Chronic Constipation

Man experiencing chronic constipation

Chronic Constipation Treatment in Colorado

We Are Devoted to Exceptional Patient Care

Rocky Mountain Gastroenterology provides chronic constipation treatment to patients throughout Colorado. Patients with diseases and disorders of the digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas, can benefit from our various procedures. Since 1997, our professional team has been devoted to exceptional patient care. When it comes to diseases and disorders of the digestive tract, we’re the experts. We are committed to providing our valued patients with appropriate and cost-effective healthcare in a comfortable and compassionate setting.

What is Chronic Constipation?

Generally, chronic constipation refers to a stool frequency of less than three per week that lasts several months. However, the symptoms can vary, including infrequent bowel movements for weeks or difficulty passing stools. Constipation occurs when bowel movements become difficult or less frequent. The average length of time between bowel movements varies based on the individual. Going longer than three days without a bowel movement, after which the stool or feces become harder and more difficult to pass, is a sign of chronic constipation.

What Causes Chronic Constipation?

Chronic constipation causes can vary but usually occur due to too much water being absorbed from the stool, which causes it to become dry and hard. Research is ongoing, but there is also speculation that abnormal hormonal responses to ingesting water can cause chronic constipation. Causes of chronic constipation include lifestyle choices, medications, medical conditions, pregnancy, and more. Below, we’ve gone into some of the most common lifestyle causes of chronic constipation:

  • Consuming low-fiber foods
  • Consuming a lot of dairy
  • Dehydration
  • Lack of exercise
  • Excessive stress
  • Changes in your regular routine
  • Resisting an oncoming bowel movement

The Signs & Symptoms of Chronic Constipation

There are various signs and symptoms that can be indicative of chronic constipation. If you’ve experienced two or more of the following symptoms for the last three months, constipation you are experiencing may be considered chronic. These signs and symptoms include:

  • Having lumpy or hard stools
  • Straining to have a bowel movement
  • Passing fewer than three stools per week
  • Feeling a blockage in your rectum
  • Needing help to empty your rectum
  • Feeling you can’t completely empty the stool from your rectum

Treatment for Chronic Constipation

When it comes to treating chronic constipation, there are several available options, including self-care, supplements, prescription medications, and surgery—but only if a structural problem in the colon causes your chronic constipation. Additionally, chronic constipation treatment is determined in part by its underlying cause is. Though in some cases, the cause is never found. Once we determine your diagnosis, we may choose to treat your chronic constipation with diet and lifestyle changes, as well as over-the-counter or prescription medications. We can also provide regular medical management.

Why Choose Rocky Mountain Gastroenterology?

Our physicians regularly perform nearly 30,000 procedures each year in our six outpatient endoscopy centers. These centers are consistently ranked as the most cost-effective facilities in the area. Studies have shown that we are able to perform procedures in our centers at one-third to one-half the cost of the same procedure in a hospital. Our clinical staff is specially trained to coordinate patient care and ensure that all your medical needs are met, making our practice the right choice for patients with digestive problems. Each of our facilities is maintained by our high-level, dedicated staff and outfitted with cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art equipment offered nowhere else in the region.

Contact Us Today for Chronic Constipation Treatment

If you’re experiencing unexplained, persistent changes in your bowel habits, it’s important to make an appointment with your doctor. We are devoted to the care of our valued patients. We provide the most appropriate and cost-effective healthcare available in a comfortable and compassionate setting. Contact our team today to request an appointment. Reach out today to learn more.

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