Chronic Constipation

Dr. Ismail Shafik uses the latest strategies to treat chronic constipation, focusing on addressing both the symptoms and the underlying causes. This strategy places great emphasis on individualized care, beginning with a comprehensive medical evaluation to identify key factors, which may include dietary habits, lifestyle choices, medications, or pre-existing health conditions.

Treatment for constipation typically begins with dietary and lifestyle changes aimed at increasing the speed of stool movement through the colon. Dr. Shafik may also adjust any medications you are taking if they are causing or worsening your constipation. If these changes are ineffective, other treatments may be necessary.

 

 

- Dr. Shafik may recommend the following changes to relieve your constipation:

 

- Eating a high-fiber diet. Fiber helps make stools thicker and allows them to retain moisture. This helps stools maintain the proper shape and weight for easy movement through the colon. High-fiber foods include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains such as bread, cereals, and rice. Increase your fiber intake gradually to avoid bloating and gas. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest aiming for 25 to 34 grams of fiber per day, based on your calorie needs.

 

- Drinking water and caffeine-free beverages. This keeps stools soft and prevents bloating and gas that can occur with increased dietary fiber.

 

- Maintaining healthy bowel habits. Don't ignore the urge to defecate. Set regular times for using the bathroom. For example, try to go 15 to 45 minutes after eating, as digestion can help move stool through the colon.

 

- Fiber supplements: These help keep stools moist, making them softer and easier to pass. Common fiber supplements include psyllium (such as Metamucil and Conseil), calcium polycarbophil (such as Fibercon and Equalactin), and methylcellulose (such as Citrucel).

 

Osomotic laxatives: These help move stool through the colon by increasing the fluid level in the intestines. Examples include oral magnesium hydroxide (such as Philips' Milk of Magnesia and Dulcolax Liquid), magnesium citrate, lactulose (جينيرلاك), and polyethylene glycol (Miralax).

 

Stimulants: These cause the intestines to contract, which helps move stool. Examples include bisacodyl (found in Correctol, Dulcolax, and others) and ginsenosides (such as Senokot, Ex-Lax, and Perdiem).

 

- Feedback training is a process where you work with a therapist who uses special devices to teach you how to relax and control the muscles in your pelvic area, including your rectum and anus. This training can help with issues such as chronic constipation. During sessions, sensors placed in your rectum and on your skin provide feedback through sounds or lights on a device. This feedback guides you as the therapist leads you through various exercises, helping you learn how to manage the muscles necessary for bowel movements.

 

- Surgery may be necessary to correct damage or abnormalities in the tissues or nerves of the colon or rectum. Surgery is usually only performed when other treatments for chronic constipation have failed.