Are you experiencing hard or lumpy stools? Do you struggle to have bowel movements? If so, you may be suffering from constipation.
Dr. Hardeep M. Singh and our highly trained staff offer a wide range of services to treat all your gastroenterology needs. Whether you need a routine procedure like a colonoscopy or are suffering from a more specific concern like constipation. We are here to help ease your pain and discomfort.
Infrequent bowel movements can lead to a variety of symptoms. Abdominal pain, cramping, the feeling of fullness or pressure in the rectum are common. A poor appetite, back pain, and general ill feeling can also go with constipation due to the slowing of the digestive tract.
While constipation might not seem like a big deal, chronic constipation can really impact your day-to-day. Complications can also result like diverticular disease, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, rectal bleeding, and rectal prolapse.
Everyone's habits are different. Some people may have three bowel movements a day while others have three every few days. As long as the stool is soft and not difficult to pass it's typically nothing to worry about.
However, if you notice you're going to the bathroom less than usual and your stool is hard it may indicate constipation. There are many different causes of constipation, here are a few:
A number of health concerns can cause issues including irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal obstructions, and colon cancer. Even ailments that seem unrelated to digestion like diabetes, hypothyroidism, and Parkinson's can lead to problems with bowel evacuation. Pregnancy can also cause constipation.
We can determine the cause of your constipation through blood tests and evaluation for anemia. There's a chance you could have electrolyte issues or thyroid problems.
A special X-ray can be taken to assess the speed of waste through the colon and a colonoscopy can examine the colon and rectum for tumors or other types of obstruction. Depending on the cause treatment can range. Sometimes, all you need is to change your lifestyle habits. For example, drinking more water and eating more fiber.
If you're tired of suffering from constipation, contact us today to make an appointment with Dr. Singh to find out what's causing your constipation and how to best treat it.
