【Common Diseases】Constipation
🥼 What is constipation?
Constipation refers to a decrease in the frequency of bowel movements, difficulty in defecation, or a feeling of incomplete bowel movements after defecation .
According to the Hong Kong Hospital Authority and the international Rome IV Criteria, chronic constipation is defined as any of the following conditions that persist for at least three months:
- Fewer than 3 bowel movements per week
- Straining during bowel movements
- Feeling of incomplete bowel movement
- Hard stools (Bristol Stool Chart type 1-2)
- Requires manual defecation assistance
Constipation can be divided into functional constipation (the most common, related to diet and lifestyle habits) and secondary constipation (caused by other diseases or drugs).
🔍 Common causes of constipation in Hong Kong
The editor compiled this based on the Hong Kong Hospital Authority and several medical articles:
-
Insufficient dietary fiber
- Hong Kong people have a Westernized diet that is high in oil, sugar and low in fiber.
-
Not drinking enough water
- Especially for office workers who sit in air-conditioned rooms for a long time.
-
Lack of exercise
- Slowed intestinal motility.
-
Ignoring the urge to defecate
- Holding your bowel movements for a long time can cause your rectum to become numb.
-
Drug side effects
- Painkillers (opioids), iron supplements, certain blood pressure medications, antidepressants, etc.
-
Disease factors
- Hypothyroidism, diabetes, intestinal stenosis, tumors, nervous system diseases, etc.
-
Psychological factors
- Stress, anxiety, and depression can affect intestinal motility.
⚠️ Common symptoms of constipation
- Less frequent bowel movements (less than 3 times per week)
- Difficulty defecating, requiring straining
- Hard or pellet-like stools
- Still feeling the urge to defecate after a bowel movement
- Abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, and decreased appetite
🏥 Hong Kong constipation treatment methods
Editor's reminder : To treat constipation, you should first find out the cause, rule out serious diseases, and then start by improving your lifestyle, and use medication if necessary.
1. Lifestyle and diet adjustments (first line of treatment)
-
High-fiber diet
- Recommended daily fiber intake: about 25-30 grams for adults
- Common high-fiber foods in Hong Kong: oats, sweet potatoes, chia seeds, wood ear mushrooms, pears, apples, spinach, and red kidney beans.
- Soluble fiber (oats, apples) helps soften stools, while insoluble fiber (wheat bran, vegetables) promotes motility.
-
Drink enough water
- The recommended daily intake for adults is 1500-2000 ml (depending on weight and activity level).
-
Regular exercise
- At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week (such as brisk walking, swimming, and yoga).
-
Develop a regular bowel movement habit
- The best time is in the morning after eating (when the gastrocolic reflex is strongest).
- Avoid holding your bowel movements for long periods of time
2. Drug treatment (requires doctor's evaluation)
Commonly used constipation medications in Hong Kong are divided into several categories:
(1) Bulk-forming agents
- Psyllium husk, methylcellulose
- Increase stool bulk and stimulate bowel movements
- Suitable for long-term use, but requires sufficient drinking water
(2) Osmotic laxatives
- Lactulose, Macrogol
- Absorb water and soften stool
- Suitable for constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome or the elderly
(3) Lubricants
- Liquid paraffin
- Reduces friction between feces and intestinal wall, but long-term use may affect the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
(4) Stimulant laxatives
- Bisacodyl, Senna
- Stimulate intestinal motility
- Long-term dependence is not recommended, as it may lead to intestinal inertia
(5) Anal plugs or enemas
- Suitable for fecal impaction or short-term emergency treatment
3. Treat secondary constipation
- Stop or change medications that cause constipation (requires doctor's evaluation)
- Treat the underlying disease (such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, intestinal diseases, etc.)
4. Psychological and auxiliary treatment
- Stress management (meditation, deep breathing, counseling)
- Acupuncture or traditional Chinese medicine (some patients report effectiveness, but be careful about the source)
🏥 Hong Kong Examination and Diagnosis Process
The doctor will first understand your medical history and lifestyle, and then make arrangements based on the situation:
- Blood tests (to check thyroid, blood sugar, electrolytes, etc.)
- Fecal occult blood test (to rule out intestinal bleeding)
- Colonoscopy (for those with warning symptoms or high-risk individuals)
- Intestinal transit time test
- Anorectal function tests (to assess muscle coordination for defecation)
🚨 Warning symptoms (seek medical attention immediately)
- Bloody or black stools
- sudden weight loss
- Persistent abdominal pain or vomiting
- Family history of colorectal cancer
💡 Editor's Tips
- Change your lifestyle habits first and don't rely on laxatives from the beginning.
- Fiber + water + exercise is the golden triangle formula.
- Keep a diet and bowel movement diary to help identify the cause of constipation.
- Long-term constipation must be checked , especially for people who are middle-aged or above, as it may be an early sign of colon cancer.
- Avoid excessive coffee or milk tea . Although it may promote bowel movements in the short term, it may aggravate dehydration in the long term.
💬Editor’s summary :
Constipation is very common in Hong Kong, but most cases are functional. Constipation can be significantly improved through a high-fiber diet, adequate fluid intake, regular exercise, and good bowel habits . If constipation persists despite lifestyle adjustments, consult a doctor to assess for underlying medical conditions. Avoid long-term self-use of laxatives.
📌 Disclaimer <br>This article is for reference only and does not constitute any medical advice. It is sourced from major medical articles.
