Precaution of constipation

◎Constipation: It generally refers to discomfort, difficulty, infrequent bowel movements, or the passage of hard, dry, impacted stools.

◎Causes of Constipation:

1. Inadequate fluid intake.

2. Insufficient dietary fiber.

3. Lack of physical activity.

4. Depression, stress, and emotional tension.

5. Anal disorders (e.g., anal fissures, anal abscesses, anal stenosis, benign tumors, colorectal cancer, etc.).

◎Symptoms:

1. Infrequent bowel movements.

2. Needing to strain during bowel movements.

3. Pain or rectal bleeding during bowel movements.

4. Feeling of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement.

5. Abdominal bloating and colicky abdominal pain.

◎Precautions:

1. Drink at least 2000cc (2 liters) of fluids daily and consume grains and fiber-rich vegetables.

2. Develop a regular bowel habit, stimulate bowel movement with warm water before breakfast. Sit on the toilet or semi-recline on the bed to train for bowel movements.

3. Engage in appropriate exercise to increase gastrointestinal motility and encourage regular physical activity.

4. Take a deep breath, hold it, increase pressure in the intestinal area, and then exert force to eliminate feces (not recommended for individuals with hypertension, heart disease, hemorrhoids, or hernias).

5. Massage the abdomen from right to left, moving in a clockwise direction toward the anus to promote bowel movement.

6. If no bowel movement occurs for three days, contact healthcare personnel for necessary measures, such as using mild laxatives or administering glycerin suppositories for relief.

7. Use gloves and apply petroleum jelly or lubricant to facilitate stool evacuation.

◎Prevention of Constipation:

1. Exercise: Walk for at least 30 minutes every day to establish a regular bowel habit.

2. Drink a minimum of 2000cc (2 liters) of water per day.

3. Consume at least five servings of fiber-rich foods daily, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, bran, whole grain breakfast cereals, and dried fruits like raisins, dates, legumes, and peanuts.

4. Allocate sufficient time for bowel movements (1-3 days is acceptable) and establish a routine, preferably at the same time each day.

5. Drink a glass of warm water, fruit juice, or milk before eating in the morning to stimulate intestinal peristalsis.