Constipation Treatment in Sugar Land, Texas

Helping Restore Comfortable, Regular Bowel Movements

Constipation can cause infrequent bowel movements, hard stools, straining, abdominal discomfort, and a persistent feeling that the bowel has not emptied completely. Although occasional constipation is common, symptoms that persist or repeatedly return may require an evaluation to identify an underlying digestive or medical condition.

Dr. Gregory L. Shannon is a board-certified gastroenterologist serving patients in Sugar Land, Texas. He provides comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment for constipation and other conditions affecting digestive health. Contact Dr. Shannon’s office for an appointment today!

What is Constipation?

Constipation is a condition where stools or bowel movements become hard and difficult to expel from the body. This can result in fewer and strained bowel movements. It usually occurs when excessive water is absorbed from the stool while inside the colon. Constipation is a common condition that affects almost everyone at some time.

What Causes Constipation?

Constipation occurs when there is a slow movement of food through the digestive system. This could be due to the improper functioning of the colon muscles. As food remains longer in the colon, more water is absorbed from it. The time between bowel movements can vary from person to person, but if you have not passed a stool for 3 days, it can be hard and difficult to pass.

Factors that can increase your risk of constipation include physical inactivity, a diet that’s low in fiber, and certain medications such as narcotic pain medication, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants. Consumption of milk and other dairy products can cause constipation in some people.

Other causes and factors include:

• Aging
• Pregnancy
• A change in routine
• Delaying a bowel movement
• Poor water consumption
• Overuse of laxatives leading to dependency
• Abnormalities of the digestive tract such as Hirschsprung disease
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Stricture or narrowing of the digestive tract
• Compression of the colon due to a tumor or scar tissue
• Neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease
• Endocrine disorders such as diabetes or hypothyroidism

Anatomy of the Intestines

Food from the stomach enters the small intestine and then passes into the large intestine or colon. Here, water and ions are absorbed to form feces or stools. The colon forms an arch that encircles the small intestine and can be divided into four parts: ascending, transverse, descending, and sigmoid colon.

The sigmoid or terminal portion of the colon connects to the rectum, which leads to the anus. Circular and longitudinal muscle bands along the length of the colon help with the absorption and movement of feces towards the rectum. This movement occurs more prominently when one is active.

Symptoms of Constipation

Those with constipation have fewer bowel movements and find it difficult to pass stools. It may seem incomplete even after passing stools. The stools are harder and smaller. You may experience bloating of the abdomen or a stomachache. Loss of appetite may also be experienced.

Diagnosis of Constipation

Your doctor will review your symptoms and perform a physical examination to identify any underlying cause. Blood tests may be performed to check hormone levels. Tests may be performed to see how food moves through the colon. The anal muscles are evaluated. A colonoscopy may be performed to identify any blockage within the colon.

What Happens if Constipation is Left Untreated?

Constipation usually resolves on its own or with conservative treatments. If an underlying cause is present, it may require treatment. Chronic constipation that is untreated may lead to complications such as hemorrhoids, bleeding, obstruction, or a prolapse, where part of the rectum or colon protrudes through the anus.

Treatment for Constipation

Constipation can be prevented by eating a well-balanced diet with an increased amount of fiber and water and reducing caffeine as it can dehydrate stools. Those who find dairy products constipating should reduce such consumption. Engaging in more physical activity and regular exercise is recommended. Do not resist the urge to go to the bathroom and give yourself enough time.

Those with constipation are advised to increase water intake and try warm liquids. High-fiber cereal, prunes, and other fruits and vegetables are recommended. Exercise is recommended as it also stimulates the muscles of the colon.

Your doctor may prescribe a laxative to ease constipation. There are various kinds of laxatives that work in different ways.

• Stimulants: Help the muscles of the intestine to contract more effectively.
• Stool softeners: Soften the stools.
• Lubricants: Help the stools move through the colon more easily.
• Osmotic laxatives: Draw water into the colon.
• Fiber supplements
• Saline laxatives
• Chloride channel activators

If conservative treatments fail and you are unable to pass stools, surgery may be necessary. This involves the removal of a segment of the rectum or anal canal to clear the blockage. Newer less invasive procedures such as antegrade colonic enema surgery may also be recommended.

Constipation may cause some discomfort but is usually not life-threatening and resolves on its own. Chronic constipation may lead to complications and should be investigated for any underlying condition.

Why Choose Dr. Gregory L. Shannon for Constipation Treatment?

Personalized Care for Better Digestive Function

Constipation can be related to diet, dehydration, limited physical activity, medications, irritable bowel syndrome, pelvic-floor dysfunction, or an underlying medical condition. Dr. Gregory L. Shannon provides individualized gastroenterology care to determine what may be affecting your bowel function.

His approach begins with reviewing your symptoms, bowel habits, diet, medications, medical history, and lifestyle. When necessary, diagnostic testing may be recommended to evaluate how the colon and anal muscles function or to check for a structural problem.

Patients Can Expect:

• Evaluation of chronic or recurring constipation
• Review of medications and medical conditions that may affect bowel function
• Personalized dietary, hydration, and lifestyle recommendations
• Guidance on the safe and appropriate use of laxatives
• Diagnostic testing when medically indicated
• Colonoscopy to evaluate concerning symptoms or possible obstruction when appropriate
• Treatment tailored to the suspected cause of constipation
• Ongoing care for related gastrointestinal conditions

Constipation – FAQs

How often should a person have a bowel movement?

Normal bowel habits vary considerably. Some people have several bowel movements each day, while others may have only a few each week. Constipation is generally defined by symptoms such as hard stools, straining, incomplete evacuation, or fewer than three bowel movements per week rather than frequency alone.

When should I see a gastroenterologist for constipation?

Consider an evaluation if constipation persists for several weeks, repeatedly returns, does not improve with appropriate home care, or significantly affects daily life. You should also seek medical advice if it begins suddenly or occurs with rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, anemia, severe pain, or a major change in bowel habits.

What commonly causes constipation?

Common causes include inadequate fiber or fluid intake, limited physical activity, delaying bowel movements, changes in routine, and certain medications. Constipation may also be associated with irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, hypothyroidism, neurological disorders, pelvic-floor dysfunction, or narrowing or blockage of the colon.

Can medications cause constipation?

Yes. Opioid pain medicines, certain antidepressants, iron supplements, anticonvulsants, antacids containing aluminum or calcium, and some blood pressure medications can contribute to constipation. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without first consulting the prescribing healthcare professional.

How is chronic constipation diagnosed?

Diagnosis usually begins with a review of your symptoms, bowel habits, diet, medications, and medical history, followed by a physical examination. Depending on the findings, testing may include blood work, colonoscopy, imaging, a colonic transit study, anorectal manometry, or a balloon expulsion test.

What lifestyle changes can help relieve constipation?

Drinking enough fluids, gradually increasing dietary fiber, staying physically active, and allowing sufficient time for bowel movements may help. Responding promptly to the urge to have a bowel movement and establishing a regular bathroom routine can also support healthier bowel function.

Is it safe to use laxatives regularly?

The safety of regular laxative use depends on the type of product, the underlying cause of constipation, and your overall health. Some laxatives are suitable for longer-term use under medical guidance, while others should be used more cautiously. A gastroenterologist can recommend the most appropriate option.

Can constipation cause hemorrhoids or rectal bleeding?

Hard stools and repeated straining can contribute to hemorrhoids or small tears in the anal lining called fissures. These conditions may cause bright-red blood on the toilet paper or stool. Because bleeding may have other causes, new or recurring rectal bleeding should be evaluated.

When is constipation an emergency?

Seek prompt medical attention if constipation occurs with severe or worsening abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, marked abdominal swelling, fever, an inability to pass gas, black or bloody stools, or fainting. These symptoms may indicate a bowel obstruction, significant bleeding, or another serious condition.

Take the Next Step Toward More Comfortable Digestion

Evaluation, Treatment & Personalized Gastroenterology Care

Whether you are experiencing hard stools, straining, bloating, incomplete evacuation, or a persistent change in bowel habits, Dr. Shannon can provide a comprehensive evaluation and individualized treatment plan. Contact his office in Sugar Land, Texas, for an appointment today.

Constipation

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