Constipation Basics
• Constipation has different definitions, and individuals define it based on family and cultural influence and personal experience.
• The frequency of bowel movements among healthy people varies from three movements a day to three a week.
• Patients usually report constipation when there are changes to harder stool consistency, the presence of pellets, straining or feelings of incomplete evacuation, infrequent bowel movements and a sensation of “want to but can’t.”
• Individuals must determine what is normal for them.
• As a rule, constipation should be suspected if more than three days pass between bowel movements or if there is difficulty or pain when passing a hardened stool.
• Constipation is usually a variation of the functioning of colonic muscles, so movement of stools is slower than usual or the muscles contract to hold back stool. It is not a disease and usually can be treated medically.
• Your doctor will determine when diagnostic studies are needed to identify medical causes of constipation or physiologic testing is needed to evaluate the type and degree of constipation.
• Most people experience occasional short bouts of constipation. If a laxative is necessary for longer than three weeks, check with a doctor.
• Prevention is the best approach to constipation. While there is no way to ensure never experiencing constipation, the following guidelines should help:
- Know what is normal for you and do not rely unnecessarily on laxatives.
- Eat a well-balanced diet that includes unprocessed bran, whole wheat grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Exercise regularly.
- Set aside time after breakfast or dinner for undisturbed visits to the toilet.
- Don’t ignore the urge to have a bowel movement.
- Whenever there is a significant or prolonged change in bowel habits, check with a doctor.
If you would like to see a stomach doctor West Palm Beach to better understand constipation, please visit Digestive Center of the Palm Beaches. It’s a full-service gastroenterology practice specializing in diseases of the digestive tract and liver, including constipation. Our digestive health doctor West Palm Beach utilizes a wide range of digestive endoscopy techniques.
Formed in 2005, Digestive Center of the Palm Beaches has two convenient office locations in West Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens, as well as hospital privileges at Good Samaritan, St. Mary’s and Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center. Our gastroenterology center is fully certified by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC).
With over 80 years of combined experience, our stomach doctors in Palm Beach perform thousands of procedures each year. Our patients are in the hands of the most qualified and highly trained GI doctors. Our physicians are the foremost experts in constipation, digestive wellness and gastrointestinal diseases.
Our digestive disease center Palm Beach County is a doctor’s office, as well as an outpatient endoscopic facility, specializing in constipation, colon cancer screening and gastroenterology. We take pride in providing high-quality healthcare services in a warm and welcoming environment, where guests feel comfortable and secure. The GI doctors, nurses and staff appreciate the confidence and trust that you have placed in us.
Thank you for your interest in Digestive Center of the Palm Beaches. Please browse our website, call or visit one of our office locations or send us a message on our ‘Contact Us’ page.