Don’t pooh-pooh constipation

Constipation — that is, having three or fewer bowel movements per week — is an urgent national problem. And it’s getting worse. From 2006 to 2011 the number of constipation-related visits to an emergency room increased 41.5%. The number has only increased since.

The underlying causes are varied, ranging from dehydration and overuse of laxatives to the increasing incidence of diabetes and obesity, the hyper-consumption of lousy foods and, yes, the opioid epidemic. Chronic constipation also may be associated with medications other than opioids and some herbal supplements. But whatever the cause, it becomes an emergency when it is accompanied by intense and/or constant abdominal pain, blood in the stool, and vomiting and bloating, which can indicate fecal impaction.

When impaction happens it’s often necessary to have a doctor manually remove fecal matter from the lower intestine and then use an enema. If an impaction is not relieved, it can cause perforation of the colon, electrolyte imbalance, kidney problems, fecal incontinence, pressure ulcers, ulcers in the colon and rectal bleeding. Clearly the best remedy is to prevent constipation when possible.

The first step to preventing constipation is to make sure to stay hydrated. Also smart: Eating a couple of prunes and/or bran cereal daily and asking your doctor about fiber supplements.

It’s also important to increase the intake of fibrous fruits and veggies (seven to nine servings a day), and make sure to have 30 to 60 minutes of moderate physical activity daily. Don’t forget about drinking coffee! For 30% of folks coffee stimulates a bowel movement within four minutes!

So, if you struggle with intermittent or chronic constipation, or any other gastro-related problems, such as diarrhea, cramping, bleeding, bloating or fecal incontinence, discuss the symptoms, get a diagnosis and find the solution.

Mehmet Oz, M.D. is host of “The Dr. Oz Show,” and Mike Roizen, M.D. is Chief Wellness Officer and Chair of Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic. To live your healthiest, tune into “The Dr. Oz Show” or visit www.sharecare. com.