Chronic Constipation Specialist

What causes chronic constipation?

Chronic constipation can make it difficult for you to move your bowels on a regular basis. Men and women with chronic constipation usually have less than three bowel movements per week, with hard stools and a variety of uncomfortable symptoms.

Some of the most common causes of chronic constipation include slowly moving stool through your digestive tract, blockages in your colon or rectum, or problems with the muscles that help you go to the bathroom.

Blockages in your colon or rectum may be the result of:

• Rectal or colon cancer
• Anal fissures
• Bowel obstructions
• Bowel stricture (narrowing of the colon)

Other medical conditions, such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, and Parkinson’s disease, may also cause chronic constipation. Certain medications can contribute to difficult bowel movements as well.

What are the symptoms of chronic constipation?

If you have at least two of the symptoms of chronic constipation over a three-month period, it’s a good indication you have the condition. Symptoms include:

• Straining to have a bowel movement
• Hard stools
• A sensation of incomplete evacuation or anal blockage
• Need for laxatives or suppositories
• Less than three bowel movements per week

Additionally, you shouldn’t ignore blood in your stool or constipation symptoms after 50, when colon cancer becomes a higher risk factor.

How is chronic constipation diagnosed?

If you have the signs of chronic constipation, Dr. Rayapudi may perform a physical exam, a rectal exam, and order blood tests to look for signs of systemic health conditions, such as a thyroid problem. To more closely examine your lower colon and rectum, he may also perform a sigmoidoscopy to see inside your rectum and colon using a tiny camera.

Dr. Rayapudi may also recommend a colonoscopy for further examination of your entire colon or suggest a colon transit study in which he observes how well food moves through your colon and look for problems with your intestinal muscles. A test called anorectal manometry can evaluate the function of your anal sphincter muscles used for moving your bowels.

What is the best way to treat chronic constipation?

Your treatment depends on what’s causing your constipation. Depending on the results from your diagnostic testing, Dr. Rayapudi creates a comprehensive treatment plan to relieve your symptoms and effectively treat any underlying causes.

Your treatment plan may include diet and lifestyle changes, fiber supplements, or medications that help to correct internal issues.

Call Gastro Office or schedule a consultation online for relief from chronic constipation.