Constipation is a condition in which bowel movements become sluggish causing difficulty in passing stools. It is a condition that causes disturbances in the digestive system. Obstinate constipation can lead to the accumulation of toxins, which then perfuse into the circulatory system and get carried all through the body.

Symptômes associés à la constipation
Bien que la constipation elle-même soit un symptôme, elle pourrait entraîner l'apparition d'autres symptômes. Les signes suivants peuvent indiquer une constipation:
- Moins de trois selles par semaine
- Tabourets durs et secs
- Difficulté à faire passer les selles
- Effort pour passer les selles
- A sensation of incomplete evacuation
- Des ballonnements
- Douleur ou inconfort abdominal
- Mal de tête
- Perte d'appétit
- Mauvais goût dans la bouche
- La nausée
- Sensation de fatigue
Parfois, la constipation peut entraîner des complications telles que des hémorroïdes ou des fissures. Dans les cas très graves, cela peut même conduire à un prolapsus rectal (où une partie de l'intestin dépasse de l'anus).
Physiopathologie de la constipation
Les parois internes du gros intestin ont des membranes muqueuses alambiquées. Celles-ci s'appellent des cryptes. Ils sont présents afin que l'absorption maximale de l'eau et des nutriments puisse avoir lieu ici. Lorsque la nourriture passe de l'estomac au gros intestin, l'eau est absorbée par le corps et les restes de nourriture forment des déchets ou des selles. Le mouvement péristaltique du gros intestin propulse les selles vers le rectum. Ainsi, au moment où les selles atteignent le rectum, elles sont solides, car la plus grande partie de l’eau a été absorbée.
La constipation peut survenir si:
- Le gros intestin absorbe trop d'eau, rendant les selles difficiles.
- Le mouvement péristaltique des intestins n'est pas assez bon et les selles bougent très lentement. Plus les selles restent dans le gros intestin, plus elles deviendront difficiles à cause de l'absorption d'eau.
Causes de la constipation:
Lack of sufficient fiber in the diet – Fiber is that part of fruits and vegetables which our body cannot digest. It helps to increase the bulk of stools and prevents constipation. Surveys show that Americans eat an average of 5 to 14 grams of fiber daily, which is short of the 20 to 35 grams recommended by the American Dietetic Association. Both children and adults often eat too much refined and processed foods, from which natural fiber has been removed.
Inadequate consumption of liquids – As discussed above, the large intestine absorbs water from food. Consuming sufficient liquids will ensure that the stools do not become excessively dehydrated. This will keep them soft and they will be easier to pass. However, liquids that contain caffeine and alcoholic beverages interfere with the water cycle of the body and cause dehydration.
Lack of physical activity – Though a direct co-relation has not yet been established, constipation is found to be more prevalent in sedentary individuals.
Par exemple, la constipation se produit souvent pendant une maladie, si une personne est limitée au lit. Le manque d'activités physiques est également lié à la constipation chez les personnes âgées.
Certain medications – There are certain medicines that cause constipation because they interfere with the normal nutrient-water cycle of the body. E.g. pain medicines that have narcotics, antacids that contain aluminum and calcium, blood pressure medications, antiparkinson drugs, antidepressants, iron supplements, diuretics, etc.
Changes in life – – During pregnancy, there are a lot of hormonal changes in the body. Also, the fetus directly compresses the intestines. This reduces the peristaltic movement of the intestine, causing constipation. Aging may also affect bowel regularity, because a slower metabolism results in less intestinal activity. Travelers also often face this problem because their normal diet and biorhythmic patterns are disrupted, and the body takes time to adjust to new routines.
Abuse of laxatives – Over-the-counter Laxatives are an effective means of counteracting constipation. However, with time, your body gets used to the dose and the dosage needs to keep increasing, in order to be effective. The use of laxatives could become habit forming, and eventually, you may not be able to pass stool without them.
Ignoring the urge to pass stools – Ignoring the urge to pass stools may eventually cause one to stop feeling the urge to pass them, which can lead to constipation. For eg: Being uncomfortable using public toilets or inaccessibility during a busy work day.
Certain illnesses- There are some diseases that can make the intestines sluggish. These include certain neurological problems, systemic conditions, metabolic and endocrine disorders.
Diagnostic de la constipation
Si le médecin soupçonne qu’une pathologie sous-jacente est à l’origine du problème, il peut conseiller au patient l’un des tests suivants:
Physical examination – The physician will perform a rectal examination to evaluate the tone of the muscles of the anal sphincter. He will look out for any tenderness in the area.
Blood tests – The physician may advise the patient to get blood and thyroid tests done to eliminate the possibility of thyroid or other metabolic disorders.
Additional tests – Extensive testing is usually carried out for cases with severe symptoms, which cannot be relieved by dietary and lifestyle changes.
Ceux-ci sont:
Colorectal transit study – The patient is given capsules containing small markers that are visible on x-ray. The movement of the marker is then followed by a series of x-rays. This test enables the physician to understand how well food moves in the intestines.
Anorectal function tests – These are a series of tests conducted to diagnose constipation caused by abnormal functioning of the anus or rectum (anorectal function). These include anorectal manometry balloon expulsion tests, defecography, etc.
Barium enema X-ray – The patient is given a barium liquid to drink. This liquid coats the inside of the colon and rectum and makes it visible on the X-ray. This test is especially useful if the physician is suspecting an intestinal obstruction.
Sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy – An examination of the rectum and the lower or sigmoid colon is called a sigmoidoscopy; and the examination of the rectum and entire colon is called a colonoscopy. In both examinations, a tube is inserted through the anus to inspect the respective areas directly. This test also enables the physician to take a sample of the intestinal lining for biopsy.