Constipation is a common condition that can cause significant gassy discomfort, bloating, and inconvenience, but it’s not typically a serious health concern. However, frequent or long-term constipation sometimes indicates your digestive system is struggling to function normally.
Board-certified gastroenterologist Dr. Prem Chattoo at Hudson River Gastroenterology in New York City answers questions about the causes, potential health complications, and treatments available for chronic constipation.
The many possible causes of constipation, include:
Opioids, antidepressants, and various blood pressure medications can also cause constipation as a side effect.
Constipation can cause significant distress, whether occurring routinely or once or twice a month. Dr. Chattoo encourages you to schedule a visit whenever you’re concerned about your digestive health.
However, he encourages anyone experiencing chronic constipation to come in for an evaluation since it can lead to or indicate more serious health concerns, including:
It’s also possible that chronic constipation may increase your risk of developing colon or rectal cancer.
Symptoms of chronic constipation can vary but frequently include:
Note that the frequency of bowel movements can vary from three times a day to three times a week. So if you usually have a bowel movement every day, you may have constipation if you start having only three or four bowel movements a week.
Dr. Chattoo treats chronic constipation based on its underlying cause and the results of your initial evaluation.
Strategies may include:
Dr. Chattoo may also consider referring you to another specialist to diagnose or maximize treatment for diabetes, Parkinson’s, and other conditions that can cause chronic constipation.
You may require a surgical referral if he suspects a bowel obstruction or other structural irregularity.
Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Chattoo at Hudson River Gastroenterology today. Call the office or request an appointment online.
