Constipation Diarrhoea and IBS Flashcards
is constipation a disease
no it is not, mainly considered a symptom
some symptoms of constipation
Fewer than three bowel movements a week
Stools that are hard, dry, or lumpy Stools that are difficult or painful to pass
A feeling that not all stool has passed
may last for a short or long time and bowel patterns may vary
people more at risk of constipation
Women approx. 4 times more likely than men,
▪ especially during pregnancy
▪ after giving birth
older adults
non-Caucasians non-Hispanic blacks were twice as likely as non-Hispanic
whites
those who eat little to no fibre
those taking certain medicines or dietary supplements
those with certain health problems, including functional gastrointestinal disorders
women more likely due to hormonal factors and fluctuations during pregnancy, menstruation cycle…etc
note that againg may reduce gut motility, thereby resulting in constipation
how many types of stools according to bristol stool chart
7
Types 1 and 2 indicate
constipation.
Types 3 and 4 are the
easiest to pass.
Types 5-6 are more
symptomatic of diarrhea.
Type 7 may be a sign of
cholera or food
poisoning, etc.
constipation complications
haemorrhoids,
faecal impaction,
faecal impaction with spurious overflow,
urinary incontinence,
bladder outlet obstruction,
urinary tract infection,
rectal bleeding,
general weakness
psychological disorders
Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen veins in the anus and rectum that can cause discomfort
Fecal impaction is the result of constant constipation when poop is stuck inside of your rectum.
the Problems associated with Persistent straining in constipation leads to
increased intrathoracic pressure
a reduction in coronary and peripheral circulation
development of hernias
worsening of gastro-oesophageal reflux
transient ischaemic attacks (mini strokes, where blood flow to brain is reduced.)
A hernia occurs when an internal part of the body pushes through a weakness in the muscle or surrounding tissue wall
causes of constipation
conditions like coeliac disease, multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis…etc
hypothyroidism
some medications like opiods and antacids
low fibre intake
inadequate fluid intake
pelvic floor dysfunction
physical inactivity…etc
Coeliac disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the small intestine in response to gluten
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited condition that causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system
fibre functions(foods high in wheat grains, oats, or fruits & vegetables)
Bulks Up Stool: Fiber adds bulk to stool, which makes it easier to pass through the intestines. This helps prevent constipation and promotes regular bowel movements.
Stimulates Bowel Movements
feedsd gut microbiome…etc
we have soluble and insoluble fibres
non- pharmacological treatments to constipation
dietary adjustments, like taking in more fibres and fluids
oral rehydration solutions
rest and stress management
using natural probiotics or probiotic supplements
avoiding foods that cause it
increasing physical activity
Probiotics are live microorganisms promoted with claims that they provide health benefits when consumed, generally by improving or restoring the gut microbiota. generally safe ti consume
pharmacological treatments to constipation
Laxatives
Anti-Diarrheal Medications, like loperamide and Bismuth Subsalicylate
prucalopride
Prokinetic Secretagogues
laxatives
types?
medicines that treat constipation by making stools softer or easier to pass
osmotic
stimulant
bulking
only use laxatives after lifestyle modifications, supplements and emollients or stool softners have been tried
how bulk laxatives work
The fibers in these laxatives absorb water like a sponge. When you ingest a bulk laxative, it takes in water from the intestines, which causes it to expand. As it swells, it increases the size of the stool inside the colon.
As the stool becomes bulkier, it stretches the walls of the intestines, stimulating peristalsis
works more gently compared to other 2 types.
are bulk laxatives soluble or absorbable from the intestines
are they excreted intact
no
They remain intact as they move through the digestive system, so they can directly affect stool consistency and volume
Yes, while some of the fiber may undergo fermentation by bacteria, much of the bulk-forming agent, especially the fiber like ispaghula husk, is excreted largely intact in the stool. This is actually one of the key features of how it works — it provides bulk and absorbs water in the intestines, but doesn’t get broken down, allowing it to have that beneficial effect on stool consistency.
composition of bulk laxatives
a special fibre called arabinoxylan a complex carbohydrate with a backbone made of xylose and side branches containing arabinose sugars.
these enhance it’s water absorbing properties
bulk laxatives are often referred to as muciliganous fibres, why is this
because of their ability to form a gelatinous or gel-like mass when they absorb water. This gel further softens the stool and holds water within it, which is essential for preventing constipation and easing stool passage.
