Bowel Problems

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Constipation

Are you struggling to go to the toilet?

You may be constipated if;

1. You find it difficult to pass stools (poo) as you would normally.  Bowel habits can vary greatly between people; some open their bowels at least twice a day while others may open their bowels less than twice a week.
2. Being constipated means that whatever your normal bowel habit, at the moment the stools are difficult to pass.
3. The stools may be small and hard like rabbit droppings or can form a large hard lump that feels impossible to pass.
4. This difficulty passing stools can cause you to stain and may also hurt.

Constipation can short term or a long-term problem and it can be vary from mild symptoms to very severe.  Stomach aches and feeling bloated can accompany constipation.

Constipation maybe a sign of underlying illness or a long-term condition and can if left untreated lead to future bowel problems.  Constipation can be a very painful experience and cause tenderness and bleeding around the anus.

Howsme can help you manage your constipation, stop struggling and start pooing today!

What might be causing it?

There are absolutely loads of causes of constipation and many people will have numerous causes.  A thorough assessment by your doctor will establish what is causing your constipation and therefore what you should specifically do to help restore a normal bowel habit.

Some of the causes of your constipation might be,
· Lack of exercise and immobility
· Dehydration (lack of fluids)
· A lack of fruit and vegetables in our diet
· Being overweight
· Being underweight
· Feeling anxious
· Stress
· Depression
· A change in diet of lifestyle (for example going on holiday)
· Pregnancy
· Following abdominal surgery
· As a side effect of medication

Help with constipation
Constipation is a reversible condition in most cases, tell us about your constipation and see if we can help you manage it more effectively.

Or do you have diarrhoea?

Sometimes known as having the runs!

You may have diarrhoea if;
1. You are passing loose stools (poo) more frequently than normal.  Bowel habits can vary greatly between people; some open their bowels at least twice a day while others may open their bowels less than twice a week.
2. There is an increase in the normal frequency and a change in the consistency.

Acute diarrhoea comes on suddenly and usually lasts about 2 to 3 days.
Depending on the cause of acute diarrhoea it may be contagious and therefore have the ability to be passed from person to person.  It is very important to wash your hands with soap and water especially after visiting the toilet.
Symptoms that may accompany acute diarrhoea include; a loss of appetite, bloating, stomach ache, nausea and vomiting.

Causes of Acute Diarrhoea
· A virus
· Bacteria
· Parasites
· Food Poisoning
· Side effect to medication such as antibiotics
· Food intolerance or food allergy
· Excess alcohol
· Eating too much fruit
· Spicy food
· Laxatives
· Anxiety and Stress (causes adrenalin to be released into the body speeding up the digestive process)
· Hormone imbalance (menstruation can make the gut more sensitive and therefore give monthly diarrhoea)

Chronic Diarrhoea can last for weeks or even months or may come and go but never really clear up completely.  Chronic diarrhoea may be caused by an underlying disease and therefore requires a thorough assessment to find the cause.

Causes of Chronic Diarrhoea

It may be a sign of Irritable Bowel Syndrome or something more serious and would always need diagnosing by your own doctor.

Travellers Diarrhoea is very common when visiting other countries, especially in the developing World.  To prevent travellers’ diarrhoea you should research the country you are visiting and check how safe the water is.  If in doubt drink bottled water and avoid;
1. Drinking tap water
2. Ice and ice cream
3. Salad, fruit and raw vegetables that may have been washed in tap water
4. Under cooked food or food that isn’t hot when you eat it
5. Food that has been exposed to flies
6. Bottled water that has already been opened (and so might have been refilled from the tap!)
7. Brushing your teeth in tap water

Physical Problems caused by diarrhoea

Dehydration is especially serious for children and the elderly.  Signs of dehydration include feeling thirsty, tired, light headed, having very strong dark coloured urine and dry skin.

Psychological Problems caused by diarrhoea

Having to rush to the toilet and needing to be close to a toilet can be frustrating in the short term but in the long term this can have a major impact life.  Every activity that involves leaving the house has to be planned around being able to get to a toilet quickly if needed. This can lead to a lack of confidence, withdrawal from risky activities and eventual isolation.

Help with diarrhoea

Acute diarrhoea will usually clear up on its own as the body fights whatever has caused it.  Always see a doctor if your diarrhoea lasts longer than 2 days or if you are loosing weight, passing blood, have severe stomach pains or if you don’t pass urine for 12 hours.  Children and the elderly should see a doctor every time they have diarrhoea.
Acute diarrhoea may be helped by
· Drinking water and sugary drinks (pharmacies sell rehydration drinks that will replace the sugars and salts that the body may have lost).
· Avoid spicy food, laxatives, alcohol and fatty food
· Eating bland food such as dry toast or bread or clear soup when the diarrhoea has settled.

If you have seen your doctor and know what is causing your Chronic Diarrhoea why not see if Howsme can you help?

Updated: 1st October 2009