National Nursing Review : Nursing Study Resources & Health Tips

Constipation is one of the most common problems suffered today. It is characterized by an insufficient evacuation of feces in the intestine and causes severe pain and discomfort in the body. If not treated early on it can become a chronic disorder that degenerates in other diseases of the digestive system. The most common causes are a poor diet low in fiber and fluids, sedentary lifestyle, stress, age and overweight.

Treatment

To avoid constipation is to start by changing habits:

Diet: Diet is one of the keys to treating this condition. It is advisable to include foods high in fiber and whole grains like wheat bran, oats, prunes because they help promote digestion and metabolism. It is important to eat a good portion of fruits and vegetables during the three daily meals accompanied by protein and drink lots of water throughout the day.

Exercise: Key to eliminate toxins and counteract the effects of a sedentary lifestyle. Sports need at least three times a week and at least thirty minutes. In addition to improved cardiorespiratory system, stimulates and strengthens the digestive system especially the stomach area. (more…)

It is called constipation or constipation stools to excessively dry, hard, small or infrequent, due to a slowdown in lavatories or frequency of evacuation. It is considered that the normal rate of discharge varies from three times a week to three times a day.

Must note that constipation is a symptom and not a disease. It is basically a manifestation of a disorder.

Symptoms include abdominal pain, fullness, flatulence (or gas), abdominal discomfort, headache, irritability, poor appetite, and few hard stools, pain in the evacuation, fatigue, tiredness, difficult evacuation, bloating sensation of incomplete rectal evacuation. (more…)

CONCEPT
Constipation is defined as either decreased frequency of bowel movements or painful bowel movements. Children between 1 and 4 years old usually defecate between 1 and 2 times a day and defecates more than 90% by spending a day at least. When a child is constipated for a long time can begin to soil your underwear. The medical term used to describe this symptom that can occur in children with chronic constipation is encopresis. Other symptoms that may accompany constipation include stomach aches, poor appetite and irritability.
In most cases no tests are needed before the treatment of constipation. But sometimes, depending on the severity of the problem, your doctor may order x-rays or other tests to clarify the situation.

HAPPENS FOR CONSTIPATION
At least 25% of visits to pediatric gastroenterologist is due to constipation problems. Million prescriptions per year spread to administer laxatives and stool softeners.
In some children, the effort and difficulties in defecating (usually with soft stools) may be due simply to an immature system with rectal muscles do not relax at the right time. It must be remembered that some healthy babies who are breastfeeding can go days without a bowel movement. Thereafter, constipation may begin when the child’s diet includes enough fiber or liquids. (more…)