Recognize and Treat Constipation

4 Parts:

How to Treat Constipation

Hemorrhoids

Tips Tricks & Warnings

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Constipation is a decreased frequency of bowel movements characterized by hard, dry stools. The "normal" frequency of bowel movements varies from person to person. It may be once a day for one person and once every three days for another. Other symptoms of constipation include difficulty passing stools, abdominal pain and fullness, bloating, and gas. Occasional changes in stools (color, consistency, texture, and bulk) are generally not serious.

Constipation is common among older adults because food and water move more slowly through the body, allowing time for more water to be absorbed into the body so stools become harder and drier. Moreover, the ability of the rectum to store stool increases with age, so you may not have bowel movements as often as someone younger. Some medical conditions, use of certain medications, lack of exercise and a low-fiber diet also contribute to constipation.

1. 1
   If your eating habits have changed

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   go back to the diet you had before the problems began.

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2. 2
   Add more high fiber foods to your diet

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   such as whole grains, bran, beans, leafy and raw vegetables, and fruit, especially dried fruits.

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3. 3
   Consider eating papaya as an aid to cure your constipation

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   It contains papain, an enzyme that helps digest proteins, especially in foods rich in gluten.Papain helps prevent the accumulation of mucoprotein or partially digested protein in the lymphatic system. Papain has even been extracted to make processed dietary supplements for digestion. Unripe papaya has more concentrated amounts of papain than ripe papaya.

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4. 4
   Increase fluid intake

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   unless your intake has been limited by a doctor.

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5. 5
   Increase your daily exercise

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   especially if you sit all day.

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6. 6
   Investigate ANY medications you are taking

   .

   To see if they cause constipation.

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If the above steps do not work, consider over-the-counter (OTC) remedies such as bulk laxatives that draw water into the stool, milk of magnesia (not for individuals with kidney problems), or stool softeners. A reduction in the frequency of bowel movements with no other symptoms does not necessarily require treatment.

Hemorrhoids are swollen, inflamed veins that can be around the outside or the inside of the anus. They are extremely common and can be caused or aggravated by constipation, straining to move your bowels, obesity or a sedentary lifestyle.

Symptoms of Hemorrhoids

1. 1
   Pain.

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2. 2
   Itching.

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3. 3
   Burning.

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4. 4
   Swelling.

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5. 5
   Bleeding.

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6. 6
   A sense of incomplete emptying in the rectum.

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How to Treat Hemorrhoids

1. 1
   Keep the anal area clean

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   With moistened towelettes or baby wipes.

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2. 2
   Sitz baths

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   Soaking in hip high water, can be soothing.

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3. 3
   Do not sit for long periods of time

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   If possible, or sit on a rubber donut.

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4. 4
   Hydrocortisone creams

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   Can help with swelling and inflammation.

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5. 5
   Take steps to avoid constipation

   .

   And straining to move your bowels.

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• DO NOT stop taking prescribed medications without consulting with your doctor first.
• Hemorrhoid bleeding is seen as bright red blood on the toilet paper or in the toilet bowl after moving your bowels.
• Avoid creams with topical anesthetics when treating hemorrhoids, since they may slow healing.

If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.

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