CONSTIPATION IN ENGLISH

                                                       

                                                CONSTIPATION IN ENGLISH

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CONSTIPATION-

            Constipation is an abnormal infrequency or irregularity of defecation, abnormal hardening of stools that makes their passage difficult and sometimes painful. Any variation from normal stool passing habits may be considered a problem.

CAUSES OF CONSTIPATION-

Ø  Causes of constipations may include-

Ø  weakness, immobility, fatigue and an inability to increase intraabdominal pressure to facilitate the passage of stools.

Ø  Many people develop constipation because they do not take the time to defecate or they ignore the urge to defecate.

Ø  Constipation is also a result of dietary habits such as low consumption of fiber and inadequate fluid intake. Lack of regular exercise and a stress-filled life.

Ø  Constipation can be caused by certain medications such as tranquilizers, anticholinergics, antidepressants, antihypertensives, diuretics, aluminum based antacids  and muscle relaxants

Ø  Constipation may be caused by some medical conditions such as rectal or anal disorders (hemorrhoids, fissures); Intestinal obstruction, boweltumors, Hirschsprung’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis endocrine disorders, hypothyroidism, pheochromocytoma etc.

CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS-

Clinical manifestations of constipation include -

Ø  fewer than three bowel movements per week

Ø  abdominal distention.

Ø  Abdominal pain and pressure;

Ø  decreased appetite.

Ø  Headache;

Ø   Fatigue;

Ø   Indigestion;

Ø   A sensation of incomplete evacuation.

Ø   straining at stool; and

Ø   Elimination of  lumpy, hard, dry stools

DIAGNOSTIC INVESTIGATIONS-

Ø  History and Physical examination. (presence of clinical manifestations of constipation)

Ø  Barium enema test.

Ø  Sigmoidoscopy

Ø  Stool for occult blood

TREATMENT-

Ø  Treatment targets the underlying cause of constipation and aims to prevent recurrence. It includes-

Ø   Health education regarding bowel habits

Ø   Increased fiber and fluid intake, and

Ø  exercise to strengthen abdominal muscles.

Ø  one of the following may be prescribed for chronic constipation :

Ø  bulk-forming agents, saline and osmotic agents, lubricants, stimulants, or fecal softeners.

Ø  In severe cases such as impaction enemas and rectal suppositories may be given.

NURSING MANAGEMENT-

Ø  Proper assessment is done by health history and physical examination.

Ø  Health education regarding importance of diet and exercise in treatment and prevention of further constipation episodes is provided.

Ø  Patient is encouraged to discuss the problem and ask doubts and concerns.

Ø  Prescribed medications are given on time.

Ø  Patient is encouraged to drink as much liquid as he/she can.

Ø  Patient is asked to increase mobility if he is having a sedentary life. It will enhance peristaltic movement.

Ø  In severe cases enema or suppository may be prescribed to the patient . These are given as medication administration procedure using 5 rights of drug administration.

Ø  Diet modification is very important in treatment and prevention of constipation. Patient is explained about high fiber diet during discharge planning.