Follow up – Samah Ismail:
Constipation is one of the common health problems that affect one from time to time, and it is not only annoying, but it may represent a health problem that requires consulting a doctor.
Symptoms of constipation are bloating and fullness, severe pressure when defecation, incomplete defecation, and the passage of stool in the form of a solid mass.
Chronic constipation may occur at any age, but it affects the elderly in particular, due to lack of movement, low-fiber diet and lack of fluid drinking, as well as the slow process of moving stool in the large intestine.
It is noteworthy that there are some diseases that negatively affect the process of defecation, such as diabetes, dementia, depression, and Parkinson’s disease.
There are also some medications that have a negative effect on the process of defecation, such as Parkinson’s drugs, psychiatric drugs such as antidepressants, and opiate-containing analgesics.
Constipation can be faced through healthy nutrition, that is, rich in dietary fiber such as vegetables and fruits, in addition to regular exercise and motor activities, as it stimulates bowel movement, in addition to drinking sufficient fluids.
If the constipation is persistent and accompanied by bloating and severe abdominal pain, or if there is blood in the stool, it is necessary to see a doctor.