Constipation Specialist
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Mit Shah, MD
Gastroenterology Practice located in Bayside, Queens, NY
If you have fewer than three bowel movements per week, you might have constipation. Anyone can experience constipation every once in a while, but if your constipation persists, it’s important to seek medical care. Residents in and around Queens, New York, can find expert constipation solutions through the care of Mit Shah, MD, at The Gastroenterology Practice. Dr. Shah can evaluate your bowel habits and help determine if there’s a more serious underlying health problem. To schedule an appointment for constipation help, call the office or book online today.
Constipation Q & A
What is constipation?
Constipation is a digestive problem that causes infrequent bowel movements. Without proper treatment, chronic constipation can affect your quality of life, making it hard to work or spend time with loved ones.
It may also cause you to strain when you make bowel movements, which might increase your risk of developing hemorrhoids.
What are the symptoms of constipation?
Constinpation might be related to an underlying gastrointestinal issue. But common symptoms of constipation include:
- Having hard or lumpy stools
- Feeling like there’s a blockage or unable to empty your rectum
- Straining when using the bathroom
Many people experience constipation at some point in their lives, but if you develop any of the symptoms listed above for three months or longer, you might have chronic constipation.
What causes constipation?
Constipation may develop for a number of reasons, including a change in your diet (like not drinking enough fluids or getting enough fiber) or daily routine (not exercising enough). As you get older, constipation is also more common.
However, constipation might also be a symptom of an underlying health issue, such as:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Diverticulosis (Diverticular disease)
- Intestinal obstruction
- Colon cancer
In many cases, constipation often resolves with conservative care. However, you might need to schedule an appointment at The Gastroenterology Practice if your constipation fails to improve with conservative measures, causes you to have severe abdominal pain, or is an ongoing problem for you.
How can I prevent constipation?
You can lower your risk of constipation by:
- Exercising regularly
- Managing your stress levels
- Eating a high-fiber diet and staying hydrated
- Establishing a regular routine for bowel movements
When you have the urgent need to go to the bathroom, it’s important to listen to your body. If you wait too long, it may increase your risk of developing constipation.
How is constipation diagnosed?
To diagnose constipation, Dr. Shah reviews your medical history, asks about your symptoms and lifestyle habits, and then conducts a rectal exam.
If you have chronic constipation, Dr. Shah might also order blood tests, an X-ray, or a colonoscopy, to gather more information about your condition.
How is constipation treated?
Dr. Shah recommends conservative treatments to manage constipation first. For example, he may recommend lifestyle changes, like increasing fiber in your diet and exercising at least three times a week, to improve your symptoms.
He might also prescribe stool softeners or over-the-counter medications to make stool easier to pass. If your constipation is due to a blockage in your rectum or other underlying gastrointestinal disorder, he may recommend surgery, but only as a last resort.
If you’re interested in learning how Dr. Shah could help you with constipation problems, call The Gastroenterology Practice in Queens, New York, or book online today.
