Chronic constipation is a condition in which you are unable to have a bowel movement. According to the Mayo Clinic, chronic constipation can be caused by colon cancer, diabetes, an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), medications or neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) reported in 2007 that more than 4 million people suffer from frequent constipation. Specific treatments can resolve this condition.
Laxatives
The NDDIC says that chronic constipation can be treated with various laxatives. Bulk-forming laxatives, also known as fiber supplements, work to absorb the fluid in your intestines and make stools easier to pass. Stimulant medications, such as bisacodyl, induce your intestines to contract. Osmotic agents, such as lactulose, change the flow of fluid in your intestines and promote your intestines to dilate. This allows for easier bowel movements. Stool softeners, such as docusate, provide fluid to your hardened stools. This decreases the amount of straining you experience. Other laxatives include lubricants and chloride channel activators. Lubricants, such as mineral oil, allow stools to move easily through your intestines. Chloride channel activators increase the amount of intestinal fluid. This also improves your bowel movements.
Surgery
The Mayo Clinic says that less than 1 percent of chronic constipation sufferers have surgery to remove hardened stools. If necessary, however, your surgeon can perform a subtotal colectomy or a total abdominal colectomy. Typically, your surgeon will make a small incision in your abdomen and insert a laparoscopic instrument into your stomach to remove the affected part of your small intestine. Normally, food passes down your small intestine to your large intestine to your rectum and out your anus. Your surgeon will connect your small intestine to your rectum (the last portion of your small intestine). This shortens the amount of time that food moves through your intestinal tract. After surgery, the Mayo Clinic says that you will have one to four bowel movements a day.
Lifestyle Changes
The NDDIC says that diet and lifestyle changes can also treat chronic constipation. Eat high-fiber foods, such as cabbage, fresh fruits, bran cereals, Brussels sprouts and carrots. Consuming about 20 g to 35 g of fiber each day can help you form bulky and soft stools. Simply drinking 7 to 10 cups of water daily and exercising can regulate your bowel movements.
