San José, Costa Rica. July 2015.

A decrease of feces, back-pain, abdomen pain and flatulence, are clear symptoms of constipation, which can be caused by sedentarism and bad nutrition, with foods with high levels of fat, red meat and junk food that slow down the intestinal transit.

According to Dr. Guillermo Fernández, general doctor of the Clínica Bíblica Hospital, “a bad diet and sedentarism can certainly cause constipation, but there are also more serious causes, for example more serious conditions of the intestine, colon cancer and intestinal obstructions of any kind.”

Constipation can generate obstruction, which is when defecation completely stops. This forces the physician to carry out the procedure manually. The contact with the stools or feces for a long time with the wall of the intestine causes more pain and is related with cancer.

Another affectation could be: the syndrome of the irritable intestine, which may cause a lot of diarrhea or constipation, and should be approached in a comprehensive manner, since this is closely linked to the psychological part, because it has to do with the mood of the patient. In these cases, two kinds of prebiotics which the physician will indicate, should be taken.

This ailment is very common since birth. A newborn baby can be affected by formula and for this one can massage his/her stomach to help the baby. During childhood and adolescence, this is frequent due to bad nutrition.

In the case of adults, women suffer this more frequently than men and in senior adults it arises because generally there is a poor intake of water.

“Stifling the desire to go to the toilet is bad. One should never do so. If at any time there is any discomfort or changes in the normal pattern of defecation, seek medical assistance,” commented Dr. Fernández.

It is better to prevent, and initially one should improve diet habits and perform stomach massages. Laxatives should always be used under medical supervision. Consider that purging oneself is almost never recommended. On the other hand, it is recommended to eat fiber, drink a lot of water and exercise.

For further information or for requesting medical attention, please call the number 2522-1000, or write to the email citas@clinicabiblica.com or contact us via chat at the website: www.clinicabiblica.com.