician can diagnose dyssynergia with a balloon expulsion test. In this case, the causes of constipation are mechanical and muscular. Constipation treatments for dyssynergia include biofeedback and laxatives.
Rectal Prolapse
The tissue and muscles in the rectum can be damaged and weakened, leading to displacement of the lining of the rectum. This is called a prolapse, which protrudes into the anal opening and obstructs stool. Manual intervention by the physician can fix a prolapsed rectum temporarily, but long term treatment is more important to prevent a repeat.
Constipation from Medication
Secondary constipation means constipation that the causes of constipation are inadvertently due to another disorder. Medications for high blood pressure, depression, and anemia amongst others can cause constipation. The patient has several routes to pursue for constipation treatments.
Hormonal Imbalance
The theory that hormones can cause constipation has some support, but there is also quite a lot of evidence against it. In short, women who are pregnant show statistically significant rise in constipation during one trimester. Other hormonally-related theories show much less conclusive evidence they are the causes of constipation.
Constipation and Paraplegia
Tetraplegics and paraplegics have trouble with constipation due to insufficient stimulation of the autonomous muscles that move food through the gut, in addition to impairment of control over the anal sphincter which makes the last stage of evacuation a real barrier. Constipation treatments include various laxatives that do not interfere with other constipation medication.