headerphoto

Other Topics

Irritable bowel syndrome and constipation

Patients with irritable bowel syndrome frequently suffer from constipation. The constipation medication amitiza is one of few that are prescribed to both patients with chronic constipation or irritable bowel syndrome and constipation. The disease is characterized by a constellation of symptoms such as bloating, fullness or gas.

It is not understood what causes the disease, but some believe that impairment of the muscles lead to irritation. Chronic constipation is frequently confused with irritable bowel syndrome except the latter is characterized by pain. Constipation treatments consist of laxatives and other chronic constipaton medication.

Physical activity and constipation

The common literature for constipation treatments is a combination of increased dietary fiber, water, and exercise. However, the efficacy of exercise in controlling chronic constipation is controversial at best. The underlying theory is that activity causes the intestines to be more active, contract, and propel the contents quicker. However, controlled studies have shown that there is no pronounced effect of exercise. In general, exercise is good for health but its role in treating constipation should be considered against the evidence. Chronic constipation may be best treated by a combination of laxatives, constipation medication, and advanced constipation treatment therapies.