What is constipation?
Constipation is a condition characterized by difficulty passing stools, infrequent passage of stools, stools that are hard to pass, a feeling of not having emptied the bowel, and abdominal bloating. The number of bowel movements varies from person to person, and while not having them every day may not be a problem, it is also possible to be concerned if you are not experiencing them regularly.
Common causes include eating too much, not getting enough fiber and water, not getting enough exercise, a habit of delaying going to the bathroom, and a disturbed lifestyle. In addition, medication side effects, decreased thyroid function, diseases such as diabetes, and diseases that narrow the colon, such as colorectal cancer, can also be causes.
In addition to abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhea may also occur when these symptoms are repeated.
In such cases, seek medical attention.
- Constipation continues, and there is a feeling of heaviness and pain in the abdomen
- I can't get rid of over-the-counter constipation pills; they're becoming less effective.
- Recently, my bowel movements have suddenly changed.
- Stools have become thinner, and there is blood in the stool.
- My weight has decreased and my health check-up test (serum bilirubin) revealed abnormalities.
In the following cases, immediate emergency medical care is required:
- I have severe abdominal pain, no stool or gas, and I'm vomiting.
- My stomach is getting tight and the pain is getting stronger and stronger.
Tests performed at our clinic
We will ask about the frequency, type, and duration of the diarrhea, as well as any dietary or lifestyle changes, medications you are taking, and other factors that may be relevant to the diagnosis. If necessary, we will perform blood tests to check the thyroid function and blood sugar levels.
If you experience bleeding in your stool or if your doctor suspects fecal occult blood, we will introduce you to medical institutions that can perform a colonoscopy (colonoscopy). The medical institutions we work with are:About Partner HospitalsPlease visit the page for the "What is a cookie?" section.
medical treatment
We will work together to review your lifestyle, including eating a balanced diet (fiber and water), exercising regularly, and going to the bathroom at a regular time every day.
If it still doesn’t get better, you can combine medications that soften stools or help the intestines move according to your symptoms. If you suspect that a medication has side effects, consult with the healthcare provider who prescribed it and review the medication. If there is an underlying medical condition, that condition will be treated.
Frequently asked questions
Q. How many days without eating will cause constipation?
A. It’s not just a matter of the number of times. Even if there are fewer times, it’s not necessarily a problem; there are also times when even if you go out every day, the wax is hard and difficult to remove, or you don’t feel like you’ve used up all the wax. Please feel free to contact us.
Q. I use over-the-counter constipation medications every day.
A. There are several types of constipation medications, and some of them are not recommended to be used continuously every day. Please bring your medication with you and consult with a doctor.
Q. There was blood in the stool.
A. There are also diseases of the lower back such as hemorrhoids, but there are also diseases of the large intestine. Please consult with us without making any judgments on your own.