Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
There are many treatments for constipation, and the best approach relies on a
clear understanding of the underlying cause.
Dietary fiber (bulk-forming laxatives)
The best way of adding fiber to the
diet is increasing the quantity of fruits and vegetables that are eaten. This
means a minimum of five servings of fruits or vegetables every day. For many
people, however, the amount of fruits and vegetables that are necessary may be
inconveniently large or may not provide adequate relief from constipation. In
this case, fiber supplements can be useful.
Fiber is defined as material made by plants that is not digested by the human
gastrointestinal tract. Fiber is one of the mainstays in the treatment of
constipation. Many types of fiber within the intestine bind to water and keep
the water within the intestine. The fiber adds bulk (volume) to the stool and
the water softens the stool.
There are different sources of fiber and the type of fiber varies from source
to source. Types of fiber can be categorized in several ways, for example, by
their source.
The most common sources of fiber include:
fruits and vegetables,
wheat or oat bran,
psyllium seed (for example, Metamucil, Konsyl),
synthetic methyl
cellulose (for example, Citrucel), and
polycarbophil (for example, Equilactin, Konsyl Fiber).
Polycarbophil often is combined with calcium (for example, Fibercon). However, in some
studies, the calcium-containing polycarbophil was not as effective as the
polycarbophil without calcium.
A lesser known source of fiber is an extract of
malt (for example, Maltsupex); however, this extract may soften stools in ways other
than increasing fiber.
Increased gas (flatulence) is a common side effect of high-fiber diets. The gas occurs because the bacteria normally present
within the colon are capable of digesting fiber to a small extent. The
bacteria produce gas as a byproduct of their digestion of fiber. All fibers, no matter
what their source, can cause flatulence. However, since bacteria vary in their
ability to digest the various types of fiber, the different sources of fiber may
produce different amounts of gas. To complicate the situation, the ability of
bacteria to digest one type of fiber can vary from individual to individual. This variability
makes the selection of the best type of fiber for each person (for example, a
fiber that improves the quality of the stool without causing flatulence) more difficult.
Thus, finding the proper fiber for an individual becomes a matter of
trial and error.
The different sources of fiber should be tried one by one. The fiber should
be started at a low dose and increased every one to two weeks until either the
desired effect on the stool is achieved or troublesome flatulence interferes.
(Fiber does not work overnight.) If flatulence occurs, the dose of fiber can be
reduced for a few weeks and the higher dose can then be tried again. (It
generally is said that the amount of gas that is produced by fiber decreases
when the fiber is ingested for a prolonged period of time; however, this has never been
studied.) If flatulence remains a problem and prevents the dose of fiber from
being raised to a level that affects the stool satisfactorily, it is time to
move on to a different source of fiber.
When increasing amounts of fiber are used, it is recommended that greater amounts
of water be consumed (for example, a full glass with each dose). In theory, the
water prevents "hardening" of the fiber and blockage (obstruction) of the
intestine. This seems like simple and reasonable advice. However, ingesting
larger amounts of water has never been shown to have a beneficial effect on
constipation, with or without the addition of fiber. (There is already a lot of
water in the intestine and extra water that is digested is absorbed and excreted in the urine.)
It is reasonable to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration because with
dehydration there may be reduced intestinal water.
Because of concern about obstruction, persons with narrowings (strictures) or adhesions (scar tissue from previous
surgery) of their intestines should not use fiber unless it has been discussed
with their physician. Some fiber laxatives contain sugar, and patients with
diabetes
may need to select sugar-free products.
Lubricant laxatives
Lubricant laxatives contain mineral oil as either the plain oil or an emulsion
(combination with water) of the oil. The oil
stays within the intestine, coats the particles of stool, and presumably prevents the removal of
water from the stool. This retention of water in the stool results in
softer stool. Mineral oil generally is used only for the short-term treatment of constipation
since its long-term use has several potential disadvantages.
The oil
can absorb fat-soluble vitamins from the intestine and, if used
for prolonged periods, may lead to deficiencies of these vitamins. This is
of particular concern in pregnancy during which an adequate supply of vitamins is
important for the fetus. In the very young or very elderly in whom the swallowing
mechanism is not strong or is impaired by strokes, small amounts of the
swallowed oil may enter the lungs and cause a type of pneumonia called lipid pneumonia.
Mineral oil also may decrease the absorption of some drugs such as warfarin
(Coumadin) and
oral contraceptives, thereby decreasing their effectiveness. Despite these
potential disadvantages, mineral oil can be effective when short-term treatment
is necessary.
Emollient laxatives (stool softeners)
Emollient laxatives are generally known as stool softeners. They contain
a compound called docusate (for example, Colace). Docusate is a wetting agent that
improves the ability of water within the colon to penetrate and mix with stool.
This increased water within the stool softens the stool. Although studies have not shown
docusate to be consistently effective in relieving constipation. Stool
softeners often are used in the long-term treatment of constipation. It may take a week
or more for docusate to be effective. The dose should be increased after one to
two weeks if no effect is seen.
Although docusate generally is safe, it may
increase the absorption of mineral oil and some medications from the intestine. Absorbed mineral oil collects in tissues of the body, for example, the lymph nodes and the liver, where it causes inflammation. It is not clear if this inflammation has any important consequences, but it generally is felt that prolonged absorption of mineral oil should not be allowed. The use of emollient laxatives is not
recommended together with mineral oil or with certain prescription medications.
Emollient laxatives are commonly used when there is a need to soften the stool
temporarily and make defecation easier (for example, after surgery, childbirth, or
heart attacks). They are also used for individuals with
hemorrhoids or anal
fissures.
Hyperosmolar laxatives
Hyperosmolar laxatives are undigestible, unabsorbable
compounds that remain within the colon and retain the water that already is in
the colon. The result is softening of the stool. The most common hyperosmolar
laxatives are lactulose (for example, Kristalose),
sorbitol, and polyethylene glycol
(for example, MiraLax). and are available by prescription only. These laxatives are
safe for long-term use and are associated with few side effects.
Hyperosmolar
laxatives may be digested by colonic bacteria and turned into gas, which may
result in unwanted abdominal bloating and flatulence. This effect is
dose-related and less with polyethylene glycol. Therefore, gas can be reduced by reducing the dose of the laxative. In
some cases, the gas will decrease over time.
Saline laxatives
Saline
laxatives contain non-absorbable ions such as magnesium, sulfate,
phosphate, and citrate [for example,
magnesium citrate (Citroma), magnesium hydroxide, sodium
phosphate). These ions remain in the colon and cause water to be drawn
into the colon. Again, the effect is softening of the stool.
Magnesium also may
have mild stimulatory effects on the colonic muscles. The magnesium in magnesium-containing laxatives is partially absorbed from
the intestine and into the body. Magnesium is eliminated from the body by
the kidneys. Therefore, individuals with impaired kidney function may develop toxic
levels of magnesium from chronic (long duration) use of magnesium-containing
laxatives.
Saline laxatives act within
a few hours. In general, potent saline laxatives should not be used on a
regular basis. If major diarrhea develops with the use of saline laxatives and the
lost fluid is not replaced by the consumption of liquids, dehydration may
result. For constipation, the most frequently-used and mildest of the saline
laxatives is milk of magnesia. Epsom Salt is a more potent saline laxative that
contains magnesium sulfate.
Stimulant laxatives
Stimulant laxatives cause the muscles of the small
intestine and colon to propel their contents more rapidly. They also increase
the amount of water in the stool, either by reducing the absorption of the water
in the colon or by causing active secretion of water in the small intestine.
The
most commonly-used stimulant laxatives contain cascara (castor oil), senna
(for example, Ex-Lax, Senokot), and aloe. Stimulant laxatives are very effective, but
they can cause severe diarrhea with resulting dehydration and loss of
electrolytes
(especially potassium). They also are more likely than other types
of laxatives to cause intestinal cramping. There is concern that chronic use of
stimulant laxatives may damage the colon and worsen constipation, as previously discussed.
Bisacodyl (for example, Dulcolax, Correctol) is a stimulant laxative that affects the
nerves of the colon which, in turn, stimulate the muscles of the colon to propel
its contents. Prunes also contain a mild colonic stimulant.
Tegaserod (Zelnorm)
Tegaserod (Zelnorm) was approved in 2002 by the FDA specifically for the treatment of abdominal
pain and constipation in women with
irritable bowel syndrome.In March of 2007, the FDA asked Novartis,
the company manufacturing tegaserod, to suspend sales of tegaserod in the U.S. because a retrospective analysis of data by Novartis from more than
18,000 patients showed a slight difference in the incidence of cardiovascular
events (heart attacks, strokes and angina) among patients
taking tegaserod compared to
placebo. The data showed that cardiovascular events occurred in 13 out of 11,614
patients treated with tegaserod (.11%), compared to one cardiovascular event in
7,031 (.01%) placebo-treated patients. However, it is unclear whether tegaserod
actually causes heart attacks and strokes. Doctors and scientists will be
scrutinizing the data to determine the long-term safety of tegaserod.
The mechanism whereby tegaserod relieves constipation (and abdominal bloating and pain)
is interesting and is related to its effects on the intestinal serotonin, a
chemical that controls contractions of intestinal muscles. The contractions of the
intestinal muscles control transit of digesting food through the intestine. More
contractions speed transit, fewer contractions slow transit. In constipated
patients, contractions are fewer.
Serotonin is a chemical manufactured by nerves in the intestine
that is released and then binds to muscle cells. Depending on
which receptor it binds to on the muscle, serotonin
can either promote or prevent contractions. The serotonin 5-HT4 receptor is a receptor that prevents
contractions when serotonin binds to it. Tegaserod blocks the 5-HT4 receptor,
prevents serotonin from binding to it, and thereby increases contractions of the
intestinal muscles. The increased contractions speed the transit of digesting
food and reduces constipation. In addition, tegaserod reduces the sensitivity of the
intestinal pain-sensing nerves and can thereby reduce abdominal pain.
In large placebo controlled trials involving men and women with chronic
constipation, tegaserod was more effective than placebo in increasing the number
of spontaneous bowel movements and reducing straining, abdominal bloating,
abdominal pain, and abdominal discomfort. The most common side effect of
tegaserod was diarrhea, which was usually mild or moderate and generally
resolved within a few days while continuing treatment.
Lubiprostone (Amitiza)
Lubiprostone (Amitiza) is a
selective chloride channel activator that increases secretion of chloride
ions from the cells of the intestinal lining into the intestinal lumen.
Sodium ions and water then follow the chloride ions into the lumen,
and the water softens the stool. The FDA approved lubiprostone for the treatment
of chronic constipation in both men and women in February 2006. At a dose
of 24 micrograms twice a day, lubiprostone significantly and promptly increased
bowel movements, improved stool consistency, and decreased straining. The
most common side effect of initial clinical studies was mild to moderate nausea in 32% of patients treated
with lubiprostone, compared to 3% of the controls. More long term studies
of efficacy and side effects are needed to determine the place of lubiprostone in the treatment of constipation.
Enemas
There are many different types of enemas. By distending the rectum,
all enemas (even the simplest type, the tap water enema) stimulate the colon to
contract and eliminate stool. Other types of enemas have additional mechanisms
of action. For example, saline enemas cause water to be drawn into the colon.
Phosphate enemas (for example, Fleet phosphosoda) stimulate the muscles of the colon.
Mineral oil enemas lubricate and soften hard stool. Emollient enemas (for
example,
Colace Microenema) contain agents that soften the stool.
Enemas are particularly useful when there is impaction, which is hardening of
stool in the rectum. In order to be effective, the instructions that come with
the enema must be followed. This requires full application of the enema,
appropriate positioning after the enema is instilled, and retention of the enema
until cramps are felt. Defecation usually occurs between a few minutes and one
hour after the enema is inserted.
Enemas are meant for occasional rather than regular use. The frequent use of
enemas can cause disturbances of the fluids and electrolytes in the body. This
is especially true of tap water enemas. Soapsuds enemas are not recommended
because they can seriously damage the rectum.
Suppositories
As is the
case with enemas, different types of suppositories have different
mechanisms of action. There are stimulant suppositories containing bisacodyl
(for example, Dulcolax). Glycerin suppositories are believed to have their effect by
irritating the rectum. The insertion of the finger into the rectum when the
suppository is placed may itself stimulate a bowel movement.
Combination products
There are many products that combine different
laxatives. For example, there are oral products that combine
senna and psyllium
(Perdiem), senna and docusate (Senokot-S), and senna and glycerin (Fletcher's
Castoria). One product even combines three laxatives, senna-like casanthranol,
docusate, and glycerin (Sof-lax Overnight). These products may be convenient and
effective, but they also contain stimulant laxatives. Therefore, there is
concern about permanent colonic damage with the use of these products, and they
probably
should not be used for long-term treatment unless non-stimulant treatment fails.
Miscellaneous drugs
Several
prescribed drugs that are used to treat medical diseases consistently cause (as
a side effect) loose stools, even diarrhea. There actually are
several small studies that have examined these drugs for the treatment of
constipation.
Colchicine
Colchicineis a drug that has been used for decades to treat gout. Most
patients who take colchicine note a loosening of their stools. Colchicine has
also been demonstrated to relieve constipation effectively in patients without
gout.
Misoprostol (Cytotec)
Misoprostol (Cytotec) is a drug used primarily for preventing stomach ulcers
caused by nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen. Diarrhea is
one of its consistent side-effects. Several studies have shown that misoprostol
is effective in the short term treatment of constipation. Misoprostol is
expensive, and it is not clear if it will remain effective and safe with long-term use. Therefore, its role in the treatment of constipation remains to be
determined.
Orlistat (Xenical)
Orlistat (Xenical) is a drug
that is used primarily for reducing weight. It works by blocking the enzymes within the intestine that
digest fat. The undigested fat is not absorbed, which accounts for the
weight loss. Undigested fat is digested by bacteria within the intestine and
the products of this bacterial digestion promote the secretion of water. The
products of digestion also may affect the intestine in other ways, for example,
by stimulating the intestinal muscles. In fact, in studies, orlistat has
been shown to be effective in treating constipation. Orlistat has few
important side effects, which is consistent with the fact that only very small
amounts of the drug are absorbed from the intestine.
It is unclear if these prescribed drugs should be used for the treatment of constipation.
Although it is difficult to recommend them specifically just for the
treatment of constipation, they might be considered for constipated individuals
who are overweight, have gout, or need protection from nonsteroidal
antiinflammatory drugs.
Exercise
People who lead sedentary lives are more frequently constipated
than people who are active. Nevertheless, limited studies of
exercise on bowel
habit have shown that exercise has minimal or no effect on the frequency of
bowel movements. Thus, exercise can be recommended for its many other health
benefits, but not for its effect on constipation.
Biofeedback
Most of the muscles of the pelvis surrounding the anus and rectum are
under some degree of voluntary control. Thus, biofeedback training can teach
patients with pelvic floor dysfunction how to make their muscles work more normally
and improve their ability to defecate. During ano-rectal biofeedback training,
a pressure-sensing catheter is placed through the anus and into the
rectum. Each time a patient contracts the muscles, the muscles generate a pressure that
is sensed by the catheter and recorded on a screen. By watching the pressures on
the screen and attempting to modify them, patients learn how to relax and
contract the muscles more normally.
Surgery
For individuals
with problematic constipation that is due to diseases of the colon or laxative abuse, surgery is the ultimate treatment.
During surgery, most of the colon, except for the rectum (or the
rectum and part of the sigmoid colon), is removed. The cut end of the small
intestine is attached to the remaining rectum or sigmoid colon. In patients with colonic
inertia, surgery is reserved for those who do not respond to all
other therapies. If the surgery is to be done, there must be no
disease of the small intestinal muscles. Normal small intestinal muscles are evidenced by normal
motility studies of the small intestine itself.
Electrical pacing
Electrical pacing is still in its experimental phases. Electrical pacing may be done using electrodes implanted into the muscular wall of the colon. The electrodes exit the colon and are attached to an electrical stimulator. Alternatively, stimulation of the sacral skin can be used to stimulate nerves going to the colon. These techniques are promising, but much more work lies ahead before their role in treating constipation, if any, has been defined.
Abdominal pain is pain in the belly and can be acute or chronic. Causes include inflammation, distention of an organ, and loss of the blood supply to an organ. Abdominal pain can reflect a major problem with one of the organs in the abdomen such as the appendix, gallbladder, large and small intestine, pancreas, liver, colon, duodenum, and spleen.
Rectal bleeding (hematochezia) refers to the passage of bright red blood from the anus. Rectal bleeding may be moderate to severe and most bleeding comes from the colon, rectum, or anus. Common causes include anal fissures, hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, and more.
Hemorrhoid is an enlarged vein in the walls of the anus and sometimes around the
rectum, usually caused by untreated constipation, but occasionally associated
with chronic diarrhea. If untreated, hemorrhoids can
worsen, protruding from the anus. Also known as piles.
Gas or "intestinal gas" means different things to different people. Everyone has gas and eliminates it by belching or farting (passing it through the rectum).
Diverticulitis is a condition in which diverticuli in the colon rupture. The rupture results in infection in the tissues that surround the colon. Diverticulitis symptoms include: abdominal pain, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating. Treatment methods include prescription medications, and in some cases, diverticulitis surgery.
Hypothyroidism is any state in which thyroid hormone production is below normal. Normally, the
rate of thyroid hormone production is controlled by the brain at the pituitary.
Hypothyroidism is a very common condition and the symptoms of hypothyroidism are
often subtle.
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent). Symptoms of diabetes include increased urine output, thirst, hunger, and fatigue. Treatment of diabetes depends on the type.
Colon cancer is a malignancy that arises from the inner lining of the colon. Most, if not all, of these cancers develop from colonic polyps. Removal of these precancerous polyps can prevent colon cancer.
An anal fissure is a small tear or cut in the skin lining of the anus. Pain and/or rectal bleeding during bowel movements are common symptoms of anal fissures. Treatment involves increasing liquid intake, using stool softeners and avoiding foods that may not be well-digested.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease which progressively injures the nerves of the brain and spinal cord, reflected by alterations of virtually every sensory or motor function in the body. The cause of MS is primarily unknown. There are different types of MS including relapsing-remitting MS, primary-progressive MS, and secondary-progressive MS. Symptoms of MS rang from mild to severe and examples include visual disturbances, muscle weakness, spasm, and fatigue. Decreased concentration, memory loss, and impaired judgment. Treatment for MS is generally with medications.
Anorexia is an eating disorder characterized by markedly reduced appetite or total aversion to food. Anorexia is a serious psychological disorder and is a condition that goes well beyond out-of-control dieting. With anorexia, the drive to become thinner is actually secondary to concerns about control and/or fears relating to one's body. There are psychological and behavioral symptoms as well as physical symptoms of anorexia including: depression, social withdrawal, fatigue, food obsession, heart and gastrointestinal complications, kidney function, flaky skin, brittle nails, and tooth loss (this list is not exhaustive).
IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is a common gastrointestinal disorder involving abnormal gut contractions (motility) characterized by abdominal pain,
bloating, mucous in stools, and irregular bowel habits with alternating diarrhea
and constipation, symptoms that tend to be chronic and to wax and wane over the
years. Treatment options include medication and lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and stress management to control symptoms. Also called spastic colitis, mucus colitis, nervous colon syndrome.
Stool color is generally brown. When stool color changes, often, an individual becomes concerned. The presence of the bilirubin in bile is generally responsible for stool color. Bilirubin concentration can vary bile color from light yellow to almost black in color. Changes in bilirubin can cause stool to turn green, gray, or clay-like in color. Intestinal bleeding may turn stool black, tarry, red, maroon, or smelly stool. Medication and food may also affect stool color.
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) refers to a condition in which abnormally large numbers of bacteria (at least 100,000 bacteria per ml of fluid) are present in the small intestine and the types of bacteria in the small intestine resemble more the bacteria of the colon than the small intestine. There are many conditions associated with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, to include: diabetes, scleroderma, Crohn's disease, and others. There is a striking similarity between the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and SIBO. It has been theorized that SIBO may be responsible for the symptoms of at least some patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Symptoms of SIBO include: excess gas, abdominal bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Multiple myeloma is a form of cancer that develops in plasma cells, the white blood cells that make antibodies. Symptoms include bone pain, weakness, extreme thirst, nausea, frequent urination, and broken bones. Treatment of multiple myeloma depends upon the staging and symptoms of the disease.
Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease of the connective tissue. It is characterized by the formation of scar tissue (fibrosis) in the skin and organs of the body, leading to thickness and firmness of involved areas. Scleroderma is also referred to as systemic sclerosis, and the cause is unknown. Treatment of scleroderma is directed toward the individual features that are most troubling to the patient.
Huntington's disease is the result of degeneration of neurons in areas of the brain. Huntington's disease is an inherited disorder. Early symptoms include mood swings, apathy, depression, and anger uncharacteristic of the individual. Judgement, memory, and other cognitive functions may become impaired. Presymptomatic testing is available for individuals who have a family history of Huntington's disease. Treatment includes medication and therapy for symptoms.
Jet lag (desynchonosis) is a temporary disorder that results from travel across time zones. Symptoms include anxiety, constipation, headache, nausea, dehydration, diarrhea, confusion, sweating, irritability, and even memory loss.
Laxatives for treatment of constipation include over-the-counter preparations such as bulk-forming laxatives, stool softeners, lubricant laxatives, stimulant laxatives, saline laxatives, enemas and suppositories. Some over-the-counter laxatives are not recommended for patients with specific diseases or conditions. Some laxatives may have negative adverse effects if taken over long periods of time.
Hyperparathyroidism is a disorder of the parathyroid glands. There are two types of hyperparathyroidism, primary and secondary. When the parathyroid glands produce too much hormone, hyperparathyroidism is the resulting condition. Most cases of hyperparathyroidism have no evident cause. Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, depression, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or confusion. Increased calcium and phosphorous excretion may cause kidney stones. The main treatment of hyperparathyroidism is parathyroidectomy.
Hypercalcemia is a condition in which calcium levels in the blood are elevated. Hypercalcemia is associated with other conditions such as hyperparathyroidism, lung cancer, breast cancer, kidney failure, and elevated levels of vitamin D. Symptoms of hypercalcemia include constipation, nausea, abdominal pain, kidney stones, to name a few. Treatment depends on the cause of hypercalcemia.
Patients with celiac disease are required to eat a gluten-free diet. Gluten is found in rye, barley, and wheat. Gluten damages the intestine in patients with celiac disease. Some mediations contain gluten, so careful monitoring of products consumed is imperative. Patients with celiac disease are also at risk for developing nutritional deficiencies. The information in this article contains both foods that contain gluten, and foods that do not contain gluten.
Menstruation (menstrual cycle) is also referred to as a "period." When a woman menstruates, the lining of the uterus is shed. This shedding of the uterine linking is the menstrual blood flow. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days. There can be problems with a woman's period, including heavy bleeding, pain, or skipped periods. Causes of these problems may be amenorrhea (lack fo a period), menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea), or abnormal vaginal or uterine bleeding. There are a variety of situations in which a girl or woman should see a doctor about her menstrual cycle.
Urinary retention (inability to urinate) may be caused by nerve disease, spinal cord injury, prostate enlargement, infection, surgery, medication, bladder stone, constipation, cystocele, rectocele, or urethral stricture. Symptoms include discomfort and pain. Treatment depends upon the cause of urinary retention.
Hirschsprung's disease (Hirschsprung), is a disease of the nerve cells of of the large intestine. The primary symptom of Hirschsprung's disease is constipation. Hirschsprung's disease is diagnosed through barium enema, and treatment is surgery.
Pregnancy planning is important to help prevent exposure of the mother and fetus to potentially harmful medications and substances during the early days, and throughout the pregnancy. Nutritional planning, prevention of birth defects, conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease need careful monitoring. Gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and pregnancy induced hypertension are conditions that may arise during pregnancy. Immunizations, inherited disorders, exercise, air travel, intercourse, and birth control are important factors to consider when planning a pregnancy.
Abdominal adhesions (scar tissue) bands of scar tissue that form between abdominal organs and tissues. Symptoms of abdominal adhesions are pelvic or abdominal pain. Abdominal adhesions on the intestines can cause bowel obstruction, which is a medical emergency. Treatment for abdominal adhesions is generally surgery to cut the adhesions away from the internal tissues and organs. There is no way to prevent abdominal adhesions.
Digestion is the complex process of turning food you eat into the energy you need to survive. The digestive process also involves creating waste to be eliminated, and is made of a series of muscles that coordinate the movement of food.
Chagas disease is an infection caused by the T. cruzi parasite. Symptoms of Chagas disease include rash, swollen lymph nodes, fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and the Romaña sign. An ELISA test is used to diagnose Chagas disease. Treatment depends upon the phase of the disease and the patient's age.
Digestion RSS
Healthy Living Tips
This site complies with the