Sneaky Causes of Constipation

From the Spring 2012 StayHealthy publication

Though we don't discuss it over dinner, the contents of our dinner plates may well lead to the indelicate condition we call irregularity. "Yet, sometimes constipation will sneak up on people and they can't explain the cause," said Akshay Trivedi, DO, gastroenterologist with Digestive Health Care Associates in Valparaiso.

According to Trivedi, there can be hidden causes of constipation that patients don't always connect with their discomfort, such as:

Thyroid Disorder
Hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid may lead to constipation. A simple blood test can help uncover this cause.

 

Antacids
Antacids containing aluminum can lead to constipation, said Trivedi. "Consider switching to a product without aluminum or modifying your diet to prevent indigestion. If you're taking antacids often enough to experience chronic constipation, talk to your doctor as you may have a gastrointestinal problem or gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD)," he said.

Travel
For many, changes in lifestyle, schedule, diet and drinking water may lead to constipation when traveling. "Your best bet is to plan ahead," said Trivedi. "Pack a healthy snack that's high in fiber, find creative ways to keep moving, and stay hydrated by attempting to drink as much water as possible."

Medications
"A number of medications have the unfortunate side effect of causing constipation, urinary retention, and dryness of the eyes and mouth," said Trivedi. Commonly medications such as the Allegra-D, vicodin, and antidepressants can have this effect, he said.

Colorectal Cancer
Another sneaky and thankfully uncommon cause of constipation would be colorectal cancer, said Trivedi. "Cancers in the left side of the colon are more likely to produce symptoms of a blockage, such as abdominal pain and constipation."

Celiac Disease
Though it's not common, patients with celiac disease may experience constipation.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Though diarrhea is more commonly associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), some people with IBS will have constipation, mostly young or middle aged females, said Trivedi.

Am I Constipated?
"Some people think they are constipated if they don't have a bowel movement every day, but this isn't actually true for everyone. Normal stool elimination may be three times a day or three times a week, depending on the person," said Trivedi. "Constipation is defined as having a bowel movement fewer than three times per week. With constipation stools are usually hard, dry, small in size, and difficult to eliminate."

Exercise Helps.
"Exercise is truly the best remedy for digestive health in general and particularly constipation related issues. In addition, I tell this group of patients to have a tall glass of 12-16 ounces of water when they first get up, along with a bowl of bran flakes with buds or raisin bran."

Should I just take a laxative?
"That depends," said Trivedi. "For patients who may suffer from chronic pain that requires narcotic pain relievers for treatment, a gentle laxative may be necessary, but the first thing I always recommend is to get up in the morning and go for a nice brisk walk- 25 to 30 minutes would suffice and any more is icing on the cake!"

The Bottom Line.
According to Trivedi, constipation is an extremely common gastrointestinal condition that in no way alters life expectancy. However, constipation can be chronic and, if left untreated, can cause other problems such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures (tears in the anal lining from straining or passage of hard stools). "Plus, it's uncomfortable," he said. Trivedi recommends patients see their doctor if they experience any blood in the stool, an abrupt change in their bowel habits, or abdominal pain associated with their constipation. "Often, patients are embarrassed or shy about bringing up constipation-type issues with their doctor. However, physicians can often help pinpoint the problem and recommend simple, healthy lifestyle modifications that can bring relief," he said. Patients can see a GI specialist to help learn the cause of their constipation and discuss available treatment options.

Dr. Trivedi is an independent member of the Medical Staff at Porter. To find a physician, visit porterhealth.com or call our physician referral hotline at 800.541.1861.