Constipation

Constipation is when stools become hard and lumpy and can be difficult to pass, or it is a feeling of not being able to empty your bowels completely. It is a very common condition that can affect people of all ages.

Causes of constipation

• Medication
• Bowel disease
• Diet
• Age
• Lifestyle
• Ignoring the natural urge to go
• Pregnancy

Complications of constipation

• Haemorrhoids – by constantly straining to pass stools it can lead to haemorrhoids also known as piles, which form in the lower rectum and anus.
• Faecal impaction – this is when hard, dry stools collect in the rectum and causes an obstruction. This can lead to a number of problems such as faecal incontinence, rectal prolapse, swelling and bleeding of the rectum.

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is the passing of watery stools. It can either be acute or chronic. Acute diarrhoea last five to ten days whilst chronic diarrhoea lasts for more than two weeks.

Causes of diarrhoea
Acute diarrhoea is normally caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Chronic diarrhoea can be a sign of a more serious condition such as irritable bowel syndrome or crohns disease.

Complications of diarrhoea

• Dehydration
• Blood in stools
• Vomiting

If these complications occur a doctor should be consulted immediately.

Heartburn
Heartburn also known as GORD (Gastro – oesophageal reflux disease) this occurs when stomach acid goes back into the oesophagus.

Causes of heartburn
The main cause of heartburn is a problem with a muscle called the lower oesophagus sphincter. Often the sphincter becomes weakened and this allows acid to pass from the stomach back into the oesophagus, this inevitably results in heartburn.

Complications of heartburn

• Oesophageal ulcers – these can make swallowing difficult and cause pain and bleeding.
• Oesophageal stricture – this is when scar tissue is formed because of repeated damage to the oesophagus. This can cause narrowing of the oesophagus which could make swallowing painful.

Information provided by Katie Stubbs