![]() ![]() The patient swallows capsules containing small markers which are visible on X-ray. This test shows how well food moves through the colon. The scope blows air into the intestine to inflate it and make viewing the inside easier.Ĭolorectal transit study. A short, flexible, lighted tube, called a sigmoidoscope, is inserted into the intestine through the rectum. ![]() A sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that allows the doctor to examine the inside of a portion of the large intestine, and is helpful in identifying the causes of diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, abnormal growths, and bleeding. The colonoscope allows the doctor to see the lining of the colon, remove tissue for further examination, and possibly treat some problems that are discovered. It involves inserting a colonoscope, a long, flexible, lighted tube, in through the rectum up into the colon. Colonoscopy is a procedure that allows the doctor to view the entire length of the large intestine, and can often help identify abnormal growths, inflamed tissue, ulcers, and bleeding. An X-ray of the abdomen shows strictures (narrowed areas), obstructions (blockages), and other problems.Ĭolonoscopy. A fluid called barium (a metallic, chemical, chalky, liquid used to coat the inside of organs so that they will show up on an X-ray) is given into the rectum as an enema. A lower GI series is a procedure that examines the rectum, the large intestine, and the lower part of the small intestine. Lower GI (gastrointestinal) series (also called barium enema). This examination also helps detect tenderness, obstruction, blood, amount and caliber of stool, and if enlargement of the rectum is present. A physical examination may also include a digital rectal examination (DRE), in which the doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to evaluate the tone of the muscle that closes off the anus. The doctor will ask for a description of the constipation, including duration of symptoms, frequency of bowel movements, and other information to help determine the cause of the constipation. The doctor will also take into account the patient's age, and whether there is blood in the stool, recent changes in bowel habits, or weight loss. The tests performed by a doctor will depend on the duration and severity of the constipation, since most persons experience constipation at one time or another. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis. The symptoms of constipation may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Symptoms may include:īowel movements fewer than three times a week However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. The following are the most common symptoms of constipation. Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movementĬhanges in habits or lifestyle, such as travel, pregnancy, and old age Some of the most common causes of constipation include the following: When the colon's muscle contractions are slow or sluggish, the stool moves through the colon too slowly, resulting in too much water being absorbed. Muscle contractions then push the stool toward the rectum, and, by the time the stool reaches the rectum, most of the water has been absorbed, making the stool solid. Normally, as food moves through the colon (also known as the large intestine) the colon absorbs water while forming stool (waste products). Hard, dry stools are the result of the colon absorbing too much water. Constipation is the most common gastrointestinal complaint, resulting in 2.5 million doctor visits annually. However, normal stool elimination may consist of having a bowel movement three times a day or three times a week it depends on the person.Ībout 4 million people in the United States have frequent constipation. Generally, a person is considered to be constipated when bowel movements result in passage of small amounts of hard, dry stool, usually fewer than three times a week. Constipation is a condition in which a person has uncomfortable or infrequent bowel movements.
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