Constipation
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Summary
Constipation means that a person has three or fewer bowel movements in a week. The stool can be hard and dry. Sometimes it is painful to pass. At one time or another, almost
everyone gets constipated. In most cases, it lasts a short time and is not serious.
There are many things you can do to prevent constipation. They include
- Eating more fruits, vegetables and grains, which are high in fiber
- Drinking plenty of water and other liquids
- Getting enough exercise
- Taking time to have a bowel movement when you need to
- Using laxatives only if your doctor says you should
- Asking your doctor if medicines you take may cause constipation
It’s not important that you have a bowel movement every day. If your bowel habits change, however, check with your doctor.
NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine.
MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.
Constipation and Defecation Problems
American College of Gastroenterology
Definition and Facts for Constipation
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Colonoscopy: MedlinePlus Health Topic
National Library of Medicine
Diagnosis of Constipation
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Lower GI Series (Barium Enema)
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Lower GI X-Ray (Barium Enema)
Radiological Society of North America
Eating, Diet, and Nutrition for Constipation
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
Over the Counter Laxatives for Constipation: Use with Caution
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
Treatment for Constipation
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Resources
Chronic Constipation Drug-Free Treatment - Vibrant Gastro
Discover Vibrant - innovative non-drug treatment for chronic constipation patients. The future of constipation treatment is already here.
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Dr. Xiao Jing (Iris) Wang, a Gastroenterologist at Mayo Clinic, discusses her children's book "Boo Can't Poo." Inspired by patients who lacked early education on proper bowel movements, Dr. Wang created this lighthearted story to help parents address toddler constipation at home. She also explores the effects of constipation and weak pelvic floor muscles on overall digestive health.
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In this episode we focus on Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C) with Gastroenterologist, Dr. Kumkum Patel from California (@dr.gut_motility). Dr. Patel offers her expertise on various IBS-C treatments from the different medications available, to simple diet and lifestyle changes that patients can make to help keep their bowel movements more regular. We also discuss what other, more severe digestive conditions can be causing constipation, which is why it’s important to be open with your healthcare provider regarding your bowel movements.
Featured Videos
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Can A Vibrating Capsule Help My Chronic Constipation?
In this episode, we’re discussing a new FDA-cleared treatment for chronic idiopathic constipation, the Vibrant Capsule. Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) is a long-term condition characterized by infrequent, difficult, or incomplete bowel movements with no identifiable cause. CIC can significantly impact quality of life, and traditional treatments don’t always work. Joining us is Dr. Monia Werlang, a South Carolina-based gastroenterologist, and her patient, Misty, a healthcare professional. Misty has been using the Vibrant Capsule, a drug-free treatment that uses micro-vibrations to help regulate bowel movements. Hear firsthand how this innovative solution works, Misty’s personal experience, and the improvements in her quality of life since starting the treatment. Whether you or a loved one are exploring new options for treating CIC, this episode offers valuable insights into a breakthrough approach.
September 18, 2023
How Do I Talk To My Child About Constipation?
Dr. Xiao Jing (Iris) Wang, a Gastroenterologist at Mayo Clinic, discusses her children's book "Boo Can't Poo." Inspired by patients who lacked early education on proper bowel movements, Dr. Wang created this lighthearted story to help parents address toddler constipation at home. She also explores the effects of constipation and weak pelvic floor muscles on overall digestive health.
Further Reading
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