Constipation can be more than an occasional nuisance—it can become a chronic condition that interferes with daily life. At GastroCare LI, we help patients find relief from persistent constipation using a variety of medical, dietary, and diagnostic tools.
Constipation may result from diet, dehydration, medications, or underlying medical conditions like hypothyroidism or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Our team takes a thorough approach, evaluating lifestyle factors, performing lab work, and sometimes recommending a colonoscopy or anorectal manometry when needed.
Treatment starts with simple changes like increasing fiber and fluid intake, but we also offer prescription medications and biofeedback therapy for more complex cases. Our goal is to get your bowels functioning regularly and comfortably without long-term dependence on laxatives.
If you haven’t had a bowel movement in several days, are straining frequently, or feel incomplete evacuation, it’s time to seek expert help. Chronic constipation can lead to hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and even fecal impaction if left untreated.
Don’t suffer in silence—relief is within reach. Contact GastroCare LI at (516) 825-8484 for an expert evaluation and personalized treatment plan.
What is constipation?
Constipation means that you have difficulty having regular bowel movements. Doctors diagnose constipation when you have three or fewer bowel movements per week.
Most people experience constipation now and then, but it usually abates relatively quickly. In contrast, chronic constipation lasts for a couple of weeks or longer.
What are the symptoms of chronic constipation?
Chronic constipation can cause problems such as:
- Unusually lumpy stool
- Very hard stool
- Feeling of a blockage in your rectum
- Discomfort before or during bowel movements
- Needing to push or strain to have bowel movements
In most cases, constipation is a sign of an underlying condition, so you might also experience other issues at the same time. Chronic constipation can also lead to complications like tiny tears in the anus(fissures), swollen veins in the rectum or anus (hemorrhoids), or stool stuck in the anus (impaction).
What causes constipation?
Constipation may occur for many reasons, with some of the common causes including:
- Dehydration
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Hormone imbalance
- Cancer
- Muscle function problems (pelvic floor dysfunction)
- Lower abdominal injuries
- Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C)
- Regularly taking opioid medications
To determine the type of treatment you need, your GastroCare LI provider must first identify the cause of your constipation. To do so, they’ll perform a physical exam and review your medical history. You may need tests as well. One common test involves inserting a gel into your rectum and taking X-ray and MRI pictures as you pass it.
How is constipation treated?
GastroCare LI tailors your constipation treatment based on the cause. Dietary adjustments, including an increase in fiber and water intake, helps many people with constipation. Regular exercise is also helpful in establishing regular bowel habits, and your doctor might also recommend special pelvic floor exercises.
Some people with chronic constipation may need prescription medication to pull water into their stool or speed up stool movement. If you experience complications due to constipation, you could require surgery. So, it’s best to reach out for help sooner rather than later.
Are you living with chronic constipation? The experienced board-certified gastroenterologists at GastroCare LI offer accurate diagnostics and effective treatments, so don’t wait to get help. Book your appointment online or call the office to schedule a consultation today.