Constipation is a very common problem that is generally associated with abdominal pain. The causes of abdominal pain related to constipation are varied such as certain lifestyle changes, side effects of the medicines that you are taking, or certain underlying medical conditions that need treatment. The uncomfortable abdominal pain due to difficulty in passing out bowel can affect our daily living. Thus, it needs to be attended to if it's affecting you.
Causes of abdominal pain and constipation
Supplements and medicines
Some of the medicines and supplements that contain iron and calcium are the causes of abdominal pain and constipation. Such medicines and supplements are:
- Some antidepressants
- Pain killers
- Antacid
- Medicine to control muscle spasm
- Diuretics
- Pain-relieving medication for narcotics
- Medication to control seizure
- Calcium channel blocker
- Anticholinergics
- Anticonvulsants
- Antispasmodics
Stress and anxiety
Due to the connection between the nervous system and the digestive system which is known as the gut-brain axis, anxiety and stress can lead to difficulty in passing bowel by affecting the bacteria in the gut. Thus, mental health can also lead to abdominal pain and constipation.
Read more: how a probiotic diet can improve your gut health
Scarcity of physical activities
It is very important to keep the body working. Regular physical activity leads to easy digestion and smooth passing of the bowel. A stagnant lifestyle is one of the causes of abdominal pain. Physical exercises not only regulate the heart rate but also help in muscle contraction in the intestine. Proper muscle contraction helps in easy movement of the stool out of the body. It has been proved that daily exercise decreases the symptoms of constipation problems and gives relief from abdominal pain.
Unhealthy diet
Our body demands a proper diet to function effectively. A diet that is low in fiber will cause constipation and abdominal pain. In order to facilitate easy movement of the bowel, one should include fiber in their diet as it helps in making the stool soft and thus easy to pass. It has been proved that including fiber in the diet reduces the symptoms of constipation problems but including fiber in the diet should be gradual rather than all at once. One should give time to the body to adjust to the intake and working of the fiber-rich diet. Also, keep your body hydrated as it helps in losing stool. Avoid making sudden rapid changes in your diet as it will affect your gut and the movement of your bowel too
Medical conditions
Health conditions such as pregnancy, Parkinson's disease, diverticulitis, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, hypothyroidism, etc are some of the conditions that cause constipation and abdominal pain. Some of the other major and common health conditions are listed below:
- Inactive pelvic muscle: the muscle of the pelvic floor supports the bladder, uterus, and bowel. The inability of the pelvic floor to contract causes difficulty in passing out bowel as well as urine. Factors such as childbirth, obesity, aging, and straining due to constipation cause loosening or eeking of the pelvic muscle.
- Celiac disease: it is a disease that affects the immunity system of the body when someone consumes gluten. celiac disease damages the small intestine and causes issues with the digestive system. Some of the symptoms of celiac disease are bloating, weight loss, fatigue, abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, etc.
- Irritable bowel syndrome: in IBS, different digestive issues come up to cause problems together. It is a common condition with symptoms such as gas and bloating, whitish mucus in stool, abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea.
- Colorectal cancer: cancer of the rectum or colon that comes with symptoms such as abdominal pain, fatigue, change in bowel habits, etc.
- Other bowel problems: there are certain conditions that affect the large intestine and cause abdominal pain such as bowel obstruction, anal fissure, and diverticulitis.
Abdominal pain treatment
Abdominal pain and constipation usually get cleared up by changing the lifestyle, diet, and medication. Very few abdominal pain treatments use surgery in case of tears in the anus or blockage.
Lifestyle treatment
- Eat a balanced diet meal with lots of fibre-rich food but increase the content of fibre in your diet gradually. Do not bring sudden changes to your diet.
- Stay hydrated. Drink lots of water every day.
- Exercise and keep yourself in daily physical activities.
- Do not be hard on yourself by pushing the bowel forcefully. Take your time and be patient.
- Take natural probiotics or probiotic supplements in your diet.
- Do not hold on to your bowel movement once the pressure arises.
Medication
There are several over-the-counter medicines available to help with constipation problems
- Laxatives and stimulants help in softening the stool and movement of the bowel
- Lubricants such as mineral oil also help in softening and passing the stool
- Fiber supplements such as Fibercon, Metamucil, Citrucel
- Enemas also help in passing the stool by softening it
- A stool softeners such as docusate and colace
Other treatments
- Strengthening of the pelvic muscle: a training to the pelvic muscles to retract and contract during bowel movement to facilitate easy movement.
- Surgery: structural problems can be rectified by surgery which is causing constipation. Also, tumors, tears, and blockages can be operated on to treat constipation. However, surgery is only recommended when other treatments or modifications do not work.
Conclusion
Constipation and abdominal pain make every day uncomfortable. It may be a common problem happening once in a while due to some fluctuation in your daily routine but it might need medical concern if it's happening frequently. If you are facing constipation problems due to consuming certain medicines, your doctor may change the medicines or supplements if you raise the issue. Do not leave it unattended if the pain is persistent and unbearable as it may indicate some underlying concern.
If you are concerned about your constipation and abdominal pain, visit our website Sova Health, and explore our wide range of probiotics and supplements. We guarantee you that you will find relief by using our products and services. Other than that you can also scroll through our blogs and educate yourself about different gut-related concerns.
