Atonic constipation is a very common problem faced by people regardless of age and gender. The disease is equally often diagnosed in infants and adult patients. Of course, the violation of defecation processes negatively affects the quality of life of the patient. That is why it is worth getting acquainted with the information about this pathology, find out what symptoms of atonic constipation cause and what is the treatment of this disease.
General information about the disease. Classification scheme
Atonic constipation is a fairly common problem. The disease is accompanied by a decrease in the tone of the walls of the rectum (their atony). The weakening of the intestinal walls affects peristalsis, as a result of which feces cannot move towards the anal sphincter. Thus, the stool becomes harder and harder, which leads to constipation.
The causes of atonic constipation will be discussed in more detail below. But the etiology is extremely important for classificationailment. The following forms are distinguished:
- functional constipation is a form of illness that often develops under the influence of psychological factors;
- neurogenic - associated with impaired motility of the digestive tract wall;
- alimentary - develops against the background of malnutrition;
- hypodynamic - associated with a sedentary lifestyle;
- endocrine - develops against the background of hormonal disruptions (for example, with functional disorders of the thyroid gland);
- proctogenic - associated with diseases of the rectum, in particular hemorrhoids;
- drug - develops against the background of taking certain drugs;
- spastic - associated with spasms of the intestinal wall (sometimes psychosomatic);
- idiopathic - they talk about this form of the disease if the cause has not been found.
The main causes of the development of the disease
In fact, atonic constipation can develop under the influence of a variety of factors:
- According to statistics, in most cases, problems with defecation appear in people who, for one reason or another, lead a sedentary lifestyle. Lack of physical activity (observed, for example, against the background of sedentary work or in cases where a person is forced to stay in bed for a long time) is accompanied by a weakening of the pelvic muscles and a decrease in the tone of the smooth muscles of the intestine.
- Another common cause of atonic constipation is the wrongnutrition. If the diet is dominated by fatty and meat dishes, then the appearance of problems with bowel movements is quite natural. Do not forget that vegetable fiber is a mechanical stimulator of intestinal motility. That is why it is so important to include fresh vegetables, fruits and cereals in your daily menu.
- The diet also matters. Constipation occurs if a person constantly snacks on the run and refuses first courses.
- Dehydration is another cause of constipation. It must be remembered that a person should consume at least 2 liters of water per day.
- By the way, the quality of the liquid you drink also matters. Too much lime in the water can cause constipation.
- Risk factors include inflammation in certain parts of the digestive tube. Potentially dangerous are erosive and ulcerative lesions of the mucous membranes.
- The abuse of cleansing enemas and laxatives can lead to the so-called lazy bowel syndrome. If defecation is constantly stimulated by medication, then gradually the intestines lose the ability to do it on their own.
- Infectious diseases are also potentially dangerous, since intoxication is accompanied by the loss of a large amount of fluid.
- Risk factors include the ingestion of toxins.
- Atonic constipation can occur against the background of general exhaustion of the body.
- Women may experience similar problems during pregnancy or afterchildbirth.
- Potentially dangerous is emotional and mental overstrain, constant stress.
- Constipation sometimes develop against the background of diseases of the endocrine system. By the way, women also face the problem during menopause, as this period is accompanied by serious changes in hormonal levels.
- Risk factors include overweight, obesity.
- Sometimes atonic constipation develops after abdominal or pelvic surgery.
- Prolonged, uncontrolled use of certain medications is also dangerous (constipation develops with the use of antispasmodics, antacids, beta-blockers, sedatives, calcium antagonists).
Of course, in the process of diagnosis it is important to find out what caused the appearance of constipation. Eliminating the cause of the development of the disease is part of its successful treatment.
Symptoms of atonic constipation
Symptoms of the disease can be different. Unfortunately, patients often notice them too late:
- Many patients complain of abdominal pain and discomfort. The fact is that against the background of constipation, a large amount of feces accumulates in the intestines. As a result of this process, the intestinal walls are stretched, which leads to compression of nearby organs, vessels and nerve endings.
- Evacuation of the intestine occurs less than once every 2 days (of course, against the background of normal, adequate nutrition).
- Defecation is difficult. The patient has to make an effortstraining the abdominal wall in order to empty the bowels. The process is often accompanied by pain, which is associated with severe stretching, and sometimes damage to the distal rectum and anal sphincter.
- Feces have a hard, dry texture.
- Many people complain of a feeling of fullness in the stomach.
- Mucus and blood streaks may be present in the faeces, which is associated with damage to the intestinal mucosa by hard feces.
- Problems with bowel movements also affect the general condition of the body. Patients often complain of general weakness, loss of appetite. Occasionally, there is an increase in body temperature, chills, nausea.
When these symptoms appear, do not hesitate - consult a doctor.
Possible Complications
According to statistics, atonic constipation in adults (as well as in children) in most cases responds well to treatment. If the therapy was started too late, or the person did not go to the doctor at all, then there is a possibility of complications. Their list, fortunately, is small:
- Persistent problems with bowel movements sometimes lead to the development of hemorrhoids (or its progression if the disease is already present).
- Rarely, atonic constipation leads to painful anal fissures.
- The disease sometimes turns into a chronic form, which is much more difficult to treat.
- There is always the possibility of developing inflammatory processes in the intestines, as well as secondary infectiontissues of the anal sphincter and mucous membranes of the rectum.
That is why you should not be ashamed of such a problem - it is better to contact a specialist in time and undergo a course of therapy.
Diagnostic measures
The success of the treatment of atonic constipation largely depends on the correct diagnosis. After all, the doctor needs not only to make a diagnosis, but also to determine what caused the atony of the intestinal wall and whether there are associated complications. That is why, after reviewing the complaints and collecting an anamnesis, the patient is sent for additional tests.
- First of all, the analysis of feces is carried out. In this case, the laboratory assistant pays attention not only to the chemical composition of the feces, but also to their physical characteristics (structure, consistency, presence of undigested food, etc.).
- Complete blood count in progress.
- If there is reason to believe that constipation is caused by hormonal disorders, then the patient donates blood samples to determine the level of hormones. If during the analysis it was determined that the disease is associated, for example, with thyroid disorders, then an ultrasound of the organ is performed.
- Sigmoidoscopy and irrigoscopy are mandatory - such examinations help to study the structure of the intestine.
- If cancer is suspected, a tumor marker test is done.
Drug therapy
How to treat atonic constipation? The treatment protocol largely depends on the causes of the problem. Sometimes the patientit is enough just to adjust the diet and do therapeutic exercises in order to normalize the stool. If such events are not enough, then drugs are used:
- Sometimes a doctor prescribes medications that stimulate intestinal motility. Anticholinesterase drugs are considered effective, in particular, Ganaton, Coordinax, Peristil, Prozerin. Of course, it is impossible to take such medicines without permission. In this case, it is important to accurately determine the dosage. Too long therapy can lead to further weakening of the intestinal walls.
- If the disease is accompanied by a severe pain syndrome, then the patient is prescribed antispasmodics. Medicines such as No-Shpa, Spazmalin, Spazmalgon, Drotaverine, Papaverine, Maxigan are considered effective.
- Laxatives are used only as a last resort. Castor oil is considered effective, as well as drugs such as Regulax, Bisadil, Lizalak.
Are enemas effective?
Sometimes some procedures are included in the therapy regimen. In particular, an enema is considered effective. With atonic constipation, such manipulations help cleanse the intestines.
- Hypertonic (saline solutions) are sometimes injected into the intestines. Such products soften hard stools and irritate the intestinal wall, increasing peristalsis and facilitating the process of defecation.
- Cleansing enema for atonic constipation is also effective. For the procedure, ordinary, purified water is used. As a rule, 1-2 are injected into the intestinel of liquid, which facilitates the process of emptying the intestines. Sometimes you can add a decoction of oak bark, calendula flowers and chamomile to the water.
- Oil enemas are indicated if the stool is too hard and there is a risk of damage to the intestinal mucosa during bowel movements. For constipation, castor, olive, vaseline, linseed, pumpkin oil are used. No more than 150 ml of liquid can be injected into the intestine at a time. It is better to heat the oil in a water bath to 38-39 degrees. The procedure is best done before bedtime. The effect appears after 8-9 hours.
Immediately it should be said that such procedures are carried out only with the permission and under the supervision of a doctor. Self-medication can lead to dangerous consequences.
Diet for atonic constipation and bloating
Certainly, drug treatment is effective. But an integral part of therapy is diet. With atonic constipation, it is important to include vegetables and fruits in the diet (apricots, plums, carrots and beets are considered especially useful). The menu can include poultry meat, low-fat fish, durum pasta, fermented milk products, vegetable soups, unsweetened juices, rye bread, berries, buckwheat.
There are also potentially dangerous products that should be abandoned at least for a while. Their list includes chocolate, smoked meats, fatty meats and fish, eggs (in pure form), coffee, mustard, mushrooms, white bread, semolina, garlic, alcohol, canned food, spicy seasonings, radishes, onions, radishes, white rice. Dishes are best baked, boiled or steamed.
Folk treatments
Treatment of atonic constipation can be supplemented with some means from the arsenal of traditional medicine. Naturally, they can only be used with the permission of the treating specialist.
- Some folk healers recommend drinking sauerkraut brine, half a glass a day (preferably slightly warmed up before taking).
- Effective for constipation is a compote of dried apples and cherries.
- Useful will be a decoction of oats, which softens feces and has astringent properties.
- As a preventive measure, doctors recommend drinking kefir and/or natural yogurt daily.
- Strong laxative properties have fresh spinach or beetroot juice. You can use such funds only from time to time.
- Dill seed decoction (not too concentrated) will help with abdominal discomfort.
- Honey drink (dissolve a tablespoon of honey in a glass of warm water) helps to start the bowels.
- Before going to bed, you can drink a decoction of flax seeds, which helps soften the stool.
- A natural laxative is a decoction of the herb senna.
Such funds really cope with constipation. However, they cannot be used all the time. It is important to identify the causes of problems and eliminate them. Only then can one speak of a full recovery.
Prevention measures
You already know about the main symptoms and treatment of atonic constipation. But sometimes it is much easier to prevent the development of the disease. There are no specific means of prevention. Doctors only recommend following some rules:
- eat right, avoiding fast foods, too fatty and fried foods, preservatives and other unhe althy foods;
- stick to the drinking regime (it is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of clean, non-carbonated water per day);
- keep fit, take regular walks in the fresh air;
- do not abuse enemas or use laxatives without a doctor's prescription;
- abdominal massage will be useful, especially when it comes to constipation and a small child;
- doctors recommend avoiding stress and overexertion, as all this affects primarily the hormonal background and, accordingly, the work of the whole organism.
Atonic constipation is a very complex problem. If you notice the above symptoms in yourself, then you should tell your doctor about it - the sooner therapy is started, the more chances for a quick and complete recovery of the body.
