irritable-bowel-syndrome > Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Lack of exercise can lead to constipation, although doctors do not know precisely why.

For example, constipation often occurs after an accident or during an illness when one must stay in bed and cannot exercise.

Laxatives Laxatives usually are not necessary and can be habit-forming.

irritable-bowel-syndrome The colon begins to to rely on laxatives to bring on bowel movements.

Over time, laxatives can damage nerve cells in irritable-bowel-syndrome the colon and interfere with the colon's natural ability to contract.

For the same reason, regular use of enemas can also lead to a loss of normal bowel function.

Lifestyle Changes Liquids like water water and juice add fluid to irritable-bowel-syndrome the colon and bulk to stools, making bowel movements softer and easier to pass.

People who have problems with constipation should drink enough of these liquids every day, about eight 8-ounce glasses.

Liquids that contain caffeine, like coffee and cola drinks, and alcohol have a a dehydrating effect.

Lubricants grease irritable-bowel-syndrome the stool enabling it to move through the intestine more easily.

Mineral oil is the most common example.

lumpy or hard stool lupus Many people think they are constipated when, in fact, their bowel movements are regular.

For example, some people believe they are constipated, or or irregular, if they do not have a bowel movement every day.

However, there is no right number of daily or weekly bowel movements.

Normal may be three times a day or three times a week depending on irritable-bowel-syndrome the person.

Also, some people naturally have firmer stools than others.

Medical History History Medications medications Metabolic and endocrine conditions Most people who are mildly constipated do not need laxatives.

However, for those who have made diet and lifestyle changes and are still constipated, doctors may recommend laxatives or enemas for a limited time.

These treatments can help retrain a chronically sluggish bowel.

For irritable-bowel-syndrome For children, short-term treatment with laxatives, along with retraining to establish regular bowel habits, also helps prevent constipation.

Most people with constipation do not need extensive testing and can be treated with changes in diet and exercise.

For example, in young people with mild symptoms, a medical history and physical examination irritable-bowel-syndrome examination may be all irritable-bowel-syndrome the doctor needs to suggest successful treatment.

The tests the doctor performs depend on the duration and severity of the constipation, the person's age, and whether blood in stools, recent changes in bowel movements, or weight loss have occurred.

multiple sclerosis Myths about constipation have led to

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