Constipation Specialist

What is constipation?

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:

• Three or fewer bowel movements a week
• To strain during a bowel movement
• Trouble eliminating all the stool during a bowel movement

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.

What causes constipation?

You can develop constipation for many reasons, including a change in routine, medication, or an underlying gastrointestinal condition. 

Common causes of constipation include:

• Not eating enough fiber or drinking enough water
• Not exercising enough
• Traveling
• Changing your usual routine
• Stress
• Eating large amounts of cheese
• Taking certain antidepressants
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Diverticular disease
• Colon cancer
• Intestinal obstruction
• Neurological condition

The cause may determine the severity of your constipation and the best treatment. 

When should I seek professional help for constipation?

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.

What treatments can help my constipation?

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:

• Increase in fiber intake
• Increase in water intake
• Taking a fiber supplement
• Regular exercise
• Stool softener
• Change in medication

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.