Most patients visit our proctology clinic, presenting with symptoms in the anal region, and constipation is the cause of such symptoms in many cases. Many patients who visit our clinic due to constipation complain of abdominal bloating or distension. It is difficult to generalize about when a patient should visit a hospital due to constipation in regards to how long it has been occurring. Some people feel no discomfort even if they have no bowel movement for about one week; therefore, the appropriate timing for consulting a physician may differ according to individuals. There are various causes of constipation, including bowel diseases.
Colonoscopy examination is recommended for patients who are suffering from sudden onset of recurrent constipation or diarrhea, who have thin stools, or in whom persistent bloating or constipation is not alleviated. However, pregnant women cannot receive a colonoscopy.
Constipation can cause rough skin and perianal problems, which is detrimental to health. There are many people suffering from a mental condition involving "constipation and depression" in which they think about the presence or absence of a bowel movement all day after awakening every morning: e.g., "Will I have a bowel movement today?" or " Will I have a bowel movement after eating this food?" Some patients complain that "they are making various efforts to have a bowel movement; therefore, they do not know why they have no bowel movement!” However, it is advisable not to be too much concerned about constipation. Eating less due to lack of bowel movements decreases the bulk of stools, which is counterproductive. There is no problem if you have bowel movements once every 2 to 3 days and the form of stools appears to be normal. It is recommended to think that "there is no bowel movement today but there will be a bowel movement the following day." If you have any concerns about bowel movements, visit a hospital. Checking the color of stools is always recommended. A healthy person passes ocher stools, but a person with any abnormality in the stomach and/or intestines may pass blackish stools due to digestive tract bleeding or may pass red bloody stools. Patients will be asked specifically about anal bleeding, whether bleeding occurs during every defecation, whether no bleeding is observed sometimes, and whether blood loss during defecation is substantial. Patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding pass blackish stools, while patients with lower gastrointestinal bleeding pass reddish stools. Both colorectal cancer and hemorrhoids can cause anal bleeding. If anal bleeding persists, do not hesitate to consult a physician.
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Question to a doctor “There are various causes of constipation. What are the points to be considered?”
Question to a doctor “Procedural flow of and cost for initial visit”
