Feeling Incomplete Evacuation, abdominal discomfort or Bloating
Chronic Constipation Treatment in Navi Mumbai
- Dr Nitish Jhawar, with 23 years of experience
Book An Appointment
What is Constipation?
Constipation is a common digestive issue where a person has infrequent or difficult bowel movements. It can vary from mild, occasional discomfort to a chronic condition that affects overall well-being. Constipation occurs when stool moves too slowly through the digestive tract, making it hard, dry, and difficult to pass.
What Causes Constipation?
Constipation can be triggered by various lifestyle and dietary factors, including:
- Dietary Choices: Low fiber intake is one of the leading causes of constipation. Fiber in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps stool stay soft and move smoothly through the digestive system. Processed foods, excessive dairy, and low fluid intake can also contribute to constipation.
- Sedentary Lifestyle: Physical activity stimulates bowel movements. A sedentary lifestyle can slow digestion, causing waste to move sluggishly through the intestines.
- Dehydration: When the body lacks sufficient water, it draws more water from the stool, leading to dry, hard stools that are difficult to pass.
- Certain Medications: Some medications, like pain relievers, antacids, and certain antidepressants, can lead to constipation as a side effect by slowing bowel function.
- Other Factors: Pregnancy, ageing, stress, and certain health conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or diabetes, can also contribute to constipation.
Symptoms of Constipation
Constipation can manifest in several ways. Common symptoms include:
- Infrequent Bowel Movements: Typically fewer than three times per week.
- Hard or Lumpy Stools: Stools may be dry, compact, and challenging to pass.
- Straining: Excessive effort to have a bowel movement, which may cause discomfort or pain.
- Feeling of Incomplete Evacuation: A sensation that the bowels aren’t fully emptied, even after using the bathroom.
- Abdominal Discomfort or Bloating: The build-up of stool in the intestines can lead to a feeling of fullness, bloating, and pressure in the abdomen.
Understanding the causes and recognizing the symptoms of constipation is essential to finding the right relief strategies and improving digestive health.
Understanding Constipation and Its Types
Constipation can be classified as primary (functional) or secondary (organic):
- Primary Constipation: Not due to any detectable disease, often chronic, and related to functional issues or lifestyle factors.
- Secondary Constipation: Caused by underlying conditions like diabetes or medications; treating the root issue can relieve symptoms.
Types of Functional Constipation
- Normal Transit Constipation: The stool moves normally through the colon, but symptoms like straining or a sense of incomplete emptying may still occur.
- Slow Transit Constipation: Reduced motility slows stool passage, leading to infrequent bowel movements, bloating, and discomfort.
- Outlet Defecation Syndrome (ODS): Difficulty emptying the rectum due to issues with the muscles used for bowel movements, causing straining and a sense of blockage.
Identifying the type of constipation helps target effective treatments for relief and better digestive health.
Complications of Untreated Constipation
Untreated constipation can lead to several uncomfortable and sometimes serious issues:
- Haemorrhoids and Anal Fissures: Straining during bowel movements can cause swollen veins (haemorrhoids) or small tears in the anus (fissures), leading to pain and bleeding.
- Faecal Impaction: A hard stool can become stuck in the intestines, making it very difficult or even impossible to pass without medical help.
- Chronic Abdominal Pain: Constipation can cause ongoing pain and bloating in the stomach, disrupting daily life.
- Mental and Emotional Impact: Living with constant discomfort can affect mood, energy levels, and overall quality of life.
Addressing constipation early can prevent these complications and improve well-being.
Diagnostic Approach by Dr. Nitish Jhawar
Dr. Nitish Jhawar follows a detailed, personalized approach to diagnosing constipation to ensure each patient receives the most effective treatment:
- Personalized Consultation: Dr. Jhawar begins with an in-depth discussion about the patient's medical history, lifestyle, and specific symptoms. This initial consultation helps identify potential causes of constipation and informs the best course of action.
- Diagnostic Tests:
- Colonoscopy: A procedure to examine the inside of the colon, allowing Dr. Jhawar to detect any structural issues or blockages.
- Anorectal Manometry: This test measures muscle strength in the rectum and anus, helping to identify issues with muscle coordination during bowel movements.
- Defecography: An imaging test that evaluates how well stool passes through the rectum, useful for spotting abnormalities in muscle function.
- Additional Assessments: Dr. Jhawar may also use other specialized diagnostic methods to ensure a comprehensive evaluation and accurate diagnosis.
This thorough diagnostic process allows Dr. Jhawar to create a tailored treatment plan for each patient, addressing the root cause of their constipation.
Treatment Options for Constipation
Dr. Nitish Jhawar offers a range of treatment options for constipation, starting with non-surgical methods and advancing to specialized procedures if needed.
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Lifestyle Modifications: Dr. Jhawar often recommends dietary changes to increase fiber, proper hydration, and regular exercise to promote natural bowel movements.
- Medication Management: Depending on individual needs, Dr. Jhawar may prescribe laxatives or stool softeners to relieve symptoms and support regularity.
Advanced Treatments for Severe Constipation
- Biofeedback Therapy: This technique helps patients improve muscle coordination needed for bowel movements, especially helpful for cases with muscle-related issues.
- Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy: A targeted therapy that strengthens the muscles involved in defecation, useful for those with outlet obstruction issues.
Surgical Options
- Stapled Transanal Resection of the Rectum (STARR): For patients with Outlet Defecation Syndrome (ODS), the STARR procedure offers relief by reducing rectal prolapse and improving bowel function.
- Other Surgical Procedures: Dr. Jhawar also specializes in minimally invasive surgeries to treat severe cases of constipation when other treatments have not been effective.
By offering a full spectrum of treatment options, Dr. Jhawar can tailor a solution to each patient’s unique needs, focusing on safe and effective relief from constipation.
Why Choose Dr. Nitish Jhawar For Constipation Treatment in Navi Mumbai?
- Expertise: With a strong background in minimally invasive surgery, Dr. Jhawar is a leading expert in treating constipation and related conditions.
- Patient-Centered Care: Dr. Jhawar is dedicated to personalized, empathetic care, creating treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs.
- Advanced Technology: His clinic uses the latest diagnostic and surgical tools, ensuring precise and minimally invasive treatments.
Dr. Jhawar’s commitment to quality, comfort, and innovation makes him a top choice for digestive health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Constipation is often caused by a low-fiber diet, dehydration, lack of exercise, or certain medications. It can also result from underlying conditions like IBS, diabetes, or hormonal imbalances.
Yes, chronic constipation can lead to complications like haemorrhoids, anal fissures, and faecal impaction. Over time, it can also cause ongoing abdominal pain and affect quality of life.
The STARR procedure is a minimally invasive surgery for severe constipation, especially for Outlet Defecation Syndrome (ODS). It involves removing excess rectal tissue to improve bowel movements.
After treatment, most patients experience regular, comfortable bowel movements, reduced abdominal discomfort, and improved overall digestive health. For lasting results, follow-up may include lifestyle or dietary adjustments.