About 2.5 million people visit their doctor every year to get help with constipation. Though not always a result of a serious health issue, constipation can cause discomfort. At Gastroenterology Associates of Fredericksburg, the team of highly skilled specialists takes a patient-centered approach, using the highest clinical standards. For expert care for your constipation, call the office in Fredericksburg or Stafford, Virginia, or book an appointment online today.
Constipation is a symptom indicating waste is moving too slowly through your small intestine, causing hard, dry, and difficult to pass stool.
In general, constipation is when you have:
However, everyone’s bowel habits are different, and only you know what’s normal for you. For example, some people only have three bowel movements a week, while others have three or more bowel movements a day.
Any change in your usual bowel habits that causes dry, hard, and difficult to pass stool are possible signs of constipation.
You can develop constipation for many reasons, including a change in routine, medication, or an underlying gastrointestinal condition.
Common causes of constipation include:
The cause may determine the severity of your constipation and the best treatment.
In most cases, constipation clears up on its own within a few days of at-home care. However, if your constipation fails to improve or is a recurring problem, it’s time to schedule an appointment at Gastroenterology Associates of Fredericksburg.
The gastroenterology practice uses the most advanced medical technology and the highest clinical standards to ensure you get the best possible care for your constipation.
When left untreated, your chronic constipation may cause other problems like hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or fecal impaction.
The Gastroenterology Associates of Fredericksburg team works closely with you to develop the most effective treatment plan for your constipation. The specifics of your program depend on the underlying cause of your infrequent bowel movements.
Treatment that might help your constipation include:
They may also prescribe medication to treat constipation based on the underlying cause. The gastroenterologists rarely perform surgery for constipation, but you may need surgery if you have an intestinal blockage.
You don’t have to suffer from your constipation. Call Gastroenterology Associates of Fredericksburg or schedule an appointment online today.
