Constipation and distension

Constipation and distension
Constipation, most often, is not an illness. But it is a very common problem with
people. Normally, stools are passed at least once a day. If that does not happen,
one feels constipated. The person may feel unwell and complain of headache,
dizziness, lack of ap petite, pain in the stomach and other problems.
This type of constipation usually occurs due to:
--> Decreased (less amount) water intake.
--> Decreased food intake.
--> Not eating enough vegetables (especially green leafy vegetables), cereals or
lentils. These are high in fibre and help in bowel movements.
--> Lack of exercise.
--> Older age group, as the function of all the organs slows down.
The first thing to remember is that if a person does not have a bowel movement
for a day or two, she/ he is NOT sick. A bowel movement will happen if she/he
attends to the common causes given above.
ONE MUST NOT TAKE LAXATIVE PILLS OR ENEMA. These are harmful to the
intestines.
If constipation occurs with vomiting, the person must go to the health worker/
hospital. There could be obstruction in the intestines which will need to be
checked and treated.
If a person has been having regular bowel habits and there is a sudden change
(having constipation or diarrhoea), she/he should go to the district hospital for
investigations. It could be serious. Distension of the stomach is also not an illness,
but it is common and can be very uncomfortable for the person. It most often is
due to:
--> Eating too much food.
--> Eating oily, spicy food with chillies.
--> Eating late at night just before going to sleep.
What to do in case of constipation?
--> One needs to be careful about the food eaten.
--> Dinner should be eaten at least 2 hours before going to sleep. If that is not
possible, then a walk for about 10-15 minutes after eating is advisable.
--> Locally available spices/herbs such as fennel (“saunf”), asafoetida (“hing”),
and carom seeds (“ajwain”) can be used to reduce the feeling of fullness in
the stomach.
If the distension does not improve, the health worker/hospital must be consulted.
based on who