Hi darin2003-ga! I’m sorry to hear that you are a sufferer of
constipation. This is a problem that is not uncommon, but still very
distressing. There are a number of conditions that can cause
constipation and increased gas (or flatulence), all of which would be
best evaluated by your personal physician.
One of the most common reasons for constipation is Irritable Bowel
Syndrome (IBS). This affects anywhere from 10 to 25 percent of all
people in their lifetime and is, coincidentally the most common
disorder evaluated by Gastroenterologists. IBS can also present with
diarrhea, alternating constipation and diarrhea, abdominal distention
and/or pain, painful bowel movements, mucus in the stool, and
increased flatulence. IBS is traditionally treated first with
relaxation and stress-reduction measures such as meditation and
psychotherapy. A stool-bulking agent such as Metamucil, Citrucel, and
high-fiber bran is usually added to help regulate stool volume and
frequency. These substances are non-absorbable fibers that tend to
draw water into the colon thus softening stools and alleviating
constipation. Often it takes the body some time to adjust to the
increase in fiber and a common transient side effect is increased
flatulence. It sounds like you may be having this same experience. If
you continue with the fiber or Citrucel or other agent the flatulence
should resolve shortly. In the case of diarrhea-predominate IBS these
agents serve as a way to increase bulk to the stool and absorb water
that is already in the colon. Another measure that is used in
treatment is the avoidance of irritating substances. Some of these
include caffeine, alcohol, legumes and beans, dairy products,
artificial sweeteners, carbonated beverages, and fatty meals. Finally,
in some individuals medications may prove to be beneficial. Your
physician can prescribe medication that addresses a specific symptom
that you may be having (diarrhea, constipation, anxiety, etc.)
IBS is considered a diagnosis of exclusion, which means that your
physician must first eliminate more serious conditions as potential
causes of your constipation and flatulence. Some of the illnesses that
are considered include colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease
(IBD—Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis), ischemic colitis, bowel
obstruction, endocrine abnormalities such as thyroid disorders,
malabsorption syndromes, and others. It is up to your personal
physician to determine the best way to evaluate your symptoms and he
may include a referral to a Gastroenterologist to consider colonoscopy
or other imaging modality.
In short it sounds like the best course for you pursue would be to
avoid caffeine intake, to continue trying fiber or other bulking
agents, and to promptly contact your personal physician to discuss
your symptoms. He or she will be best able to completely assess your
overall health and make a determination of the best course of
treatment available for you personally.
I hope that this information proves to be useful for you and I hope
that you find relief for your current symptoms. Please let me know if
I can be of more assistance.
Boquinha-ga
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Search Strategy
Differential + diagnosis + flatulence
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003124.htm
Differential + diagnosis + constipation
http://www.fpnotebook.com/GI1.htm
http://www.cancerlineuk.net/mainnav1/s_colorectalcancer37/s_colorectalcancer_dif69/c_colorectalcancer_dif69/functional-bowel.html
Bran + flatulence
http://www.crazycolour.com/os/coworker_03.shtml |
