Constipation And Diarrhea

What is constipation?

You’re more than likely to experience constipation at some point in your life. Constipation is a symptom characterized by difficulty passing bowel movements. Your challenges might include:

• Fewer than three bowel movements in a week
• Solid, dry stools
• Prolonged time in the bathroom for bowel movements
• Incomplete bowel movements

You might also experience stomach pain or a feeling of fullness from constipation.

There are many possible causes and contributing factors to constipation, including dehydration, a diet lacking in fiber, medical conditions, and medications. Dr. Nguyen and his team can help you identify your causes to provide a successful treatment. 

What is diarrhea?

Diarrhea is the opposite of constipation. It causes loose or watery stools and can make it hard to hold your bowel movements to make it to the restroom. Diarrhea is a symptom and can come from infections, food intolerances, chronic conditions like Crohn’s disease, and more. 

Diarrhea often comes with other symptoms, including:

• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Abdominal cramping
• A strong urge to go to the bathroom
• Vomiting
• Chills

While diarrhea might seem like a normal occurrence that happens every so often in life, it can become dangerous. Prolonged or unmanaged diarrhea can cause dehydration or malabsorption. 

When do constipation and diarrhea require treatment?

Both constipation and diarrhea can indicate problems with your gut health, which is essential to your general health. While a bout of constipation or diarrhea might resolve quickly without intervention, you should keep a close eye on your digestive functioning. 

If your constipation lasts for longer than a week or if you see blood in your stool, you should book an appointment for an evaluation at Nguyen Medical Group. Persistent diarrhea that lasts for more than a few days also warrants a visit to check in on your digestive health.

How can I improve my bowel health?

To give you the best possible treatment for your constipation or diarrhea, Dr. Nguyen and his team evaluate you and ask questions to find the cause of your complication. Then, they create a custom treatment plan to improve your bowel health. 

Your gut’s microbiota is the combination of about 100 trillion bacteria. Many of the bacteria are useful and help you digest your foods in a healthy, efficient manner. Others can throw your gut off balance and cause complications like constipation and diarrhea. Dr. Nguyen can help you restore balance to your gut health with diet and lifestyle changes and appropriate medications.

If you’re unable to manage your constipation or diarrhea with a few days of home care, call Nguyen Medical Group or book an appointment online for bowel health treatment today.