Chronic constipation represents a widespread digestive disorder that affects millions of people across the globe. The United Arab Emirates is experiencing an increasing number of chronic constipation cases likely because of eating patterns and inactive behavior along with stress levels. The following article examines chronic constipation causes and symptoms and treatment solutions while showing why medical help from experts like Dr. Antonio Privitera in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is needed to correctly treat and solve this condition.
What Is Chronic Constipation?
The condition of chronic constipation defines itself through infrequent bowel movements that occur less than three times per week while producing hard dry stools which are difficult to pass. The process of defecation brings discomfort to individuals and they may feel incomplete stool passage and experience abdominal pain and bloating. The duration of these symptoms at more than several weeks leads doctors to diagnose chronic constipation.
Common Causes of Chronic Constipation
The development of chronic constipation results from multiple contributing elements.
- Dietary Habits: Many processed foods contain low fiber content that causes digestive problems leading to constipation. The presence of fiber makes stool bulkier while it speeds up the intestinal transit of stool.
- Dehydration: Lack of sufficient water consumption produces stool that becomes dry and hard thus making bowel movements more challenging.
- Physical Inactivity: A lifestyle without physical movement causes intestinal motility to decrease thereby increasing the likelihood of constipation.
- Various medications including opioids and antacids containing aluminum or calcium and specific antidepressants lead to constipation as their known side effects.
- Underlying Health Conditions: Bowel function receives adverse effects from conditions that include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) alongside diabetes and neurological disorders.
The muscles within the pelvic floor function improperly due to either weakness or improper coordination which blocks proper stool passage.
Symptoms to watch in Individuals experiencing chronic constipation:
- The frequency of bowel movements remains below three per week
- During defecation patients experience difficulty moving their bowels
- The stool becomes hard and difficult to pass
- Abdominal bloating and discomfort
- People who suffer from this condition experience the feeling that their stool did not fully pass.
- The symptoms become severe enough to cause nausea and loss of appetite.
You must consult with your healthcare provider because these symptoms need proper diagnosis and treatment.
Diagnostic Approaches
Healthcare providers need different diagnostic approaches to diagnose chronic constipation accurately.
A proper diagnosis of chronic constipation needs healthcare providers to analyze both medical histories and perform physical examinations on patients.
The tests may reveal the presence of thyroid disorders and diabetes among other conditions through blood examinations.
Imaging tests including X-rays and CT scans help identify structural problems within the intestines.
A medical procedure called colonoscopy enables healthcare providers to visualize the colon directly to identify any potential abnormalities.
The anorectal manometry procedure evaluates pelvic floor dysfunction by studying the muscle function of the rectum and anus.
Treatment Options
Chronic constipation needs treatment through multiple therapy methods.
- Dietary Modifications
The consumption of foods containing fiber should be increased to improve stool bulk and maintain regular bowel movements.
Adequate water consumption helps make stool soft which enables easier passage through the body.
The consumption of processed foods should be minimized.
- Lifestyle Changes
Regular physical activity works to improve intestinal movement which helps relieve constipation symptoms.
Establishing a daily time slot for bowel movements creates a routine which trains your body to be regular.
- Medications
Different laxative types exist for medical treatment including bulk-forming agents, osmotic laxatives and stimulant laxatives. Patients need their healthcare providers to monitor long-term laxative use because dependency might occur.
The treatment of IBS requires healthcare professionals to prescribe medications that target specific body pathways for affected patients.
- Pelvic Floor Therapy
- Surgical Interventions
If conservative treatments do not work, surgical options can be implemented.
- Subtotal colectomy that removes most of the colon
- Colostomy: The procedure involves diverting stool into a bag that is placed outside the body as a last resort.
Dr. Antonio Privitera: Leading Expert in Chronic Constipation Treatment
The patients from Dubai and Abu Dhabi who need expert care for chronic constipation should consult Dr. Antonio Privitera, a highly qualified consultant in colorectal surgery and bowel health. Dr. Privitera has more than 28 years of experience in the medical field and has trained at The John Radcliffe Hospital (Oxford, UK), University College London, St. Guy’s and St. Thomas’ Hospital (London, UK) and the Mayo Clinic (USA).
Dr. Privitera has expertise in diagnosing and treating colorectal conditions among which is chronic constipation. He carries out minimally invasive procedures like laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgeries to offer effective solutions with minimal recovery periods. Dr. Privitera provides patient-specific care to his patients through his patient-centered approach.
The patients who are interested in scheduling a consultation with Dr. Antonio Privitera should visit his official website.
Conclusion
Chronic constipation is a condition that is influenced by various factors which affect the quality of life of a person. Diagnosis and treatment at the early stages is important in order to manage symptoms and avoid complications. The chronic constipation can be managed by making dietary and lifestyle changes, taking medications when necessary and consulting a professional medical practitioner.
The patients from Dubai and Abu Dhabi who are looking for expert care should visit Dr. Antonio Privitera for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic constipation to receive the best medical care.