Chronic Constipation & Diarrhoea

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Chronic Constipation & Diarrhoea

What is Chronic Constipation & Diarrhoea?

Chronic constipation is characterised by infrequent bowel movements (typically fewer than three per week), difficulty passing stools, or a feeling of incomplete evacuation. It often persists for weeks or months and can cause discomfort, bloating, and other symptoms.

Chronic diarrhoea, on the other hand, involves frequent, loose, or watery stools lasting more than four weeks. It can lead to dehydration, nutritional deficiencies, and irritation of the digestive tract.

While occasional bouts of constipation or diarrhoea are common and usually not a cause for concern, chronic occurrences should warrant medical attention to identify and address the underlying causes.

What are Possible Causes of Chronic Constipation?

  • Dietary Factors: Low fibre intake, insufficient fluid consumption, or excessive consumption of processed foods
  • Lifestyle Factors: Physical inactivity can slow intestinal motility
  • Medications: Certain medications can lead to constipation
  • Medical Conditions: Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), hypothyroidism, diabetes, and neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease
  • Obstructions: Tumours, strictures, or other blockages in the colon or rectum may restrict stool passage

What are Possible Causes of Chronic Diarrhoea?

  • Infections: Persistent infections from bacteria, viruses, or parasites
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis can cause chronic intestinal inflammation and diarrhoea
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS with diarrhoea can cause chronic loose stools
  • Food Intolerances or Allergies: Lactose intolerance, gluten sensitivity, or celiac disease can trigger diarrhoea
  • Medications and Supplements: Antibiotics, magnesium-containing antacids, and certain herbal supplements
  • Malabsorption Disorders: Issues like pancreatic insufficiency or bile acid malabsorption can lead to chronic diarrhoea

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Risk Factors for Chronic Constipation

  • Age: Older adults are more likely to experience constipation due to slower digestion and reduced physical activity
  • Gender: Women, particularly during pregnancy or after childbirth, are more prone to constipation
  • Dietary Habits: Diets low in fibre or fluids increase the likelihood of constipation
  • Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of exercise can slow intestinal movements
  • Chronic Medical Conditions: Conditions like diabetes, hypothyroidism, or neurological disorders elevate risk

Risk Factors for Chronic Diarrhoea

  • Dietary Triggers: Consuming certain foods or beverages that irritate the gut, such as caffeine and fatty foods
  • Underlying Health Conditions: Autoimmune or gastrointestinal diseases such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease
  • Medications: Long-term use of certain drugs, such as antibiotics, can disrupt gut flora and cause diarrhoea

When to See a Doctor

While occasional constipation or diarrhoea is often manageable with lifestyle adjustments, chronic symptoms should not be ignored.

Seek medical attention if you experience:

  • Persistent Symptoms: Constipation or diarrhoea lasting more than four weeks despite home remedies
  • Severe Pain: Abdominal pain, bloating, or cramping accompanying these conditions
  • Blood in Stools: Bright red blood or dark, tarry stools may indicate a serious issue
  • Unintended Weight Loss: Sudden or unexplained weight changes could point to underlying medical concerns
  • Systemic Symptoms: Fever, fatigue, or nausea along with digestive symptoms
  • Family History: If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or other gastrointestinal diseases

As the treatment for chronic constipation and diarrhoea depends on the root cause, having an accurate diagnosis is important. Doctors may perform a detailed medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as blood tests, stool analysis, imaging studies, or colonoscopy to aid in diagnosis.

Treatment for Chronic Constipation

  • Dietary Modifications: Increasing fiber intake through fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and staying hydrated
  • Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise and establishing a consistent bowel routine can improve motility
  • Over-the-Counter (OTC) Remedies: Stool softeners, fiber supplements, or laxatives may provide relief
  • Prescription Medications: Certain prescription drugs may be prescribed for severe cases
  • Surgical Interventions: In some cases, surgery may be required for obstructions or significant anatomical issues

Treatment for Chronic Diarrhoea

  • Dietary Adjustments: Identifying and avoiding trigger foods, following a low-FODMAP diet, or treating lactose or gluten intolerance. (FODMAP stands for: Fermentable Oligo-saccharides, Di-saccharides, Mono-saccharides and Polyols; which are a group of carbohydrates that are not completely absorbed in our intestines)
  • Medications: Anti-diarrhoeal medications, antibiotics (for infections), or anti-inflammatory drugs (for IBD).
  • Probiotics: Restoring healthy gut flora through probiotics may benefit some individuals.
  • Hydration and Electrolyte Replacement: Oral rehydration solutions or IV fluids in severe cases.
  • Treating Underlying Conditions: Managing diseases like IBD, coeliac disease, or malabsorption disorders.
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