Chronic Constipation

Dr. Ismail Shafik’s Methods for Testing Chronic Constipation

Chronic Constipation Tests

Laboratory Tests

• Serum thyroid function, glucose, electrolytes and calcium, complete blood count, and urinalysis are often recommended, but there is no literature to support their usefulness in the workup of patients with chronic constipation.

Endoscopy

• In the absence of concerning symptoms, such as bleeding or newly developed constipation, the diagnostic benefits of flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy do not exceed those anticipated in asymptomatic individuals participating in colorectal cancer screening.

Radiological Tests

• Plain abdominal X-ray: Although plain abdominal X-rays are frequently employed to evaluate (fecal loading)

Dr. Ismail Shafik’s Approach to Chronic Constipation Treatment

Dr. Ismail Shafik employs a comprehensive methodology in the management of chronic constipation, targeting both the symptoms and the fundamental causes. His approach prioritizes personalized care, commencing with an extensive medical assessment to uncover the underlying factors, which may encompass dietary practices, lifestyle choices, medications, or pre-existing health issues.

Treatment for constipation usually begins with diet and lifestyle changes meant to increase the speed at which stool moves through the colon. Also, Dr. Ismail Shafik may change the medicines you take if they may be causing or worsening constipation. If those changes don’t help, other treatments may be necessary.

Chronic Constipation Treatment

Diet & Lifestyle Changes

Dr. Ismail Shafik may recommend the following changes to relieve your constipation:

• Consume a diet rich in fiber. Fiber helps make stool bulkier and allows it to retain moisture. This helps stool maintain the proper shape and weight for easy movement through the colon. Foods high in fiber include fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains like bread, cereal, and rice. Gradually increase your fiber intake to avoid bloating and gas. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest aiming for 25 to 34 grams of fiber daily, based on your calorie needs.
• Drink plenty of water. Drink water and beverages without caffeine. This keeps stools soft and prevents bloating and gas that can happen with increased dietary fiber.
• Maintain healthy bowel habits. Don’t ignore the need to have a bowel movement. Set a regular time for using the bathroom. For instance, aim to go 15 to 45 minutes after eating, as digestion can help push stool through the colon.

Laxatives

• Fiber supplements: assist in keeping stool moist. This makes the stool softer and simpler to pass. Common fiber supplements are psyllium (like Metamucil and Konsyl), calcium polycarbophil (such as FiberCon and Equalactin), and methylcellulose (like Citrucel).
• Osmotics: Osmotic laxatives assist in moving stool through the colon by boosting fluid levels in the intestine. Some examples are oral magnesium hydroxide (like Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia and Dulcolax Liquid), magnesium citrate, lactulose (Generlac), and polyethylene glycol (Miralax).
• Stimulants: make the intestines contract, which helps move stool along. Examples are bisacodyl (found in Correctol, Dulcolax, and others) and genocides (like Senokot, Ex-Lax, and Per Diem).

Pelvic muscle training

• Biofeedback training is a process where you collaborate with a therapist who uses special devices to teach you how to relax and control the muscles in your pelvic area, including the rectum and anus. This training can help address issues like chronic constipation. During the sessions, sensors placed in the rectum and on the skin give you feedback through sounds or lights on a device. This feedback guides you as the therapist leads you through different exercises, helping you learn to manage the muscles required for bowel movements.

Surgery

• Surgery may be necessary to correct damage or irregularities in the tissues or nerves of the colon or rectum. Surgery is usually done only when other treatments for chronic constipation haven’t worked.