Constipation is uncomfortable, and when you go too long without emptying your bowel, you might need medical attention. The team of physicians at Digestive Disease Care provides customized treatment to relieve constipation. Digestive Disease Care has New York offices in Babylon, Lake Success, East Setauket, Mineola, and Jericho in Long Island, and Forest Hills and Jamaica in Queens. For expert constipation care, call or make an appointment online today.
Constipation occurs when you have trouble emptying your bowel. Everyone’s digestive tract functions at slightly different speeds. It might be normal for you to pass stool every day or several times a day, while others might only empty their bowel every other day.
However, if you pass stool less than three times a week or have hard, dry, or painful bowel movements, you might have constipation. Some of the symptoms of constipation include:
You might also have painful cramping in your abdomen or feel bloated. Some patients feel nauseous and lose their appetites.
Your diet is one of the most common causes of constipation. If you don’t consume enough fiber, found in fruit, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and whole grains, you’re more likely to become constipated. It’s also important to drink plenty of water and get regular exercise.
Some medications like opioid pain relievers, calcium channel blockers, and iron supplements can interfere with your bowel movements.
In some cases, conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and celiac disease that interfere with your intestinal function can cause constipation. Colorectal problems, including diverticulitis, colon cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease, often cause constipation.
You should call the team at Digestive Disease Care if you have severe constipation with cramping or if you aren’t able to pass stool or gas. Other signs that you should contact a doctor include:
The team at Digestive Disease Care provides exams and testing to identify the cause of your constipation and offers personalized treatment.
Depending on the cause of your constipation, the physicians at Digestive Disease Care provide customized treatment plans. They always take time to review your diet and lifestyle habits and discuss foods that can manage and reduce constipation. They might also recommend fiber supplements or stool softeners to help you empty your bowels.
If another gastrointestinal issue is causing your condition, your doctor can treat the underlying problem while also offering treatments to make it easier for you to empty your bowel. In severe cases, when noninvasive treatments aren’t successful, your doctor may need to remove impacted stool with a manual or surgical procedure.
If you’re concerned about constipation, call Digestive Disease Care, or make an appointment online today.
