Occasional or chronic constipation? Discover Soin-et-Nature oral laxatives, suppositories and gentle solutions to stimulate transit, soften stools and soothe digestive discomfort. Order online and regain lasting intestinal comfort.
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In Western countries, the number of people suffering from chronic constipation is estimated at between 3% and 5% of the adult population. Occasional constipation is even more common.
People over 55 are 5 times more likely to suffer from constipation than younger adults.
Constipation is defined as difficulty in evacuating stool. It often has several causes: lack of physical activity, a low-fiber diet and insufficient hydration. It can also be linked to: a change in lifestyle or diet, psychological problems, stress, or smoking cessation. People over 55 are 5 times more likely to suffer from constipation than younger adults.
Constipation occurs when the frequency of bowel movements is less than three per week. But this is not an absolute rule: some people have only two bowel movements a week and feel perfectly comfortable. That's why we only talk about constipation if it leads to an unpleasant feeling of heaviness, cramps in the belly, bloating or pain when defecating.
Indeed, during these episodes, stools are often hard, dry and difficult to evacuate. Constipation sometimes leads to the periodic emission of thin, liquid mucus, known as false diarrhea. Stool water and intestinal secretions are evacuated in liquid form rather than being absorbed by the colon. Ifhemorrhoids are present, dry stools can cause them to bleed. The presence of blood in the stool should be considered a warning sign.
Laxatives are designed to facilitate transit and stool output. They differ in their mode of action. Prolonged use of certain laxatives is not recommended.
A distinction is made according to their mode of action:
(Source= https://www.ameli.fr/assure/sante/themes/constipation-adulte/que-faire-quand-consulter)
Osmotic laxatives (lactulose, lactilol, sorbitol, macrogol) soften stools by drawing water into the intestine. These substances have a purely physical mode of action: they are not absorbed by the body and are excreted unchanged. These are the laxatives of choice, along with ballast laxatives. Both types of laxative have demonstrated their efficacy and are devoid of toxicity. They can be used after and/or in addition to hygienic and dietetic measures.
Ballast laxatives modify stool consistency. They contain mucilage or dietary fibers that make stools bulkier and softer. Their effect usually begins 48 hours after treatment.
Lubricating laxatives work by facilitating stool output with "fatty" substances (liquid kerosene). Prolonged use can reduce the absorption of certain vitamins (A, D, E, K). Some laxatives combine liquid kerosene with a ballast laxative, an osmotic laxative or a stimulant laxative.
Stimulant laxatives increase intestinal motricity. Treatment with stimulant laxatives should always be brief (no more than 8-10 days), as over time they can lead to dependence and serious intestinal disorders. They are not recommended for pregnant women.
Rectal laxatives (also known as contact laxatives) are recommended as a first-line treatment for constipation of rectal origin (or distal constipation, characterized by a sensation of anal obstruction, incomplete evacuation and pushing). These laxatives cause stools to be expelled by contraction of the rectum. They should not be used for prolonged periods, as they may interfere with the normal contraction reflex of the rectum, which allows stools to be evacuated.
Re-education by specialized physiotherapists ( biofeedback perineal re-education) can be proposed in cases of distal constipation. The aim is to re-educate rectal motricity. The effectiveness of such re-education depends on a number of factors, including patient motivation.
The combination of EDUCTYL suppositories and biofeedback is often recommended.
Injection of botulinum toxin may also be proposed for constipation of rectal origin, but the modalities of injection are not yet defined.
In the case of prolapse, a surgical approach may be considered to improve constipation of rectal origin. Two standard surgical solutions have been shown to be effective: rectopexy (a procedure that fixes the rectum to prevent it from descending) and STARR (removal of part of the wall of the lower rectum).
(Source: https: //www.vidal.fr/maladies/estomac-intestins/constipation-adulte/traitements.html)
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