Chronic Constipation: When to Seek a Colorectal Specialist

Constipation is one of the most common digestive complaints people experience. For most, it’s a temporary problem that fixes with lifestyle changes, increased fiber, and hydration. However, for others, constipation becomes a constant and distressing problem—known as chronic constipation. When this condition starts interfering with your daily life or causes additional symptoms, it may be time to consult with a colorectal specialist in Pune like Dr. Samrat Jankar, a renowned gastrointestinal surgeon and expert in treating colorectal disorders.

In this blog, we’ll explore what chronic constipation is, its common causes, when it becomes serious, and why seeing a colorectal specialist like Dr. Samrat Jankar can make all the difference.

Understanding Chronic Constipation:

Constipation is commonly defined as having fewer than three bowel motions per week. Chronic constipation, however, goes beyond just irregular stools—it also includes symptoms like:

Hard or lumpy stools
Straining during bowel movements
A sensation of incomplete evacuation
Feeling of blockage in the rectum
Needing help (manual maneuvers) to empty the rectum

If these symptoms persist for more than three months, it’s categorized as chronic constipation. This condition can be frustrating, painful, and emotionally distressing.

Common Causes of Chronic Constipation:

Chronic constipation can result from a range of underlying factors:

Dietary habits: Low intake of fiber-rich foods, inadequate hydration, and high consumption of processed foods can slow down digestion.
Lack of physical activity: Passive lifestyles reduce gut motility, leading to sluggish bowels.
Ignoring the urge to go: Regularly suppressing the natural urge to pass stool can cause the body to stop signaling bowel movements.
Medications: Painkillers, antidepressants, iron supplements, and certain antacids can cause constipation.
Medical conditions: Diabetes, hypothyroidism, Parkinson’s disease, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) are all associated with chronic constipation.
Pelvic floor dysfunction: In some cases, the muscles that help you defecate don’t work properly, causing functional constipation.
Obstruction: Structural abnormalities like rectal prolapse, anal strictures, or colorectal cancer may lead to difficulty in passing stool.

When to See a Colorectal Specialist:

If you are experiencing chronic constipation, it’s important not to ignore it, as it can lead to other complications such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or fecal impaction. In some cases, it may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition like colorectal cancer or a neurological disorder.

Here are some signs that it’s time to seek help from a colorectal specialist like Dr. Samrat Jankar:

Persistent Symptoms Despite Lifestyle Changes: If increasing fiber, drinking more water, and exercising regularly don’t improve your bowel habits over weeks or months, it’s time to dig deeper. Functional bowel disorders or motility issues may be to blame.
Rectal Bleeding or Blood in Stool: Seeing blood in the toilet or on the toilet paper is a red flag. It could be due to hemorrhoids or anal fissures caused by straining, but it could also be a symptom of something more serious like colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease.
Unexplained Weight Loss: Losing weight without trying, specifically along with constipation, could suggest an underlying illness such as colon cancer or another gastrointestinal issue.
Abdominal Pain and Bloating: Painful cramping, abdominal distension and discomfort after meals could point to bowel obstruction or severe motility disorder.
Difficulty Passing Stool or Feeling Blocked: If you feel like your rectum is not empty even after having a bowel movement or you need to use your hands to help in defecation, it suggests pelvic floor dysfunction—a condition that needs specialist intervention.
Change in Bowel Habits Over Age 50: If you’re over 50 and experiencing new or worsening constipation, it’s important to rule out colorectal cancer with the help of a specialist.

How a Colorectal Specialist Can Help:

A colorectal specialist like Dr. Samrat Jankar is highly trained in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the colon, rectum, and anus. If you experience chronic constipation, Dr. Jankar will start by conducting a thorough medical history review and physical examination. Depending on the symptoms and suspected cause, additional diagnostic tests may be advised, such as:

Colonoscopies or Sigmoidoscopies: To examine the colon and rectum for any irregularities.
Anorectal Manometry: To evaluate the function of the anal sphincter and pelvic floor muscles.
Defecography: To evaluate the process of defecation and identify any structural problems or pelvic floor dysfunction.
Abdominal X-rays or CT scans: To check for any structural abnormalities, including obstructions.

Based on the results, Dr. Jankar will tailor a treatment plan that may include dietary changes, medications, pelvic floor therapy, or even surgical interventions, if necessary. The goal is to provide ongoing relief and improve your quality of life.

Conclusion:

Chronic constipation is more than just a problem—it can be a symptom of an underlying health problem. If you’re dealing with persistent constipation, it’s important not to suffer in silence. Seeking help from a qualified colorectal specialist in Pune like Dr. Samrat Jankar can provide you with the answers and treatment you need to manage your condition effectively. By identifying the root cause and developing an individualized treatment plan, you can regain control over your digestive health and enjoy a better quality of life.