CONSTIPATION - A LIFESTYLE ILLNESS

CONSTIPATION AND PILES

SYMPTOMS

Piles occur at 4 levels:

·         Constipation – gas formation

·         Straining on defecation – burning while passing stools

·         Inadequate defecation – anal swelling

·         Increased internal mucosal prolapse – anal bleeding

TREATMENT

·         Grade 1 constipation can be cured with diet and medication.

·         For chronic constipation, patients with symptoms like prolonged straining, multiple trips to the bathroom, incomplete elimination, and routine use of laxatives can now be diagnosed with a new test, Defecography.

·         If not cured through diet and medication, you could be suffering from a type of chronic constipation known as Obstructed Defecation Syndrome (ODS).

·         For the higher levels, minimally invasive Stapler Surgery is now the choice.

·         The patient is discharged within 24 hours and can rejoin duty from the 3^rd day as there are no cuts and no dressings.

PRECAUTIONS

·         Avoid sitting at one place for long hours.

·         Water intake should be at least 4 litres per day.

·         Eat a well-balanced fibre diet with unprocessed bran, whole-wheat grain, fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables and fluids.

·         Exercise at least 20 minutes per day.

·         Do not skip breakfast.

·         Avoid laxatives as far as possible.