- Can be described as persistent, difficult, infrequent, incomplete evacuation during defecation
- Habitual constipation may lead to hard or pellety stool
Causes
- Inadequate fibre intake
- Inadequate water intake
- Anxiety status
- Faulty dietary habits
- Evacuation disorders
Evacuation Disorder
- Pelvic floor Dysfunction is suggested by inability to evacuate rectum leading to rectal fullness, rectal pain. This is corrected by Pelvic floor strengthening • The puborectalis part of Levator ani muscle forms a sling around anorectal junction to maintain an angle
- This sling when relaxes, leads to straightening of this angle helping evacuation. This occurs due to parasympathetic stimulation (S2 to S4) • Stress management, relaxation techniques, identifying depression & motivation for physical activity helps in selective cases.
Slow transit disorder
Are managed by dietary fibres from fruits & vegetables in diet or bulk laxatives like psyllium (Isabgoi), lactulose