Constipation

Difficulty in passing stool or passes once in 2 / 3 days, stools can be hard or soft is termed as constipation. which is also defined as infrequent passage of hard stool. Even ineffectual urge or a sensation of incomplete stools can be termed as constipation.

It may occur in many gastrointestinal and other medical disorders.

Demography

According to northern Indian community study, 555/4767 (11.6%) reported symptoms ofconstipation. Likewise in the former group, 1404 (53%) had self-perceived constipation. And in the latter, 846 (18%), 1030 (23%) reported straining at stools, and incomplete stool evacuation, respectively. Similarly in another community survey in rural northern India, the prevalence ofconstipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) was 2.4%.

Two smaller community surveys from Chandigarh and Bangalore reported the prevalence ofconstipation of 24.8% and 8.6%, respectively. Though the latter study was conducted exclusively among elderly population, in an eastern Indian study, of 331 consecutive patients with ChronicConstipation. In which 65% were older than 60 years.

1. Gastrointestinal disorders

Dietary i.e.

Lack of fibers also fluid intake Motility
Slow-transit of constipation
Irritable bowel syndrome
Drugs (see below)
Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction

Structural i.e.

Colonic carcinoma
Diverticular disease
Hirschsprung’s disease

Defecation i.e.

Anorectal disease (e.g. Crohn’s, fissures, hemorrhoids)
Obstructed defecation

2. Non-gastrointestinal disorders

Drugs i.e.

Opiates
Anticholinergics
Calcium antagonists
Iron supplements
Aluminum-containing antacids

Neurological i.e.

Multiple sclerosis
Spinal cord lesions
Cerebrovascular accidents
Parkinsonism

Metabolic/endocrine i.e.

Diabetes mellitus
Hypercalcemia
Hypothyroidism
Pregnancy

Others

Any serious illness with immobility, especially in the elderly
Depression

Obstructive constipation: is the result of actual physical obstruction of the passage of feces. Causes include cystic fibrosis (in children), tumors, adhesions, scars formed in the abdomen (mostly after abdominal surgery), strictures firmed within the intestine (mostly caused by inflammation, like in Crohn’s disease), or damaged pelvic nerves (injuries, neurological diseases) that prevent relaxation of anal muscles.

Atonic constipation: is the result of lack of intestinal muscle tone (tension) of the colon, abdominal wall or pelvic floor, also known as lazy colon. Person with this kind simply does not feel the urge to defecate even when the colon is full of feces. It may occur in elderly or bedridden patients or after prolonged dependence on laxatives. Most common among old people (weak muscle tone), woman (pelvic floor weakness), and diabetics (damage to intestinal nerves).
Spastic constipation: is result from colonic spasms caused by irritation of the bowel or intestines. In this case, a diet that is low in fiber is usually suitable. It is also a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome.

Based on the duration they are of two types

Acute constipation (occasional problem) – constipation occurs suddenly and last for few days. Acute constipation with worrisome symptoms such as rectal bleeding, abdominal pain and cramps, nausea and vomiting, and involuntary loss of weight needs urgent diagnosis.
Chronic constipation (persistent problem) – is the constipation that lasts for longer durations. Your need medication and lifestyle change to normalize bowel movement.

Complain of straining
Moreover, Sensation of incomplete evacuation
Either perianal or abdominal discomfort
Stools every 2nd or 3rd day
Additionally, Difficulty in expelling faeces from rectum
Painful evacuation of faeces
Besides this, Pain sometimes remains for hours after passing stool
Lastly, Occasional blood in stool due to fissure, either fistula or piles

For managing constipation, a high-fiber, hydration-rich diet can help promote regular bowel movements. Here’s a point-wise breakdown:

Fiber-Rich Foods: Eat whole grains (oats, brown rice), beans, lentils, and vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and spinach to add bulk to stool.
Fruits: Apples, pears, berries, and prunes are high in fiber and can help soften stool.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water and herbal teas (like peppermint or ginger) to keep stool hydrated and easier to pass.
Healthy Fats: Include olive oil, avocado, and flaxseeds to lubricate the digestive tract.
Probiotics: Yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods promote gut health and regularity.
Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, chia seeds, and sunflower seeds provide fiber and healthy fats.
Avoid Processed Foods: Limit refined foods and dairy, which may exacerbate constipation.

Consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist.

Increased fluid intake

Exercise
Judicious use of laxatives.
Eat high fibre diet – whole grains, bran, oat, green leafy vegetables, peas, beans, potatoes, raw vegetables, salads, dried fruits also fresh fruits
Eat fruits also vegetables with the skin
Avoid food that can cause constipation like pomegranate etc
You can take one spoon Isabagul (e.g. fibre, Psyllium) in water before retiring to bed
Walk after every meal

Homeopathic Medicines for Constipation:

The homeopathic remedies (medicines) given below indicate the therapeutic affinity but this is not a complete and definite guide to the homeopathy treatment of this condition. The symptoms listed against each homeopathic remedy may not be directly related to this disease because in homeopathy general symptoms and constitutional indications also taken into account for selecting a remedy, potency and repetition of dose by Homeopathic doctor.

So, here we describe homeopathic medicine only for reference and education purpose. Do not take medicines without consulting registered homeopathic doctor (BHMS or M.D. Homeopath).

Medicines:

Opium

An inclination to evacuate but feeling as if the orifice were closed; no regular pressure; sensation as if a load on abdomen; heavy drowsy feeling; dry mouth, thirst, want of appetite. Stool hard round black balls like marbles.

Nux vomica

In sedentary persons and those accustomed to drink spirits. Bad taste in the mouth, want of appetite, especially in the morning, slimy tongue, irritability, headache; frequent urging, little or nothing passes

Pulsatilla

After taking rich or fat food; with moroseness also taciturnity.

Bryonia

With indigestion, weight at stomach after food also pain between shoulders; patient irritable, feels chilly, subject to rheumatism. Furthermore, Stool hard, large, light-coloured, and dry.

Lycopodium

Plumbum met.

Aesculus hip.

In brief,Constipation of hard round balls, backache aggravated by walking.

Nat. mur

Sulphur

Frequent disposition to go to stool with ineffectual efforts. Sinking sensation at stomach, hot flushes, and faintly spells.

What is Constipation

Difficulty in passing stool or passes once in 2 / 3 days, stools can be hard or soft is termed as constipation.

Homeopathic Medicines used by Homeopathic Doctors in treatment of Constipation

Opium
Nux vomica
Pulsatilla
Bryonia
Lycopodium
Plumbum met
Aesculus

What are the symptoms of Constipation?

Complain of straining
Sensation of incomplete evacuation
Either perianal or abdominal discomfort
Stools every 2nd or 3rd day
Difficulty in expelling faeces from rectum
Painful evacuation of faeces
Pain- remains for hours after passing stool
Occasional blood

Causes

Lack of fibers and fluid intake
Slow-transit constipation
Irritable bowel syndrome
Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction
Anorectal disease
Obstructed defecation
Opiates, Calcium antagonists, Iron supplements
Diabetes mellitus, Hypothyroidism
Pregnancy
Any serious illness with immobility

https://link.springer.com/journal/12664
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/150322.php
Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine (22nd edition)
Hompath Zomeo Ultimate lane software/Diet and nutrition
Constipation physical examination – wikidoc