Constipation is a common problem in many digestive disorders, and it’s a treatable issue. At Long Island Gastroenterology Specialists, with offices in North Wantagh, and South Wantagh, New York, the esteemed gastroenterologists work as a team to diagnose and treat digestive issues promptly. To get help for constipation, call the nearest office or use the provided booking tool now.
Constipation is a problem that is common in many digestive disorders and diseases. In general, it refers to having less-frequent bowel movements, usually fewer than three per week.
Sometimes constipation is a temporary issue, but for many people with digestive issues, it can become a chronic (long-term) problem that really disrupts their everyday life.
In addition to decreased bowel movement frequency, many people with constipation experience one or more of the following problems.
Most people who have chronic constipation experience at least two of these issues for a period of three months or longer.
Constipation has many causes, including neurological diseases, metabolic disorders, and pregnancy. In many cases, however, constipation is a symptom of a gastrointestinal issue. Some of the gastrointestinal issues that can cause constipation include:
Sometimes, the cause of temporary constipation may be much simpler, like eating too little fiber. Generally, however, chronic constipation means there’s an underlying issue that requires diagnosis and treatment.
Long Island Gastroenterology Specialists starts by diagnosing the root cause of your constipation. Because each case is unique, treatment varies.
The most common approaches include making lifestyle changes, altering your diet to include more fiber, and using laxatives and stool softeners. If conservative treatments aren’t helpful, your doctor may prescribe a medication to help with stool motility or other aspects of bowel movements.
You may also need other specific medications to deal with symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders or diseases. It’s quite rare to need surgery for chronic constipation, but it may be an option if severe constipation is disrupting your life and it doesn’t respond to any other treatments.
If you’re living with chronic constipation, the experts at Long Island Gastroenterology Specialists have solutions to get you comfortable and back to your normal life. Call the office nearest to you or click on the online scheduling feature to arrange an appointment now.