Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Constipation

Nearly everyone experiences constipation at some point in their lives, and much of the time it’s brief and nothing to worry about. It’s time to see a doctor, however, if you’re dealing with chronic constipation.

At Premier Gastroenterology in Brooksville, Florida, M. Rodwan Hiba, MD diagnoses and treats issues like chronic constipation. Schedule a visit if you’ve been dealing with constipation for several weeks, or if it goes away but keeps coming back.

How to know if you’re constipated

Constipation isn’t just about having infrequent bowel movements. The consistency of your bowel movements is also a factor. While it’s true that you’re considered constipated if you have fewer than three bowel movements per week, you’re also constipated if you pass hard, dry, lumpy stools.

Difficul- to-pass stools and straining during bowel movements are classic signs that you’re dealing with constipation.

It’s also important to mention if you have other issues, such as sudden and urgent needs to move your bowels and feeling as if your bowels have not completely emptied after a bowel movement.

Why you should pay attention to constipation

Constipation isn’t the most comfortable subject for patients to discuss, but you shouldn’t put it off. You should know that constipation is very common, and no one is more qualified to discuss it with you than a gastroenterologist. Here are some of the reasons you should heed the warning and talk to a health care professional.

Your body is telling you something

Constipation is a sign that something is off with your digestive system. It’s important to listen to your body when it’s communicating that something is awry. See a doctor for an evaluation so that you can get to the root of the problem. Constipation isn’t a condition, but rather a symptom of an underlying issue. That’s why it’s crucial that you see a health care provider who can investigate and discover the underlying problem. 

It may signal a digestive condition

Chronic constipation is a common symptom of various digestive conditions such as:

• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Celiac disease

These are just a few situations in which we see chronic constipation. Digestive diseases and disorders are treatable, and if one of them is responsible for your constipation, treatment can prove beneficial.

In some cases things such as medications are the cause. 

It may be a sign of a diet or lifestyle issue

Digestive conditions aren’t always to blame for chronic constipation. Sometimes what you’re eating, or your daily habits, are behind your problem. Issues like sitting too much, not eating enough fiber, and not drinking enough water commonly contribute to sluggish bowels.

If your chronic constipation is related to diet or lifestyle, you have the control to make some changes. Once you know what changes you need to make, you can implement a plan that promotes good digestive health. Don’t expect instant results. It does take time for diet and lifestyle changes to get the gut back on a good track.

Treating constipation

Dr. Hiba completes a thorough evaluation in diagnosing digestive issues. If you’re struggling with chronic constipation, your symptoms, medical history, and physical exam will help uncover the cause. If appropriate, Dr. Hiba may order blood and imaging tests to further investigate your constipation issues. Rest assured that the team at Premier Gastroenterology is fully equipped to diagnose and treat your constipation issues and will work to bring you relief and restore digestive health. 

Take the first step in getting relief from chronic constipation. Call our Brooksville office to schedule a visit with Dr. Hiba. We offer in-person and telehealth visits.