Constipation is categories into three types; they are Obstructive constipation, Atonic constipation, and Spastic constipation.
Types of constipation
Constipation is of three types, they are:
- Obstructive constipation: is the result of actual physical obstruction of the passage of feces. Causes include cystic fibrosis (in children), tumors, adhesions, scars formed in the abdomen (mostly after abdominal surgery), strictures firmed within the intestine (mostly caused by inflammation, like in Crohn’s disease), or damaged pelvic nerves (injuries, neurological diseases) that prevent relaxation of anal muscles.
- Atonic constipation: is the result of lack of intestinal muscle tone (tension) of the colon, abdominal wall or pelvic floor, also known as lazy colon. Person with this constipation simply does not feel the urge to defecate even when the colon is full of feces. It may occur in elderly or bedridden patients or after prolonged dependence on laxatives. Most common among old people (weak muscle tone), woman (pelvic floor weakness), and diabetics (damage to intestinal nerves).
- Spastic constipation: is result from colonic spasms caused by irritation of the bowel or intestines. In this case, a diet that is low in fiber is usually suitable. It is also a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome.
Based on the duration of constipation, they are of two types
- Acute constipation (occasional problem) - constipation occurs suddenly and last for few days. Acute constipation with worrisome symptoms such as rectal bleeding, abdominal pain and cramps, nausea and vomiting, and involuntary loss of weight needs urgent diagnosis.
- Chronic constipation (persistent problem) - is the constipation that lasts for longer durations. Your need medication and lifestyle change to normalize bowel movement.
The constipation is consider as severe constipation when there is less than one bowel movement per week.
