topfiep

segunda-feira, 28 de janeiro de 2013


Meet 11 little-known causes of constipation
Discover diseases and medications that may be behind the nuisance

BY LETÍCIA GONÇALVES - POSTED ON 1/10/2013 Share on email Share on facebook Share on twitter 593
The main culprits of constipation are already well known, such as poor diet, physical inactivity and stress. "Most of the time, increasing the amount of fiber and water intake and exercise can reverse this problem now," says gastroenterologist José Roberto de Almeida, President of the Brazilian Federation of Gastroenterology.

However, there are cases where only those measures are not sufficient because the causes involve drugs and even other diseases, such as diabetes. Check out what doctors also point out as reasons for the dreaded constipation and how to reverse them.

1 OF 11

Hypothyroidism

The thyroid is a gland in the neck responsible for producing hormones that regulate the functioning of various organs of the body. IBGE data show that around 15% of Brazilians suffer from this gland. One is hypothyroidism, which is the low production of hormones. "The whole body can suffer with this hormonal change, including the intestine," explains Deborah Golden Poli gastroenterologist. The digestion may be slower, e.g., causing constipation.

If you already do treatment for thyroid problems, talk to your doctor and check for the need to change habits or taking medicines that combat constipation. Ask questions about symptoms and treatment of hypothyroidism.


Hyperparathyroidism

This problem is less common than hypothyroidism and is connected to a gland that is located near the thyroid, parathyroid call. It excreta parathyroid hormone (PTH), which is responsible for regulating the levels of calcium and phosphorus in the body. In hyperparathyroidism, PTH is preoduzido excess, increasing the amount of calcium in the blood - condition called hypercalcemia - and causing constipation. An endocrinologist may indicate testing and appropriate treatment to combat this condition.


Painkillers

People who recover from surgery or are managing chronic pain are often prescribed with painkillers called opioids, which are equivalent to morphine. "This type of painkiller can lead to constipation, being necessary to review the dietary habits to try to reverse the situation and, in more extreme cases, indicate the use of a laxative," explains Deborah gastroenterologist.


Misuse of laxatives

Some laxatives apathetic - that irritate the intestinal mucosa more - can cause an injury to the nerves that control the bowel, creating a dependency on the use of the remedy. As more people use this drug, the bowel can become more tolerant and need further laxative to work. "There are more studies to prove this relationship, but it is still important that people make use of laxatives with proper medical guidance," says Debora gastroenterologist.


Antidepressants

"Medicines for depression called tricyclic antidepressants often cause constipation," says Debora Poli. One possible explanation for this is that these drugs affect nerve transmission to the intestines work properly. If you take these medicines, talk to your doctor to see if this could actually be the cause of your constipation. It can indicate a change of some habits and even changing the type of antidepressant.


Antacids

Poly Deborah explains that the antacid made with magnesium hydroxide tends to hold the intestines, while aluminum hydroxide is usually drop. "There antacids that have a combination of these two substances to leave the intestine regulated" she says. So check the label before buying your remedy against heartburn and indigestion.


Irritable Bowel Disease

The irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disease that involves changes in bowel movements, causing abdominal pain and cramps. "This problem can bring as much as constipation diarrhea depends on the person's body," explains José Roberto gastroenterologist. When there is constipation, the person has difficulty in passing stool and feels much colic.

Crohn's disease, an inflammatory process involving the intestinal walls of the body, can also cause constipation, although it is uncommon. "Most people with this disease usually have diarrhea during crises," says José Roberto.


Pregnancy

A pregnant woman undergoes a hormonal roller coaster during the nine months before birth. So many changes may interfere with the functioning of the bowel, causing constipation. In the last trimester of pregnancy, the pressure of the baby on the intestine and other organs may also hinder digestion. It is therefore important that the expectant mother adopt healthy eating habits and practice light exercises frequently to keep the intestine days since the first months of pregnancy.


Diabetes

Characterized by difficulty in metabolizing blood glucose, diabetes can cause nerve damage in the body (diabetic neuropathy), including the nerves that transmit stimuli to the gut moves correctly. As a result, The unpleasant constipation. Controlling diabetes is therefore essential to prevent such injury to nerves.


Misuse of supplementation

Who uses dietary supplements without medical supervision may have public health problems, including constipation. The problem happens mainly with excess calcium and iron, which overwhelm and undermine the work of the intestine. Always consult a doctor before investing in supplementation and never exceed the amount he recommend.


Hemorrhoids

Constipation favors the emergence of hemorrhoids: when one is stuck with the intestine and pushes others to evacuate, the veins of the anus may become painful and swollen. Once the hemorrhoid appears, the reverse can happen: as the person is in pain in the anal area, tends to be more tense. This tension can interfere with bowel movements, causing constipation increase further. Therefore, appropriate medical treatment is crucial to get rid of this problem.

Nenhum comentário: