Because constipation and gastrointestinal issues are inherently sensitive, discussing them can often be embarrassing and stigmatizing. However, experts emphasize that these issues are prevalent and should not be a source of shame. Symptoms of constipation include infrequent bowel movements, hard or lumpy stools, straining during bowel movements, and a feeling of incomplete bowel movements. Lifestyle factors, such as insufficient fiber intake, dehydration, lack of exercise, and stress, are common triggers. While these symptoms can often be managed with dietary and lifestyle changes (such as increasing fiber and fluid intake), chronic or severe symptoms, particularly those accompanied by abdominal pain, bloating, or unexplained weight loss, require medical attention.
Recently, a shocking case was reported in the media.
A doctor in Thailand released a video describing a patient who, after years of excessive dieting and insufficient fiber intake, developed intestinal dysfunction and severe constipation. She averaged bowel movements every seven to ten days, requiring medication or enemas. While these measures alleviated the difficulty in defecation, they also worsened intestinal function, leading to a complete loss of peristalsis. The woman was unaware of this and failed to adjust her diet or seek medical attention promptly. Over time, she found that even with laxatives, the intervals between bowel movements grew longer and longer, with the longest being over 17 days. After stopping medication for a long time, the woman experienced not only unbearable bloating, but also chest and rib pain, occasional shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Unable to put it off any longer, she rushed to the emergency gastroenterology department of a local hospital. (As shown in the picture) After reviewing her history of constipation, the doctor ordered an X-ray. The results were shocking: the woman's intestines were so thick with feces that they had reached her chest, and her intestines were stretched to their limits, threatening to rupture at any moment. Doctors quickly arranged a colectomy to remove a section of necrotic intestine. Although the woman survived, she also lost some intestinal function and will need lifelong medication. Doctors remind netizens that in addition to eating more fruits and vegetables, taking probiotics, exercising regularly, and maintaining regular bowel movements, drinking plenty of water can also help maintain a healthy gut flora.
As a reminder, patients with potential constipation should closely monitor bowel movement frequency and volume. If you experience irregular bowel movements for more than three days, you should consider seeking medical attention. Dry stool repeatedly absorbs water in the intestines, creating a vicious cycle that can eventually lead to intestinal obstruction. Some doctors also note that long-term accumulation of stool may cause reflux, even breaking through the pyloric and cardia openings and erupting directly from the patient's mouth...
The doctor's warning is not an exaggeration.
The human intestine is like a plumbing system. Usually, food debris is continuously moved forward through intestinal peristalsis and eventually excreted from the body. However, if dry stool accumulates for a long time, it can hinder the passage of intestinal material, leading to intestinal obstruction or even ileus. With low-lying intestinal obstruction, the patient may actually experience stool reflux, ultimately leading to vomiting. For example, a rare case of this condition occurred in Florida in 2014. That summer, Stella, a 91-year-old woman living in a nursing home in Sarasota County, developed a loss of appetite. Her family took turns visiting her at the nursing home. One day at noon, Stella experienced chest tightness, abdominal distension, and vomiting. She then vomited a mixture of blood and bile. Her family immediately drove her to the hospital. Tragically, Stella died of septic shock the next day.
An autopsy confirmed that Stella's cause of death was a severe intestinal obstruction caused by constipation. The accumulated feces caused her intestines to rupture, leading to a severe infection in her abdominal organs and ultimately her death. If intestinal obstruction only causes fecal reflux, it can still be treated if detected promptly, even if it is misdiagnosed. What's truly concerning is that most people with constipation tend to dismiss it as a minor problem, unaware that long-term constipation can lead to other serious consequences. Statistics show that the global prevalence of constipation among adults ranges from 2% to 30%. The incidence of chronic constipation in adults increases with age. If left untreated, constipation not only affects health but can also lead to depression and contribute to a large number of acute illnesses and sudden death.
After reading these extreme constipation stories, netizens couldn't help but share their own bizarre experiences with constipation. (Note: The images are graphic, so please read with caution.)
For example, "I once experienced cramping bladder pain and thought I had a urinary tract infection, so I went to the emergency room. A urine test showed no infection. The doctor ordered an X-ray, which revealed severe constipation, with my intestines pressing against my bladder."
Despite its stigma, constipation is a prevalent condition. However, many people are embarrassed or ashamed to discuss their gastrointestinal issues with others, leading them to delay seeking medical attention, which can worsen their condition. Of course, it's worth noting that internet users worldwide have considerable expertise in the literature related to constipation... After reading these extreme cases, you can imagine how torturous this chronic condition can be. So, if you haven't gone to the bathroom for more than three days, be vigilant and avoid extreme measures!
Proper constipation treatment focuses on the following key points:
First, self-care and lifestyle adjustments. Most mild cases of constipation and gastrointestinal discomfort can be significantly improved through lifestyle changes. Increasing your dietary fiber intake and drinking more water can add bulk to your stool and keep it soft, making it easier to pass through the intestines. It's important to note that this condition won't improve overnight, so increasing your fiber and fluid intake is crucial. Try to drink plenty of water or tea and limit your intake of sugary drinks like cola.
In addition to your daily diet, increasing your exercise can stimulate the natural contractions of your intestinal muscles and speed up the passage of stool. Walking, swimming, or yoga can also be helpful.
If lifestyle adjustments are ineffective, moderate medication, after consulting a doctor, can also provide relief. For centuries, traditional Asian healers have relied on rhubarb root to treat a variety of ailments, including persistent constipation. Chrysophanol powder, a concentrated extract of rhubarb's most active component, is also popular in the health community. Chrysophanol powder belongs to the anthraquinone family of compounds, found in rhubarb, senna leaves, and aloe vera. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, rhubarb root (also known as "Da Huang") has long been a cornerstone for treating ailments such as severe constipation (by stimulating intestinal motility), skin infections (used as a poultice), fever, and inflammation. However, unlike rhubarb extract, which contains a variety of laxative components, chrysophanol is a concentrated and potent isolated "active weapon." Furthermore, chrysophanol not only softens stool but also promotes intestinal motility, promoting the release of water into the colon, creating a "flushing" effect, stimulating peristalsis (intestinal squeezing movements), and speeding up intestinal transit time. Under the guidance of a qualified physician, this medicinal ingredient can effectively relieve constipation.
In short, the world is truly full of wonders. I wish you all smooth bowel movements every day and a farewell to constipation.