Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

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GASTROINTESTINAL ISSUES

CONSTIPATION

Usually a chronic condition that arises from a gradual change in bowel habits, constipation is characterized by small, hard stools, increased straining to pass stool and decreased frequency of bowel movements. This condition may lead to pain and the sensation of needing to defecate but being unable to pass stool. Some diseases such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes and Parkinson’s disease increase the risk for constipation. Medications that may cause constipation include iron-containing supplements, antacids, antihistamines (used for allergies and motion sickness), antidepressants, blood pressure medications and narcotic pain relievers. Consuming alcohol and caffeine may promote dehydration, which contributes to constipation.

Even people with regular bowel movements may experience constipation while traveling because of changes in daily routines, different foods, internal body clock disruptions due to jet lag, dehydration, travel-related stress, limited bathroom access and aversion to using public bathrooms.

Similarly, boating conditions may contribute to constipation due to diet changes, a more sedentary lifestyle, insufficient hydration, inconvenience of passing stool in close quarters or side effects of motion sickness medications.

Symptoms: Common symptoms are lower abdominal cramping on the left side and rectal pressure. Pain often varies throughout the day and is relieved with bowel movements. People often feel bloated and soemtimes nauseated. An exam of the rectum may reveal a hard lump of stool. Palpation of the abdomen may mildly increase pain, but severe pain with palpation should not be present. Bleeding should not occur when having a bowel movement but may arise from constipation complications such as rectal fissures. Blood in the stool (not around the stool or on the toilet paper) should prompt further evaluation by a physician if accompanied by other blood loss symptoms or severe abdominal pain.

Treatment: When constipation is suspected, increase water consumption