Constipation
Straining, hard stools, or fewer than three bowel movements a week - and the feeling of never quite finishing.
What is happening
Most constipation responds to changes in fibre, fluid and routine. Some does not, and that is worth investigating: thyroid disease, diabetes, medication side effects and pelvic floor muscle dysfunction are all treatable causes. Anorectal manometry tells us whether the muscles are coordinating properly.
What helps
- Fibre of 25-30 g a day, increased gradually
- Plenty of fluid
- Unhurried toilet time, ideally after breakfast
- Never ignore the urge
- Regular physical activity
See a doctor promptly if you have
- Blood in the stool
- Constipation that is new after the age of 45
- Weight loss
- Alternating constipation and diarrhoea
How we investigate it
Almost always the answer comes from a careful history first, and only then a targeted test — not a panel of everything. Depending on what we find, that may be an endoscopy, a colonoscopy, a Fibroscan or a breath test. We will tell you why a test is being suggested, and what we would do differently depending on the result.
Speak to a gastroenterologist about constipation
Consultations at all four centres — Vastrapur, Bopal, Bapunagar and Nikol.