Most people experience constipation at some point in their lives. Constipation is characterized by infrequent, irregular, or difficult bowel movements. In some cases, constipation does not have an underlying cause. Several factors may contribute to it, including inadequate fiber and water in meals, changes in diet or normal activities, physical inactivity, holding stool for extended periods despite being urged to do so, and medications such as narcotics, antidepressants, and anti-acids (especially those rich in calcium and aluminum).
It may be helpful to engage in regular exercise such as swimming or walking, increase the fiber content in food by choosing higher fiber cereals and legumes, avoid processed or fast food, white bread, doughnuts, pastries, drink more fluids, especially water and eat more fruits to relieve constipation in some less serious cases. You should not peel edible skins as they are rich in fiber
If you experience abdominal pain and fever, haven’t poop for more than 3 days, leak stool or experience recurrent rectum bleeding, you should see a doctor. When vomiting occurs and the vomitus has a bright yellow or green coloration (bile), when there is swelling in the abdominal region, when there is severe pain in the rectum and melena, or if there is black/tarry stool, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. A primary care physician provides preventive care and health services for acute and chronic illnesses, while a gastroenterologist specializes in digestive disorders.
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