Chronic diarrhea and chronic constipation: even good medications only help for the moment Many patients suffer from diarrhea/constipation for a very long time. Because these symptoms can be hard to talk about, many people simply hide them and endure them. In general, diarrhea refers to having loose stools 4 or more times a day, about 250 g per day. In the case of chronic diarrhea that continues for more than 4 weeks, proper care and treatment become necessary.
Conversely, constipation is defined as having bowel movements fewer than 3 times per week, but in actual practice, treatment may be needed even when the frequency is normal if there is excessive straining during bowel movements, a small stool amount, hard stools, lower abdominal discomfort and pain, or a feeling of incomplete evacuation. It is about 3 times more common in women than in men, and its frequency increases with age, so constipation in older adults is also common. With both chronic diarrhea and constipation, if only temporary treatment is used without improving the underlying bowel function, suffering may continue for a very long time.
Why do chronic diarrhea/constipation become so distressing? Acute diarrhea is often related to food or medications.
On the other hand, chronic diarrhea that recurs for more than 4 weeks is associated with medications, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and other conditions. It may also occur after surgery due to various Causes such as malabsorption. More specifically, it can be classified as osmotic diarrhea, which occurs when ingested foods or medications are not absorbed; secretory diarrhea, which is caused by bacterial toxins or digestive fluids without damage within the intestinal tract; exudative diarrhea due to damage to the intestinal mucosa such as inflammation and ulcers (Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's Disease); and diarrhea caused by changes in small and large intestinal movement.
Constipation can occur from a combination of factors, such as a diet low in fiber, lack of physical activity, mental stress, and changes in the living environment. It is divided into primary Causes, which are due to problems with colon movement or anal and rectal function, and secondary Causes, which are due to other factors. About 90% are primary Causes, such as abnormalities in colon and rectal movement or decreased bowel sensation and reflex function. However, although rare, constipation may also occur from secondary Causes such as organic inflammatory bowel disease, colitis, colonic stricture, colorectal cancer, infectious diseases, hereditary neurologic diseases, or medications such as antidepressants and anticonvulsants.
Chronic diarrhea/constipation need fundamental treatment. People who suffer for a long time from diarrhea or constipation often develop these symptoms because of bowel movement disorders related to irregular eating habits, lifestyle management issues such as lack of activity, or neurogenic factors such as mental stress.
When there is a structural or organic cause, treatment for that cause must be included for treatment to be possible. However, in cases of diarrhea or constipation caused by functional factors, care or treatment is needed to restore irregular bowel movement to a normal pattern.
Also, the longer symptoms continue, the more time recovery may take, and symptoms such as low energy, chronic fatigue, and weight changes may accompany them, so it is very important to receive proper treatment early.