GastroEnterology Center Specialists Offer Help for Chronic Constipation

Chronic constipation issues can disrupt life and cause frequent intestinal pain. Relief is available from the GI specialists at The GastroEnterology Center in Pensacola, FL.

Most people experience constipation at some point—it is a common issue even for children. While regular bowel movements differ from one person to the next, constipation is generally defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week. Stools may be hard and difficult or painful to pass.

Chronic Constipation Can Signal More Serious Health Issues

Specialists at The GastroEnterology Center can perform comprehensive diagnostic testing, such as a colonoscopy, to screen for or determine more serious causes of constipation, such as:

• Colon cancer
• Intestinal problems
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Nervous system disorders

Pinpointing the Cause of Constipation is Key to Treatment

An accurate diagnosis for gastrointestinal issues such as chronic constipation is important as constipation sufferers are more prone to complications, such as:

• Anal fissures
• Fecal impaction
• Hemorrhoids
• Rectal prolapse
• Tears or bleeding caused by passing unusually large or hard stools

For some people, treating constipation may be a matter of:

• Adjusting a prescription if constipation is a medication side effect
• Increasing physical activity
• Drinking more water
• Increasing fiber intake
• Not holding stools when you feel the urge to have a bowel movement

Sometimes, more extensive constipation treatment measures, such as procedures to remove blockages or to repair damaged tissues, are needed.