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Gripe water for constipation newborn


Gripe water for babies: Ingredients, safety, and more

Gripe water is a popular herbal remedy for colic in babies that's been around since the 1800s. Modern gripe waters include ingredients such as ginger root, fennel seed extract, and sodium bicarbonate. While many parents use gripe water to soothe fussy babies, there's no evidence that it helps with colic, and it might cause constipation and vomiting. Probiotics and dietary changes are a safer and more effective way to relieve colic.

What is gripe water?

Gripe water is an herbal liquid that's meant to soothe baby gas, colic, hiccups, and fussiness. The original recipe for gripe water comes from doctors in Nottingham, England. In the 1800s, they used a mixture of dill seed oil, sodium bicarbonate, alcohol, and other substances to treat symptoms of malaria in children.

A pharmacist named William Woodward discovered that the concoction seemed to relieve gastrointestinal upset in infants. He may have taken the name "gripe" from "watery gripes," which is what doctors called upset stomach at the time.

Today, gripe water is a popular remedy for colic. Having a baby with who cries inconsolably day and night can make parents desperate for solutions – and sleep. Parents around the world use gripe water to soothe their fussy babies, even though there's no research to show that it works.

What does gripe water do?

It's not clear that gripe water does anything to help babies, since it's not a proven remedy. Because it's sold as a dietary supplement, not a medicine, gripe water isn't regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Babies with colic cry or fuss without an obvious reason. Doctors don't know exactly what causes colic, but they believe the fussiness stems from digestive problems like gas or extra sensitivity to formula or breast milk.

At first, doctors assumed that any relief babies got from gripe water came from the high alcohol content. In the past, some formulations contained as much as 9 percent alcohol. Gripe water was so boozy that some parents became hooked on the stuff.

Thankfully, gripe waters on the market today don't include alcohol. They contain a variety of herbs and often the antacid sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Because acidity hasn't been shown to cause colic, it probably doesn't help much. But the dill in some formulations may help to relieve gas and belly pain (one study found that dill essential oil helped post-c-section moms with gas and intestinal pain).

Most of the effects of gripe water seem to come from its sweetness, which babies find soothing. (In studies, sugar water made colicky infants less fussy.) Today's gripe waters don't usually contain sugar, but may contain sweeteners like agave. Also, some of the herbs in gripe water (like fennel) are naturally sweet.

Gripe water ingredients

Ingredients vary based on the brand you buy, but usually include water, baking soda, and a variety of herbs. Some gripe waters also contain sweeteners. Here's what you're likely to find:

  • Ginger root extract
  • Fennel seed extract
  • Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
  • Chamomile flower extract
  • Lemon balm leaf extract
  • Passionflower extract
  • Preservatives
  • Water
  • Agave or other sweeteners

Can I give gripe water to a newborn?

Always talk to your baby's doctor before giving gripe water to your newborn. There's no evidence to show that it helps with colic, and it might hurt. In one study, gripe water didn't improve colic symptoms, but babies who took it had more vomiting and constipation.

Is gripe water safe?

It's hard to say. Some experts warn against using gripe water (and giving your baby any herbal teas or remedies) because it's impossible to know what strength, dosage, and quality of herbs are in these products.

According to the National Capital Poison Center, children have developed seizures and infections from herbal teas and remedies, lead poisoning and mercury poisoning from traditional remedies, and liver damage from dietary supplements. Herbal remedies could also cause an allergic reaction.

In the past few decades, major gripe water brands in the U.S. have been recalled for being contaminated with a parasite that causes intestinal infections, and for containing an undissolved ingredient.

That said, it's unlikely that a gripe water sold in the U. S. would hurt your baby. If you want to try gripe water, talk to your baby's doctor first.

Alternatives to gripe water

If you have an especially fussy baby, a good place to start is with a visit to your doctor. An exam can rule out possible causes of colic, such as allergies or intestinal problems.

Colic is one infant ailment that doesn't have a quick fix or simple solutions – though it usually lessens with time and wanes by the time babies are 4 months old. Here are some things to try:

  • Anti-gas drops (simethicone). These haven't been proven to help with colic, but are commonly used to relieve gas pain in babies.
  • Probiotics containing the good bacteria Lactobacillus reuteri can help reduce the symptoms of colic in breastfed babies.
  • If you breastfeed, temporarily avoiding allergenic foods like dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, soy, and wheat may help improve your baby's colic.
  • If you formula-feed, there's some evidence that switching to a hydrolyzed formula can relieve colic.
  • Baby bottles designed to minimize air bubbles (often marketed as having "internal ventilation systems") can potentially reduce gassiness and therefore decrease the symptoms of colic.

You can also try comfort measures. Rocking or swaddling, baby wearing, and loud white noise from your dryer or vacuum can be soothing to a fussy baby. Check out our video on soothing a colicky baby for more tips.

Everything You Need to Know

It’s normal for babies to deal with gas and stomach issues, but that doesn’t make it any easier on them—or you. When your little one is uncomfortable, you want to find relief for them, and fast. Many parents will reach for gripe water to help—but what is gripe water, exactly, and how does it work? Here’s what you need to know about using gripe water for babies.

In this article:
What is gripe water?
Gripe water uses
Is gripe water safe?
Does gripe water cause any side effects?
Alternatives to gripe water for babies
Best Gripe Water for Babies

What Is Gripe Water?

Gripe water is a liquid solution that’s designed to help with tummy troubles in infants, says Danelle Fisher, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician and vice chair of pediatrics at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. To administer, you can feed gripe water directly into baby’s mouth using the included dropper or syringe.

Gripe water ingredients vary by brand, but the most common in the US are water and sugar, plus sodium bicarbonate and a botanical mix, such as dill, fennel and ginger, says Patricia Garcia, MD, a pediatrician at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.

So how does gripe water work? “It’s believed the mixture of sodium bicarbonate with various herbs ultimately settles the stomach and allows for more comfort during a time when a newborn’s digestive system is still immature,” says Ashanti Woods, MD, a pediatrician at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore.

Garcia agrees: “We know that sugar water is soothing to babies and can help with pain relief. Since sugar is a main ingredient in gripe water, the theory is that the sugar helps soothe pain,” she says. “Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is found in some antacids to treat indigestion (for example, Alka Seltzer). …Historically, herbs like ginger, dill and fennel have been used to treat indigestion in many cultures. ”

Gripe Water Uses

You’ve gotten the lowdown on how gripe water works—but what issues does it work well for? Gripe water for newborns and babies is thought to help relieve stomach discomfort, make it easier for babies to pass gas, possibly battle constipation and encourage bowel movements and even potentially soothe colic (or excessive crying), Woods says. Some brands also claim their product will help with hiccups, teething and reflux.

Each brand has a different formulation and different dosage, so it’s important to read the label. Some can be given as early as 2 weeks old, but others require that a baby be at least one month old, Woods says.

Now for the real question: Does gripe water work? To be honest, it’s hard to say. Gripe water hasn’t been extensively researched, but studies that have analyzed it haven’t found much benefit to using it. “There is no evidence to show that gripe water reduces colic,” Garcia says. One study published in the Journal of Clinical & Diagnostic Research had 335 moms answer questions about their gripe water usage and found that it didn’t seem to prevent colic.

There is a “possible” link between gripe water and calming babies’ tummy troubles, Fisher says, “but it’s not a strong association.” Still, some people swear by it. “Many parents report significant improvement in symptoms after using gripe water,” Woods says.

Is Gripe Water Safe?

Gripe water is considered a dietary supplement, and that means it doesn’t require approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be sold in the US. However, the FDA sets regulations on which ingredients can and can’t be in gripe water for babies, which manufacturers are expected to comply with. If the FDA discovers that a company is not in compliance, the agency will take action against them. This is why you should only buy gripe water for babies that’s made in the US.

Given that gripe water isn’t FDA-regulated, it’s hard to say that every bottle on store shelves is 100 percent safe. “There have been reports of issues with gripe water being unsafe,” Garcia says, pointing out that one form of gripe water was recalled in early 2019 because a particular ingredient didn’t dissolve properly and posed a choking hazard.

But gripe water for newborns and babies continues to be a popular product. In general, formulations that are alcohol-free and sucrose-free are thought to be safe, Woods says. Those that contain charcoal, however, could cause constipation, he says.

Does gripe water cause any side effects?

Gripe water side effects are not common, but in rare circumstances babies under one month may experience vomiting, Fisher says. You should also watch for any possible indications of an allergy to gripe water for babies, including diarrhea, hives and itchy skin. If you notice any of these symptoms after giving baby gripe water, call your pediatrician. Of course, any sign of anaphylaxis, such as swelling of the lips or tongue and difficulty swallowing or breathing, warrants immediate medical attention.

Generally speaking, you should avoid giving baby large quantities of any medicine, including gripe water. “While there are very few commonly reported side effects, infants can get used to a sweet taste and may temporarily reject breastmilk or formula,” Woods cautions. Before trying any gripe water for your infant, it’s a good idea to consult baby’s pediatrician.

Alternatives to Gripe Water for Babies

Unfortunately, baby can’t verbalize what plagues them during bouts of discomfort—if their belly hurts or they’re experiencing gas pains, you’re left guessing. It can be difficult for parents to distinguish normal cries of hunger from those of distress, but process of elimination can help your detective work. Eventually, you might decide that it’s time to try gripe water. However, if you’re not quite ready to go that route (or if baby has an allergy), there are some gripe water alternatives to consider. Here are a few ways to soothe baby and potentially alleviate tummy troubles without turning to gripe water for babies.

• Bicycle baby’s legs. Garcia suggests laying baby on their back and gently pumping their legs to help expel trapped gas and mollify pesky tummy pains.

• Offer gentle compression. Applying some light pressure to baby’s belly can help work out gas bubbles and provide comfort. Try holding baby tummy-down with your arm supporting their abdomen, or lay baby tummy-down across your knees and rub their back. Similarly, you can lay baby down on their back and gently massage their belly in a circular motion.

• Try a new bottle. It’s possible that your bottle could be the source of discomfort. When baby gulps milk, they can also swallow air, which can lead to gas bubbles. (This is also why it’s important to take frequent breaks for burping.) A bottle with a vent or valve system can cut down on excessive air consumption. Also if baby seems to be chugging too quickly, Garcia recommends trying a nipple with a slower flow.

• Change up baby’s formula. If the problem is pervasive, talk to your pediatrician about changing baby’s formula; as the Cleveland Clinic explains, a milk protein intolerance could be contributing to their discomfort, and switching to a dairy-free formula may help.

• Check baby’s diet. Breastfeeding? You might consider altering your diet to see if baby is bothered by something you regularly eat. Big on broccoli? Cruciferous vegetables are notorious for causing gas (for you and baby). Just remember to use process of elimination when weeding out potential culprits so you can find the offending foods while maintaining a healthy, balanced diet.

• Move around. When all else fails, get moving. Baby grew accustomed to constant swaying in your uterus—it lulled them to sleep in those confined quarters they enjoyed for nine+ months. To this end, baby may like being rocked in a glider, bassinet or swing, or in your arms. You can also try putting baby in a carrier and walking around the block or pacing the house. (Bonus: you’ll get your steps in!)

• Swaddle up. A good, tight swaddling job can help baby feel snug and secure like they’re back in the womb. You can layer in some additional newborn relaxation techniques, too: put on a white noise machine, offer a pacifier and limit bright lights and stimulation, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The big, bad world can be overwhelming for a tiny new person, but a few creature comforts can keep them calm and quiet.

• Give gas drops a whirl. Some parents also try Simethicone gas drops as an alternative to gripe water for babies. According to the Mayo Clinic, this over-the-counter medication works to break down gas bubbles and is generally considered safe. Of course, always consult your child’s pediatrician before giving your little one any medication, and monitor baby for any adverse reactions.

Best Gripe Water for Babies

If you’ve had the chat with your pediatrician and are interested in trying gripe water for baby, read the instructions carefully before offering it to your child, so you know exactly how much to give. Take a minute to also scan the ingredients, in case of an adverse reaction, and avoid formulas containing charcoal, sucrose or alcohol. Again, only purchase gripe water for babies made in the United States.

Here are a few options to check out:

Little Remedies gripe water

Billed as “everything they need. Nothing they don’t,” Little Remedies gripe water for newborns is designed to relieve stomach discomfort from gas, colic and hiccups. It contains water, agave, ginger, potassium sorbate, citric acid and xanthan gum.

Buy it: $9, Amazon.com

Mommy’s Bliss gripe water

This gripe water for newborns 2 weeks and older is free of dyes, alcohol and parabens, and is said to help soothe nausea and discomfort caused by gas, hiccups or colic. It contains vegetable glycerin, citrus bioflavonoid extract, citric acid, sodium bicarbonate, fennel and potassium sorbate.

Buy it: $18, Amazon.com

Wellements organic nighttime gripe water

Free from alcohol and preservatives, this gripe water for babies one month and up promises to help promote “peaceful sleep.” It’s preservative-free and consists of water, agave nectar, lemon juice, glycerin and sodium bicarbonate.

Buy it: $13, Amazon.com

Zarbee’s Naturals gripe water

Zarbee’s gripe water for infants 2 weeks and older contains no artificial flavors, dyes, drugs, alcohol or gluten. It’s made with water and agave syrup and infused with ginger, chamomile, fennel and lemon balm.

Buy it: starting at $10, Amazon.com

As a caregiver, you can feel powerless seeing baby in discomfort. While the scientific proof is lacking, anecdotal evidence from parents suggests that gripe water might work to ease stomach pain and perhaps even help calm colic. Want to give gripe water for babies a try? Now you can feel informed in your decision-making. Less bellyaching and fewer gripes—that’s the goal.

About the experts.

Danelle Fisher, MD, FAAP, is a pediatrician and vice chair of pediatrics at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. She earned her medical degree at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University.

Patricia Garcia, MD, MPH, is a pediatrician at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center and an assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, where she also served as chief resident. She received her medical degree at Rutgers University in New Jersey.

Ashanti Woods, MD, is a pediatrician at Mercy Family Care Physicians in Baltimore, Maryland. He received his medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine in Washington D.C.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

Plus, more from the Bump:

Colic 101: How to Help Soothe Your Colicky Baby

Why Babies Get Hiccups (and How to Get Rid of Them)

11 Reasons Why Babies Cry—And How to Soothe Their Tears

How to help a child with constipation? – health articles

06/16/2021

Contents

  • Causes of constipation in children
  • Symptoms of constipation
  • Diet
  • Gymnastics
  • Benefits of contacting MEDSI

Constipation in a child can occur at various stages of growth and development. According to statistics, every fifth baby suffers from problems with stool. In this case, violations can occur already in infancy. With the start of complementary foods, the stool usually improves, which is associated with the introduction of fiber into the diet and an increase in physical activity. After a year, the number of children suffering from constipation is growing again. This is already due to the transition to solid food, the rejection of breastfeeding and the reduction in liquid in the diet.

It is dangerous to neglect constipation!

In fact, their consequences are quite dangerous and can cause:

  • baby stress
  • rectal deformities
  • anal fissures
  • general organism intoxication

What to do if the child has constipation?

  1. Find out the cause of the pathological condition together with the doctor
  2. Diet
  3. Pay attention to moderate physical activity

Important! It is forbidden to self-medicate. Laxative suppositories and other means should not be given, as well as cleansing enemas.

It is forbidden to self-medicate. Laxative suppositories and other means should not be given, as well as cleansing enemas.

Causes of constipation in children

The main factors stimulating stool disorders in children include:

  1. Insufficient fluid intake
  2. Meals with little or no fiber
  3. Lack of physical activity

Symptoms of constipation

A pathological condition can be suspected by the following signs:

  • the presence of blood (scarlet, fresh) in the stool during the act of defecation and after it in the form of blots (traces) on toilet paper
  • rare visits to the toilet for the purpose of defecation (2 or less times a week)
  • large large compartments
  • the need for strong straining during defecation
  • pain in the anus and abdomen

Diet

What can be given to a child for constipation?

This question interests many parents. The fight against the problem should begin not with taking medications, but with changing the diet.

Necessary:

  1. Increase fluid intake
  2. Establish fractional nutrition
  3. Add fiber-rich foods to the diet

You should teach your child to drink plain clean water. For babies over the age of 3, 2-3 glasses of water a day are usually sufficient. Avoid sugary carbonated drinks, coffee and tea. This is due to the fact that they have a pronounced diuretic effect and stimulate constipation and dehydration.

Especially useful is the cool water that children drink in the morning on an empty stomach. Gradually, the temperature of the liquid can be reduced. The following drinks also have a laxative effect:

  • beet juice
  • fermented milk (kefir, fermented baked milk, etc.)
  • chamomile decoctions
  • dill tea

Important! They should be introduced into the diet gradually, starting with a small amount. Otherwise, you can provoke a breakdown in digestion.

You should teach your child to drink plain clean water. For babies over the age of 3, 2-3 glasses of water a day are usually sufficient.

The treatment of constipation in children also implies the introduction of laxative products into the diet, which include:

  • legumes
  • nuts
  • prunes and dried apricots
  • plum
  • beets
  • dates

They are also included in the diet gradually and under the supervision of a doctor. Cereal porridges can be useful: oatmeal, buckwheat, wheat, pearl barley. It is advisable to refuse rice, pears, sweets, muffins, animal fats, flour products. They have a fixing effect.

What else to feed the child so that there is no constipation?

The answer to this question should be given by the pediatrician.

Gymnastics

For the prevention of a pathological condition, walking and running, swimming, exercises to strengthen the abdominal press, squats, bends are useful.

It is believed that mobile, active children are less likely to suffer from constipation. For the prevention of a pathological condition, walking and running, swimming, exercises to strengthen the abdominal press, squats, bends are useful.

If the child is already suffering from stool problems, it is recommended to start the day with simple morning exercises. Massage may also be helpful.

It is important to pay attention to the general change in the behavior of the baby.

The child should be taught to go to the toilet at about the same time, encouraged for observing the daily routine (motivate and praise).

It is also important to create a favorable environment in the toilet. Nothing should distract the child from the act of defecation or scare him in the bathroom.

Benefits of contacting MEDSI

  • Help from experienced doctors. Pediatric coloproctologists, gastroenterologists and psychologists work with patients. They know exactly how to treat constipation in a child in accordance with the reasons that provoked it
  • Diagnostic options. The clinic can conduct comprehensive examinations. They allow you to identify the causes of the pathology, find out how and what causes constipation in a child, help him as soon as possible
  • Comprehensive approach to troubleshooting. Doctors not only recommend diet and gymnastics. If necessary, specialists prescribe laxatives, antispasmodics, as well as agents that stimulate the evacuation of feces (enemas and suppositories). All drugs are selected individually
  • Prevention of complications. To prevent the undesirable consequences of constipation, regular examinations by a coloproctologist are mandatory
  • Comfort of visiting clinics. We provide timely consultations without queues at a convenient time for patients

To make an appointment, just call 8 (495) 7-800-500. Our specialist will answer all questions and suggest the best time to visit a doctor. Recording is also possible through the SmartMed application.

Do not delay treatment, see a doctor right now:

  • Pediatric gastroenterologist appointment

acute constipation, symptoms, treatment, diagnosis

What is constipation

Constipation is called when a person has rare or difficult bowel movements. On average, it is believed that the number of bowel movements should not be less than 3 times a week, although in fact there are no necessary minimums or maximums. Also, defecation should occur without tension, frequent and prolonged straining. And after a bowel movement, a person should not have a feeling of incomplete emptying of the intestine.

Constipation refers to delayed or difficult defecation. In the medical literature, this condition is also called constipation or obstipation. At the same time, the term "constipation" itself is not only colloquial and appears in the International Classification of Diseases ICD-10.

Important! According to statistics, up to half of the population of developed countries experience difficulties with defecation. At the same time, constipation is not only a problem of the adult population. Constipation also occurs in 5-20% of children. With age, the likelihood of constipation (as well as other gastrointestinal disorders) increases. So, in older people over 65, constipation occurs 4-5 times more often than in young people.

Constipation occurs in people of all ages for a variety of reasons. According to the etiological factor, constipation is divided into organic and functional.

Organic constipation

Constipation is considered organic if it is caused by congenital malformations, inflammatory or neoplastic diseases of the intestine. For example, constipation occurs with congenital intussusception, intestinal volvulus, inflammatory lesions of the omentum, and a number of other pathologies. In other words, such constipation develops against the background of organic lesions of the intestine.

Functional constipation

Functional constipation develops against the background of impairment of certain functions. For example, secretory or suction. Often, constipation occurs due to disruption of the nervous system, including during severe stress.

With functional constipation (FC), there are no organic lesions of the intestine. In children and adolescents, FZ is defined by criteria that include: infrequent and hard stools, fecal incontinence, and painful bowel movements, provided that these symptoms are not explained by another medical condition, according to the Roman criteria IV (functional gastrointestinal diseases). In adults, the criteria differ slightly, among them a feeling of tightness or blockage, a feeling of incomplete evacuation, and infrequent (less than 3 times a week) hard stools in at least a quarter of all bowel movements. At the same time, sometimes patients may have bloating or abdominal pain - but these are not the predominant symptoms in FD.

According to the nature of the course, constipation is divided into acute and chronic. Let us consider in more detail the features of acute and chronic constipation.

Acute constipation

This is episodic constipation that comes on suddenly and lasts less than 12 weeks. Most often, acute constipation occurs against the background of malnutrition and organic lesions of the intestine, less often - with functional disorders.

Acute constipation can occur with intestinal obstruction, inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, disorders of the nervous system, endocrine pathologies, physical inactivity and other diseases and circumstances. Sometimes acute constipation occurs as a side effect of certain medications.

Chronic constipation

In chronic constipation, difficulty or infrequent defecation bothers you for 12 or more weeks. People suffering from chronic constipation, over a long period of time, empty their bowels less than 3 times a week. This condition significantly reduces the quality of life, and is also fraught with the development of a number of complications. In particular, chronic constipation can lead to anal fissures, hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse, and other complications.

Causes of constipation

Constipation develops against the background of congenital or acquired organic changes in the intestine. As a rule, these are anatomical anomalies of the intestine that slow down the movement of feces. These pathologies include:

  • Dolichocolon is an abnormal lengthening of one of the sections or the entire colon. Thus, the movement of feces through the large intestine also slows down. Dolichocolon is congenital and acquired. If the congenital pathology is not treated, then in adulthood the colon will be elongated. Acquired dolichocolon in adults develops against the background of frequent use of enemas and abuse of laxatives. The lengthening of the colon is also possible in violation of metabolic processes in the large intestine.
  • Megacolon is a pathological enlargement of the large intestine, which occurs due to congenital disorders of innervation (supplying the organ with nerves - provides communication with the central nervous system) of the large intestine. Like dolichocolon, megacolon can be congenital or acquired. With congenital megacolon, constipation is noted from the first years of life in a child due to a slow passage of feces. Sometimes constipation also bothers newborns who are diagnosed with Hirschsprung's disease.
  • Dolichosigma - an increase in the size of the sigmoid colon. This pathology is also congenital or acquired. Congenital dolichosigma is a consequence of a violation of intrauterine development of the fetus. In adults, the sigmoid intestine lengthens with a sedentary lifestyle against the background of fermentation and / or putrefaction processes in the colon. With dolichosigmoid, the frequency of defecation is approximately 1 time in 3 days. In severe cases, stool retention reaches up to 8-10 days. In this state of affairs, there is a risk of intestinal obstruction and even peritonitis, which can develop with intestinal perforations against constipation.

Slow passage of feces in the sigmoid colon is also possible in the presence of additional loops and kinks in this part of the intestine.

  • Colonoptosis - prolapse of the colon associated with weakness of the ligaments of the mesentery (thanks to it, the intestine is attached to the back wall of the abdomen). It is not uncommon for the colon to drop in women after childbirth. Against the background of colonoptosis, intestinal peristalsis worsens, which is why constipation occurs. One of the variants of colonoptosis is transversoptosis, in which there is a descent of the transverse section of the colon. Often, transvertoptosis develops against the background of diseases of the spine - scoliosis or lordosis.
  • Violation of the ileocecal valve. On the border between the small and large intestine is the ileocecal valve (bauginian valve). This valve prevents the contents of the large intestine from being thrown back into the small intestine. If the work of the bauginian damper is broken, then in this case the movement of fecal masses through the large intestine slows down, which leads to constipation and / or diarrhea. Often with such a pathology, a person alternates periods of constipation and diarrhea.
  • Diverticulosis is a protrusion of one of the sections of the large intestine. The most common protrusion of the sigmoid colon. As a rule, diverticulosis is acquired in nature, and most often occurs in the elderly. The appearance of such diverticula leads to a slowdown in the passage of feces, pain, bloating and intestinal bleeding.
Figure 1. Main causes of constipation. Source: MedPortal

Causes of acute constipation

Now let's take a closer look at the causes of acute constipation in adults and children. Acute constipation most often develops with intestinal obstruction - an acute condition that is caused by fecal blockage, hernia, adhesions, volvulus or tumors in the intestine.

Separately allocate dynamic intestinal obstruction (caused by a violation of peristalsis), which, for example, occurs with peritonitis, severe injuries of the brain and spinal cord, as well as with prolonged physical inactivity (for example, bed rest).

Acute constipation due to medication

Side effects of some medications include disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, in particular constipation. Such drugs include, for example, anticholinergic drugs. These are allergy medicines (antihistamines), antispasmodics and antipsychotics. Constipation also leads to taking drugs containing bismuth, iron, barium, calcium and aluminum.

Taking antibiotics also leads to changes in the functioning of the large intestine. The exact reasons for the development of constipation while taking antibiotics are still unknown. According to most researchers and doctors, constipation occurs due to dysbacteriosis that develops with long-term use of systemic antibacterial drugs. Obviously, with dysbacteriosis, the physiological activity of the large intestine decreases, which worsens peristalsis and slows down the movement of feces through the intestine.

Sedentary constipation

Almost all bedridden patients, as well as most sedentary people, sooner or later develop constipation. This is due to the fact that the lower part of the rectum is most sensitive to the pressure exerted by the rectum filled with feces. Therefore, the urge to defecate is increased in an upright position.

Constipation after surgery

Temporary constipation often occurs in patients who have undergone gallbladder surgery or bowel surgery. When the gallbladder is removed, the leading cause of constipation is postcholecystectomy syndrome, against which the intestinal tone decreases. Partial removal of the intestine, anastomosis, suturing of the intestinal wound and other surgical interventions on the intestine are also fraught with a violation of the stool - constipation or diarrhea.

Causes of chronic constipation

With regard to chronic constipation, they are most often caused by the following diseases and circumstances:

  • Tumors of the large intestine, often of the sigmoid colon.
  • Endocrine diseases - diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism (deficiency of thyroid hormones), hypo- and hypercalcemia (lack or excess of calcium in the body). Constipation also occurs against the background of hormonal changes during pregnancy.
  • Diseases of the nervous system. These are various pathologies of the central and peripheral nervous system. Most often, constipation is accompanied by Parkinson's disease, circulatory disorders, spinal cord pathologies, multiple sclerosis, neuropathy, neurofibromatosis, Hirschsprung's disease and others.
  • Functional disorders. Most often these are diseases combined in irritable bowel syndrome.
  • Features of nutrition. Depending on eating habits, constipation can be episodic or long-term. Insufficient intake of dietary fiber (fiber), as well as lack of fluid, are the main reasons that contribute to the retention of feces in the intestines. Foods that slow down the passage of feces: rice, potatoes, meat and meat products, as well as pasta and bread.

Why constipation is dangerous

Source: ru.freepik.com

The danger of constipation depends on the stage - compensated, subcompensated and decompensated.

  • Compensated constipation - most often observed in people under 45-50 years old. This form of constipation does not pose a serious danger to the body. As a rule, correction of nutrition and physical activity is enough to eliminate such constipation.
  • Subcompensated constipation is a more serious form of constipation, in which some pathological changes in the gastrointestinal tract are already noted. At this stage, people experience liver damage, abdominal pain, and damage to other organs and systems.
  • Decompensated constipation - observed against the background of serious pathological changes in the body. With decompensated constipation, defecation may not be up to 7 days or more. Undesirable consequences of constipation include inflammatory bowel disease, bleeding during bowel movements, hemorrhoids, and the risk of tumors.

Constipation in pregnancy

During pregnancy, constipation often occurs due to hormonal changes. The situation is aggravated by violations in the diet and the intake of iron and calcium supplements. Already in late pregnancy, constipation occurs due to a decrease in physical activity, an increase in the size and position of the fetus (when the baby's head exerts strong pressure on the intestines), as well as emotional experiences.

Common consequences of constipation in pregnancy include:

  • disturbances in the intestinal microflora;
  • inflammatory diseases of the female genital organs;
  • intoxication of the body due to putrefactive processes in the intestines;
  • premature birth (due to strong straining during bowel movements).

Child constipation

Child constipation is a fairly common problem. However, the causes of constipation in children are not the same as in adults. The most common causes of constipation in children are allergies, improper feeding of the child, as well as congenital anomalies in the development of the intestine.

The appearance of constipation in a child is also facilitated by early potty training and inadequate sanitary conditions in the place of residence or study.

As in adults, frequent and prolonged constipation in children can provoke the development of inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, constipation weakens the child's immunity, and contributes to frequent colds and other infectious diseases.

X-ray of constipation in a young child. Photo: James Heilman, MD / Wikipedia (CC BY 3.0)

When to See a Doctor

Occasional constipation happens to everyone. Most likely, the reason is poor nutrition or stress. Such cases do not require medical intervention and go away by themselves with the normalization of nutrition. You need to see a doctor if constipation bothers you often and for a long time. The fact that laxatives are necessary for normal emptying already indicates that it is time to see a doctor.

Treatment

Treatment of constipation involves diet and lifestyle changes, as well as the use of folk remedies and medicines. If constipation has developed against the background of another disease, then treatment should be aimed at eliminating the causative pathology. In severe cases, the treatment of constipation includes surgery (for example, in acute intestinal obstruction).

What to do with constipation

Photo: pvproductions / freepik.com

When constipated, the doctor, as a rule, recommends reconsidering your eating habits. Here are some tips to follow when treating constipation:

  • Eat more dietary fiber (fiber). They are found in vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grain breads.
  • Move more. Try to devote more time to physical activity. Regular walking at a medium or fast pace will be useful. This accelerates intestinal peristalsis, and contributes to a more free movement of feces.
  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Don't be patient. If there is an urge to defecate, immediately go to the toilet. If you often neglect the urge to defecate, over time these signals weaken, which leads to a violation of the stool.
  • Less stress. It is better to avoid stress, because often constipation occurs against the background of emotional experiences.

Medicines

If nutrition and lifestyle changes are not enough to get rid of constipation, then the person is prescribed drugs that accelerate the evacuation of feces and relieve the unpleasant symptoms that accompany constipation. These medications include:

  • Secretory laxatives - have an irritating effect on intestinal receptors.
  • Bulk laxatives - increase the volume of feces by absorbing water, thereby speeding up the passage of feces.
  • Osmotic laxatives - drugs that increase the osmotic pressure in the intestines, which promotes the flow of water.
  • Emollients - soften feces, speeding up its elimination from the intestines. Unlike stimulant drugs, emollients act more slowly.
  • Probiotics are preparations containing live cultures of beneficial bacteria. These medicines can help with dysbiosis.
Photo: modesto3 / Depositphotos

Home Remedies

The following home remedies can help relieve constipation:

  • A glass of water on an empty stomach - has a stimulating effect on the intestines.
  • Dried fruits - have a laxative effect. Prepare a puree from pre-soaked dried fruits (dried apricots, prunes, raisins, figs and dates) and honey. Take morning and evening instead of dessert.
  • Cucumbers, plums and beets - eat more of these vegetables and fruits as they have a laxative effect.
  • Morning coffee - has a stimulating effect on the intestinal mucosa, stimulating peristalsis.

Traditional medicine

Mankind faced constipation long before the advent of pharmacological agents. There are several more or less effective remedies, but before using them, it would be best to consult a doctor. There are four such means:

  • Herbs with a laxative and stimulating effect - senna leaves, dill seeds, psyllium seeds, cumin.
  • Vegetable oils - linseed, olive, castor, pumpkin, sea buckthorn and sesame.
  • Bran - wheat, buckwheat, oat and others.
  • Freshly prepared vegetable juices - potato, cucumber, beetroot, carrot and celery stalk juice.

How to quickly get rid of constipation

It all depends on the cause and stage of constipation. If these are episodic constipation, then quick relief occurs with the correction of nutrition and physical activity. In more complex cases, you must follow all the doctor's recommendations. And remember that when taking medication for constipation, diet and lifestyle adjustments are necessary.

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