What to do when you can't poop due to constipation—how to have a quick bowel movement
Nov 14, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Jingxiang
Introduction
In general, constipation may be caused by insufficient water intake, inadequate dietary fiber, lack of physical activity, enteritis, intestinal polyps, and other factors. It can be treated through adjustments to the diet, appropriate exercise, medication, surgical treatment, and other methods. When experiencing difficulty passing stool due to constipation, it is important to avoid excessive straining to prevent serious complications such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular accidents.
Generally, constipation may be caused by insufficient water intake, inadequate dietary fiber consumption, lack of physical activity, intestinal inflammation, or intestinal polyps. It requires bowel movement regulation through adjustments to the diet, appropriate exercise, medication, or surgical treatment. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Insufficient water intake: When the intestines absorb water from food residue, if there is not enough additional water to dilute it, excessive water will be absorbed from the stool, making it dry and hard to expel. It is recommended to increase daily water intake to promote gastrointestinal motility.
2. Inadequate dietary fiber intake: Dietary fiber absorbs water, increasing stool volume and softening its texture, while also promoting intestinal motility. A lack of fiber-rich foods in the daily diet can easily lead to constipation. It is recommended to consume more fiber-rich foods such as apples, spinach, and brown rice to facilitate smoother bowel movements.
3. Lack of physical activity: When the body lacks exercise, intestinal motility slows down, prolonging the time stool remains in the intestines. Excessive water absorption then occurs, resulting in constipation. It is recommended to increase physical activity appropriately, such as walking, jogging, or practicing yoga, which can effectively stimulate intestinal motility.
4. Intestinal inflammation (enteritis): When inflammation occurs in the intestines, pathological changes such as congestion and swelling of the intestinal mucosa can disrupt the normal neural regulation mechanisms of the intestine, causing disordered intestinal motility and resulting in constipation. It is recommended to take medications such as norfloxacin capsules and prednisone acetate tablets under a doctor's guidance for treatment.
5. Intestinal polyps: Once intestinal polyps grow to a certain size, they occupy space within the intestine, narrowing the bowel lumen and increasing resistance to stool passage, thereby causing difficulty with defecation and resulting in constipation. It is recommended to undergo treatments such as colonoscopic surgery or electrocauterization under a doctor's supervision.
When constipation prevents bowel movements, it is important to avoid excessive straining to prevent serious consequences such as cardiovascular or cerebrovascular accidents. If symptoms persist or are accompanied by abdominal pain, vomiting, or other abnormalities, prompt medical attention is advised.
