Atonic constipation: symptoms, treatment, main causes

It is not customary to talk about the difficulties of bowel movement. Even the attending physician does not often complain of such a malaise. But the problem chronic constipation can negatively affect health, vitality and seriously spoil the mood. For this reason, those who care about themselves or the health of loved ones should know the symptoms of this ailment. And how to help the intestines, if it needs it.

Atonic constipation is the most common type of gastrointestinal disorder. This is a disease caused by the malfunctioning of the digestive system, in which the motility of the colon weakens. This weakness leads to malfunctioning of the intestinal muscular tissue. The muscles do not cope with natural functions. The described violation in the work of the muscular intestinal tissue or atony becomes the cause of difficult bowel movements.

What signs will report the problem?

To cure a disease, you need to know the forms of manifestation of the disease. This applies to any of the ailments, including atonic constipation. The main symptom of the disease is a long-term absence of bowel movements. Body alarms include abdominal pain, pain during bowel movements, and blood in feces or on paper.

In addition to the manifestations directly related to the intestines and digestion, the patient has the following symptoms characteristic of atonic constipation:

• Fatigue.
• Headaches.
• Lack of appetite.
• Apathy.
• Dizziness.
• Pain in the diaphragm and heart.

At-risk groups

Doctors diagnose this disease more often in adults than in children. Women are especially susceptible to it during pregnancy and after childbirth. The reason that provoked the problem may be a weakened pelvic diaphragm.

Bed patients and diabetics suffer from atonic constipation. Diabetic neuropathy negatively affects muscle tone and intestinal motility.

Causes of atonic constipation

In addition to chronic diseases, such unpleasant malaise is provoked by other causes. At first glance, it is encountered by healthy people whose anatomical composition of the digestive system is not deformed. The following factors are the trigger mechanism of the disease.

Passive lifestyle

Office workers, drivers, representatives of professions associated with a sedentary, sedentary lifestyle are at risk of becoming aware of this common type of disease of the digestive system in a chronic form. The risk is associated with the fact that lack of physical activity is the reason for the decrease in muscle tone. The muscles in our body need constant exercise to help them cope with daily stress. This axiom is also true for the intestines.

While walking, the human body engages different muscle groups, prompting them to work. Among these muscles works the smooth muscles of the intestine, which is responsible for normal, painless bowel movements. Lack of physical activity leads to difficulty in emptying the intestines, bloating and the accumulation of harmful substances in the body. Which, in turn, in severe cases, becomes the cause of intoxication.

Improper nutrition

A monotonous diet, where animal protein and flour products predominate, while fruits, vegetables and healthy fiber, on the contrary, are not enough, is guaranteed to provide digestive problems for anyone. Simply put, meat and buns are, of course, delicious, but in addition to protein, fats and harmful gluten, cereals with vegetable salads are required in the diet. When choosing between a piece of cake and a handful of fruit for dessert, it is healthier to choose fruit without hesitation. The reason is simple: meat and flour products do not contain substances that stimulate the intestines and make them work.

Diet

To eliminate digestive problems, you need to eat at least three times a day, preferably at the same time. The habit of eating densely once a day - in the evening, after work, quick snacks, the consumption of processed foods and fast food cause malfunctioning of digestion and defecation. Improper, monotonous nutrition harms the internal organs, making it difficult for the body to function properly.

Water

Drinking water that is not purified from lime impurities often causes difficulties for the digestive system.

Dehydration

Constipation is a problem for people who do not drink enough fluids. Patients with hyperhidrosis are at risk.

It is important to remember to drink the amount of water prescribed by your dietitian daily. And, of course, do not forget that coffee and black tea, so beloved by many, act on the intestines as a fastening agent. Therefore, these drinks will not help fight atonic constipation.

Laxatives

With the systematic use of laxatives, the body can become addictive. Addiction prevents the gastrointestinal tract from working independently. The nerve endings of the intestine lose sensitivity, he begins to "lazy". Intestinal laziness is expressed in the form of atonic constipation.

Inflammatory process

An internal inflammatory process can lead to difficulties in defecation. For example, inflammation of the colon - spastic colitis, accompanied by atonic constipation. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor in time and be examined.

Emotional stress

The state of chronic stress can cause a variety of unexpected consequences in the human body. Along with the skin, the digestive organs are among the first to react to stress.

Excess weight

Excess body weight negatively affects the work of the heart, the state of blood vessels and interferes with the normal functioning of the digestive system.

Endocrine system problems

The cause of atonic constipation can be hormonal disruptions, disruption of the endocrine glands, thyroid gland, ovaries or appendages.

Medicines

The use of certain medications can cause atonic constipation. For example, antidepressants, iron preparations. If after taking the medicine a similar problem has arisen, it is better for the patient to consult a doctor.

Diagnostics of the atonic constipation

Given that the causes of constipation can be very different, when faced with a similar problem, it is better to consult a doctor. This will allow you to accurately determine the cause of the provoking malaise and choose the right treatment.

Diagnosis of the disease consists of the following steps:

• Collecting anamnesis.
• Examination of the patient with abdominal palpation.
• Examination of the patient's faeces to determine if atonic or spastic constipation.

Correct diagnosis will allow you to choose the appropriate treatment for each individual case. Determining the right drugs is a doctor's job!

How to treat?

Patients are instructed to follow a special, balanced diet combined with moderate, regular physical activity. The load for patients can be the usual, brisk walking, the study of the abdominal press.

The patient is advised to adhere to a specific schedule of meals and bowel movements. Gymnastics and abdominal massages have worked well.

Only in the absence of a positive effect from a complex of non-drug measures, the doctor prescribes drug treatment for the patient. The composition of the product, its dosage, depends on the age, height and weight of the patient. For pain in the intestines, it is possible to prescribe an anesthetic.

Often, for the treatment of atonic constipation, a cleansing enema from herbal decoctions such as chamomile, dill seeds, sage, and calendula is prescribed. Its setting is done on the recommendation of a doctor. The water temperature should be at room temperature.

Recommended diet

The patient's diet necessarily includes a large amount of vegetable fiber. Useful beets, ready-made and raw, carrots, young cabbage, pumpkin, fibrous vegetables. Shown the use of cereals from any cereals, except for bonding rice.

Bran bread, fresh vegetable juices, kefir, fresh cottage cheese will have a beneficial effect on digestion. Fermented milk products normalize digestion.

Unwanted tea, coffee, contraindicated soda can be replaced with compote from plums, prunes, dried apricots. Rosehip tea will be useful.

With atonic constipation, it is recommended to limit the consumption of meat. Diet sausages and sausages are allowed in small quantities. It is better to give preference to soups made from vegetables, mashed potatoes with the obligatory addition of sunflower, olive or any other vegetable oil.

Floury, sweet foods are contraindicated in case of intestinal difficulties. Carbonated drinks, smoked meats, hot spices are prohibited. Do not forget about folk remedies, laxative decoctions. They should be consumed in moderation, only after consulting your doctor.