Constipation refers to straining, incomplete bowel evacuation or the inability to produce a bowel movement three times per week. Chronic constipation occurs after several weeks with the continued inability to produce a bowel movement three times per week. Constipation affects many adults and is subject to self-treatment, as well as physician-related consultations. Bloating refers to a visually distended abdomen for three days within a three-month period. Causes of constipation and bloating vary from person to person.
Prescribed and Nonprescribed Medications
The terms fiber and constipation usually accompany each other. However, there may be underlying causes to rule out, especially if constipation is chronic and fiber does little to remedy the situation. Some medical causes of constipation include certain prescribed and nonprescribed drugs. In the article, "Chronic Constipation: Advances in Management," A. Wald, from the School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, says drugs such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, iron supplements and antacids that contain aluminum can cause constipation in certain individuals.
To determine if the cause of constipation occurs due to prescribed or nonprescribed drugs, establish if the onset of the constipation correlated with the introduction of the medication.
Diseases
When lifestyle changes or over-the-counter remedies are inadequate methods to conquer constipation, determine if any number of medical conditions are affecting colon health. Medical history can reveal causes of constipation, including diabetes, pregnancy, spinal cord lesions, Parkinson's disease, stroke and multiple sclerosis. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, the diseases that cause constipation affect organ systems and diminish movement of waste through the colon and rectum. Physicians determine the cause of constipation through a variety of physical examinations, including using a stethoscope, taking stool samples, digital rectal exams or ordering a colonoscopy.
Causes of Bloating
Bloating is determined if a person feels bloated or exhibits visual distention for at least three days a month and the condition has lasted for three months consecutively. From their work titled, "Functional Bowel Disorders," Longstreth, Thompson, et al, found that causes of bloating occur due to increased intestinal gas accumulation and abnormal gas transit. There are two types of distention: intermittent and continuous. The increased intestinal gas accumulation is intermittent. Causes of continuous distention occur due to obesity or enlargement of an organ within the abdomen. Although misconceptions continue regarding the causes of bloating, Longstreth, Thompson, et al., note that, in some patients, food intolerance and water retention do not appear to contribute to bloating.
