Constipation is a common gastrointestinal issue that affects people of all ages and gender. Characterized by infrequent bowel movements, for less than three times a week, and difficulty in passing stool, it can lead to serious health issues and hamper normal life if left untreated. Constipation impacts 22 per cent of our country’s population daily. It has different sub-types which affects people of different ages. Mild constipation is common across all age groups, but usually Chronic constipation is more prevalent in women and tends to appear earlier compared to men. Constipation is a treatable condition, and taking the right step today can help you move forward with comfort and ease.
Among the different sub-types of constipation, functional constipation, which impacts both children and adults. There are no underlying medical or structural problems behind functional constipation and are characterized by issues like infrequent bowel movements (often fewer than three times per week), hard or lumpy stools, straining during defecation, and a feeling of incomplete evacuation. Functional constipation can be caused by issues in diet, lifestyle and dehydration. It is seen in children more often because they are usually being potty-trained at that age and that can be taxing for them and their parents, thus, kids often ignore the urge to pass stool, withholding hardens stools and makes the cycle worse. Starting school can also alter their bathroom timings and this can further worsen their constipation.
In adults, usually diet and lifestyle lead to functional constipation. Consuming a diet low in fiber and not drinking enough water throughout the day are two leading reasons. Fiber helps soften the stool and makes it easier to pass, lack of fiber results in hard stool that is difficult to pass. Often adults who experience functional constipation resort to homemade remedies like eating ripe bananas, water boiled with carrom seeds etc. but these are not very useful when constipation becomes persistent. Lifestyle and dietary measures form the cornerstone of management, while laxatives may be used when these are insufficient. Stimulant laxatives enhance intestinal motility, while osmotic laxatives draw water into the bowel to soften stools.
Constipation can significantly affect the daily life of older adults. Persistent discomfort, bloating, and abdominal pain can make simple activities, like walking, cooking, or socializing less enjoyable. Straining and irregular bowel habits can lead to embarrassment, reduced confidence, and even reluctance to leave home. Sleep may be disturbed, energy levels drop, and appetite can decline, which affects overall health.
Today’s sedentary lifestyle where people sit in one place for hours and do not meet their dietary requirements end up facing issues like constipation which hampers their productivity because they start feeling sluggish or uncomfortable can make it harder to focus and ability to lead a normal life. If ignored, constipation can become chronic, leading to dependency on withholding, irregular routines, or even complications like fissures or hemorrhoids later. If left untreated, constipation can lead to bloating. Chronic straining weakens pelvic muscles, potentially affecting both bowel and urinary control. Thus, pharmacological therapy, including osmotic and stimulant laxatives, are the widely accepted solutions. Beyond physical health, it impacts mood, confidence, and social routines, especially in young and working individuals. Taking steps to manage constipation early ensures not only physical relief but also overall well-being and quality of life.