- Atonic (non-functioning) colon which may also result from long-term
use of stimulant laxatives - Diverticular disease (chronic); diverticulitis (acute attacks)
- Faecal impaction
- Intestinal obstruction (or even perforation)
- Faecal incontinence : may have overflow diarrhoea
- Urinary incontinence
- Urinary tract infection especially with E. Coli, a normal gut bacterium
- Rectal bleeding
- Cramping lower abdominal and back pain
- Generalised weakness
Straining to defaecate causes
- An increase in intrathoracic (chest cavity) pressure which can lead to a
reduction in coronary (heart), cerebral (brain) and peripheral circulation. - development of hernias,
- worsening of symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux (GORD),
- transient ischaemic attacks (mini-strokes) and syncope (fainting) in
patients with neurological disease - Haemorrhoids may develop due to straining.
RISK OF CANCER
There has been an association between chronic constipation and
cancer of the colon suggested in the literature; however, the evidence for
this is not conclusive.
Recommending a high fibre, low-red meat diet and regular exercise in
itself has been recognised in helping to reduce the risk of colon cancer as
well as being beneficial in combating constipation.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
