Colorectal transit study. This test shows how long it takes for food to move through your colon. You will be asked to swallow pills capsules filled with small markers that can be seen on an X-ray. The X-rays will show how the capsules moved through your colon. Anus and rectum anorectal function tests. These tests can tell if you are constipated because your anus or rectum is not working well.
In most cases, diet and lifestyle changes can help reduce constipation symptoms. They can also stop it from happening. These changes may include:. Doing biofeedback part of a special physical therapy program. Whole-wheat bread, granola bread, wheat bran muffins, grain bars, waffles, popcorn.
Beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, corn, green beans, green peas, acorn and butternut squash, spinach, potato with skin, avocado. Apples with peel, dates, papayas, mangoes, nectarines, oranges, pears, kiwis, strawberries, applesauce, raspberries, blackberries, raisins. Baked beans, black-eyed peas, garbanzo beans, lima beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, chili with beans, trail mix.
Red, swollen veins in the rectum. They happen when you need to keep straining to have a bowel movement. Anal fissures. Tears in the skin around the anus. They happen when hard stool stretches your sphincter muscle. They can cause bleeding in your rectum. Rectal prolapse. This is when a small amount of your intestinal lining pushes out from your anal opening. It is caused by straining to have a bowel movement.
Fecal impaction. This is when a large lump of hard, dry stool stays stuck in your rectum. This is seen mostly in children and older adults. Many of the same lifestyle changes that help treat constipation may also help to stop it from happening:.
Allow plenty of time for bowel movements. When you feel the urge to have a bowel movement, be sure to do it.
But call your healthcare provider if:. You may be constipated when your stools are painful and happen less than 3 times a week. Constipation can cause other health problems such as hemorrhoids red, swollen veins in the rectum. Making diet and lifestyle changes can reduce constipation symptoms. These changes can also stop constipation from happening. Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your healthcare provider tells you.
At the visit, write down the names of new medicines, treatments, or tests, and any new instructions your healthcare provider gives you.
If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit. Search Encyclopedia. Constipation What is constipation? You may have constipation if: You have bowel movements less than 3 times a week Your stool is hard, dry, and in small pieces Normal bowel movements vary depending on the person.
What causes constipation? Some of the most common diet and lifestyle causes of constipation are: Not getting enough exercise Not drinking enough liquids Not eating enough fiber Not moving your bowels when you feel the urge to Changes in your lifestyle, such as travel, pregnancy, and old age Other causes of constipation include: Medicines A problem with how your stomach and bowels work such as irritable bowel syndrome Your intestine does not work well Taking too many medicines that help to loosen your bowels laxatives Metabolic problems such as thyroid disease Intestinal blockage What are the symptoms of constipation?
Symptoms of constipation may include: Difficult and painful bowel movements Less than 3 bowel movements a week Feeling bloated Not having much energy Belly abdominal pain Ineffective straining to move your bowels The symptoms of constipation can look like other health problems. How is constipation diagnosed? First your healthcare provider will look at: Your age If you have any blood in your stool Any changes in your bowel habits Weight loss Your healthcare provider will likely: Ask about your past health.
Your healthcare provider may also do other tests such as: Abdominal X-ray. Blood work. Blood is taken for testing. How is constipation treated? Your healthcare provider will come up with a care plan for you based on: Your age, overall health, and past health How serious your case is How well you handle certain medicines, treatments, or therapies If your condition is expected to get worse Your opinion and what you want to do In most cases, diet and lifestyle changes can help reduce constipation symptoms.
These changes may include: Drinking more water and juice. Getting regular exercise. Giving yourself time to have a bowel movement each day. Eating more fiber. Taking laxatives. Stopping or changing medicine. Constipation can cause other health problems such as: Hemorrhoids.
Marriages take work, commitment, and love, but they also need respect to be truly happy and successful. A marriage based on love and respect doesn't just happen. Both spouses have to do their part. Below are some important keys to work on each day to make your marriage successful. Talking with your spouse is one of the best ways to keep your marriage healthy and successful. Be honest about what you're feeling, but be kind and respectful when you communicate.
Part of good communication is being a good listener and taking the time to understand what it is your spouse wants and needs from you. Keep the lines of communication open by talking often, and not just about things like bills and the kids.
Share your thoughts and feelings. Appreciate each other, your relationship, your family, and your lives together. Show gratitude when your partner cooks dinner, helps the kids with their homework, or does the grocery shopping. It may help to take a few minutes each evening to tell each other at least one thing you appreciated that day. With work and family responsibilities, it can be easy to lose the romance factor.
Plan special dates, either to go out or just stay at home. If you have children, send them on a play date while you relax, talk, and enjoy each other's company.
Alone time is just as important as couple time. Everyone needs time to recharge, think, and enjoy personal interests. That time is often lost when you're married, especially if you have kids. Go out with friends, take a class, or do volunteer work, whatever you find enriching.
When you're back together with your spouse, you'll appreciate each other even more. You won't agree on everything, but it is important to be fair and respectful during disagreements. Listen to your spouse's point of view.
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