Constipation Specialist
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Premier Gastroenterology
M. Rodwan Hiba, M.D.
Gastroenterologist located in Brooksville, FL
Every year, millions of people visit the doctor for help with constipation that doesn’t improve or instead turns into a chronic and painful problem. If you have trouble with constipation, M. Rodwan Hiba, MD, at Premier Gastroenterology can help with a range of treatments customized to address the problem and prevent future bouts with constipation. The important thing is to not wait to seek help; ongoing constipation can lead to complications. To schedule an appointment, call the office in Brooksville, Florida, or book an appointment online today.
Constipation Q & A
What is constipation?
Constipation is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements a week. However, everyone has different habits. Some people go several times a day, while others have only three or four bowel movements a week.
In addition to having fewer bowel movements than you normally do or not having any bowel movements, symptoms of constipation include:
- Hard, dry stools
- Pain during bowel movements
- Difficulty having a bowel movement
- Feeling like you can’t empty your bowels
You may also have abdominal pain or feel bloated.
What causes constipation?
Lack of dietary fiber and not drinking enough water are two of the top causes of constipation. You need fiber and water to keep stools bulky, soft, and moving through your bowels.
When food moves too slowly through the digestive tract, the colon draws extra water out of the stool. Then you end up with constipation.
A range of health problems can also cause constipation, including:
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Underactive thyroid gland
- High blood calcium
- Narrowed colon
- Diverticulitis
- Diabetes
Lack of exercise and taking certain medications such as opioids may also lead to constipation.
When should I seek medical help for constipation?
You can often treat constipation by drinking more water, eating more fiber, or taking a laxative or stool softener. However, you should schedule an appointment with Dr. Hiba if your constipation doesn’t improve, recurs, or if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Black or bloody stool
- Rectal bleeding
- Bloated, rigid abdomen
- Severe abdominal pain
- Breathing problems or fainting
Without treatment, constipation causes complications such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and impacted stool.
How is constipation treated?
Treatment depends on the duration and severity of your constipation. In severe cases, stool becomes impacted and won’t come out. An enema usually takes care of impaction. Otherwise, Dr. Hiba manually removes the stool.
Your treatment may include one or more of the following:
Dietary changes
The first step for treating constipation usually includes increasing your fluid and fiber intake. Good sources of fiber include vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and high-fiber cereals. It’s essential to get enough fluids as you boost your fiber because fiber absorbs water.
Laxatives, stool softeners, and bulking agents
Laxatives, stool softeners, and bulking agents each work differently, so Dr. Hiba recommends the one that’s best for you.
Medications
Dr. Hiba may prescribe medications that draw water into the stool and help move stool through the colon. If your constipation is due to opioids, he prescribes medication that reverses the effect of opioids on the colon.
Don’t wait to get help for constipation. Call Premier Gastroenterology or request an appointment online today.
