Can't Go? Chronic Constipation: When to See a Tummy Specialist in Chandigarh
When Chronic Constipation Needs Specialist Care
Chronic constipation is more than just an inconvenience; it can severely impact quality of life. While temporary constipation can be solved with fiber and water, you need to consult a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Sandeep Pal in Chandigarh if you experience:
Constipation lasting longer than 3 weeks.
Sudden, unexplained change in bowel habits, especially if you are over 45.
Constipation accompanied by Red Flags like severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or blood in the stool.
A specialist can diagnose the underlying cause, which may range from slow transit time and pelvic floor dysfunction to structural issues.
1. Defining "Chronic Constipation" (It's Not Just a Bad Day)
Constipation is generally defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week, but for most people, chronic constipation is about the effort and feeling of incomplete evacuation that lasts for weeks or months.
When Is It Chronic?
If you have been experiencing two or more of the following symptoms for at least the last three months, your condition is likely chronic and requires specialist attention:
Straining during more than 25% of bowel movements.
Lumpy or hard stools (Type 1 or 2 on the Bristol Stool Chart).
Feeling of incomplete evacuation after passing stool.
Feeling of blockage in the rectum.
Need for manual assistance (e.g., finger or enema) to pass stool.
. Red Flags: When to Urgently Visit a Gastroenterologist in Chandigarh
While most constipation responds to increased fiber, certain accompanying symptoms demand an immediate and thorough investigation by a specialist in the Tricity region.
3. Causes Beyond Diet: How a Specialist Diagnoses the Problem
If laxatives and dietary changes haven't worked, the issue is likely rooted in a motor or mechanical dysfunction. Dr. Sandeep Pal uses specialized diagnostic tests to pinpoint the cause:
A. Anatomical (Structural) Issues
Colorectal Cancer or Polyps: These masses can physically block or narrow the passage, causing constipation. (Diagnosis: Colonoscopy)
Strictures or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Narrowing caused by chronic inflammation.
B. Functional (Motor) Issues
Slow Transit Constipation: The colon muscles contract too slowly, taking too long to move waste. (Diagnosis: Transit Study, where small markers are tracked via X-ray over several days).
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: The pelvic floor muscles paradoxically tighten instead of relaxing during a bowel movement. (Diagnosis: Anorectal Manometry or Defecography).
4. Specialized Treatment in the Tricity (Beyond Laxatives)
Once the root cause is identified, Dr. Sandeep Pal can move to targeted treatments unavailable in general practice:
Targeted Medication: Using specific agents to increase motility or fluid secretion based on the type of functional constipation diagnosed.
Biofeedback Therapy: For patients with pelvic floor dysfunction, specialized biofeedback training (often coordinated with a physical therapist) helps re-train the muscles.
Therapeutic Endoscopy/Surgery: In cases of severe anatomical blockages (tumors or strictures), endoscopic removal or surgical consultation may be necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Bristol Stool Chart?
A: It is a medical tool used to classify stool consistency. Types 1 and 2 (hard, lumpy stools) are indicators of constipation.
2. Can Constipation lead to Piles (Hemorrhoids)?
A: Yes. Chronic straining during constipation significantly increases pressure on the rectal veins, leading to the development or worsening of hemorrhoids and anal fissures.
3. Will I always need to take laxatives if I have chronic constipation?
A: Not necessarily. If the cause is identified (e.g., pelvic floor dysfunction), biofeedback can be curative. If the issue is slow transit, a combination of specialized fiber and targeted medications is used for long-term management.
4. What is the role of a Colonoscopy in constipation?
A: For new or persistent constipation, especially in patients over 45, a colonoscopy is essential to visually rule out a structural blockage (like a polyp or cancer) in the lower GI tract.
5. Does stress make constipation worse?
A: Yes. The gut-brain axis means stress and anxiety can affect gut motility, sometimes slowing it down and worsening constipation.
6. Do I need surgery for severe constipation?
A: Surgery is reserved for extremely rare cases (like severe, unresponsive slow transit constipation or specific anatomical blockages) after all other medical treatments have failed.
7. What is "Fecal Impaction"?
A: This is a severe complication where a mass of dry, hard stool becomes stuck in the rectum. It is usually treated with medication, enemas, or manual removal by a doctor.
8. Is the diagnosis of Slow Transit Constipation done in Chandigarh?
A: Yes. Specialized tests like Colonic Transit Study are available through expert Gastroenterologists like Dr. Sandeep Pal in the Tricity.
Don't Suffer in Silence. Get a Definitive Diagnosis in Chandigarh.
Chronic constipation is manageable, but only once the true cause is known. Relying solely on increasing fiber or self-medicating with laxatives can delay the diagnosis of a more serious problem.
Dr. Sandeep Pal offers comprehensive diagnostic services, from advanced motility studies to therapeutic colonoscopies, to help Tricity residents find lasting relief.
Take the first step toward predictable and comfortable health. Book your specialist consultation today.
📞 Call Dr. Sandeep Pal's Clinic Today to discuss your constipation and find a lasting solution.
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