{"id":40791,"date":"2024-06-11T17:15:19","date_gmt":"2024-06-11T09:15:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/?post_type=health-article&#038;p=40791"},"modified":"2025-04-14T09:44:45","modified_gmt":"2025-04-14T01:44:45","slug":"alleviating-chronic-constipation","status":"publish","type":"health-article","link":"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/health-articles\/alleviating-chronic-constipation\/","title":{"rendered":"Alleviating Chronic Constipation"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"40791\" class=\"elementor elementor-40791\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-05429d1 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"05429d1\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8072abd elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8072abd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<p>Chronic constipation may seem like a mundane topic at first glance. However, it is a daily battle that many face in silence, struggling to answer nature&#8217;s call. It can feel like carrying an invisible burden that weighs on your daily routine, affecting everything from your mood to your productivity.<\/p><p>Do you feel weighed down by the relentless discomfort of chronic constipation? Fear not! From lifestyle tweaks to dietary do&#8217;s and don&#8217;ts, there are numerous ways to alleviate symptoms and ease the grip of constipation (pun intended!).<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-deb55ab elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"deb55ab\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024 *\/\n.elementor-column .elementor-spacer-inner{height:var(--spacer-size)}.e-con{--container-widget-width:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer{width:var(--container-widget-width,var(--spacer-size));--align-self:var(--container-widget-align-self,initial);--flex-shrink:0}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container{height:100%;width:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer{height:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer>.elementor-spacer-inner,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer>.elementor-spacer-inner{height:var(--container-widget-height,var(--spacer-size))}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty{position:relative;min-height:22px;min-width:22px}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty .elementor-widget-empty-icon,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer.elementor-widget-empty .elementor-widget-empty-icon{position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;left:0;right:0;margin:auto;padding:0;width:22px;height:22px}<\/style>\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3b5b3cc elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3b5b3cc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"subtopic01\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024 *\/\n.elementor-heading-title{padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>a{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-small{font-size:15px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-medium{font-size:19px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-large{font-size:29px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xl{font-size:39px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxl{font-size:59px}<\/style><h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Constipation: Not just a symptom <\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ca31de5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ca31de5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Constipation involves infrequent and difficult bowel movements, occurring three times a week or less. It is not merely a discomfort, but a significant symptom that warrants attention. Moreover, it can indicate underlying medical conditions such as colon cancer, hypothyroidism (lack of thyroid hormone), Parkinson&#8217;s disease, diabetes, depression, and intestinal obstruction. It is also prevalent among the elderly, pregnant women, and patients who are immobile due to recent surgery or spinal cord injuries.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-614dcd2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"614dcd2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d13014f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d13014f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"subtopic02\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The roots of this discomfort <\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-544d71c elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"544d71c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 15-07-2024 *\/\n.elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img[src$=\".svg\"]{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image img{vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"836\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/health-article-alleviating-chronic-image-1.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-40797\" alt=\"A person experiencing chronic constipation and stomach discomfort in the toilet\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/health-article-alleviating-chronic-image-1.jpg 836w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/health-article-alleviating-chronic-image-1-300x144.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/health-article-alleviating-chronic-image-1-768x367.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 836px) 100vw, 836px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a0ecce4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"a0ecce4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7b913b1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7b913b1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Many people mistakenly believe that constipation is a normal occurrence when in reality, it is not. Determining the root cause of constipation is essential, whether it originates within the colon, is influenced by external factors, or stems from habitual patterns.<\/p><p>Certain individuals may have naturally longer colons from birth, resulting in longer transit times and potential constipation. Others may experience constipation due to factors such as tumors or weakened pelvic floor muscles, which could be a result of previous surgery or trauma in that area.<\/p><p>Furthermore, poor bowel habits can significantly contribute to chronic constipation. These habits refer to behaviors that worsen or contribute to constipation, such as ignoring the natural urge to defecate, delaying bowel movements for extended periods, or avoiding defecation altogether.<\/p><p>Additionally, poor bowel habits can develop from early childhood if individuals frequently experience constipation and fail to establish <a href=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/health-articles\/7-key-tips-for-healthier-colon\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">healthy bowel routines.<\/a> Over time, irregularity and difficulty with bowel movements become the norm for the individual.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-21bdd5f elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"21bdd5f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b0f677d elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b0f677d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"subtopic03\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Heeding the warning signs<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1711770 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"1711770\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"836\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/health-article-alleviating-chronic-image-2.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-40798\" alt=\"Woman suffering from stomach pain, constipation, and bloating\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/health-article-alleviating-chronic-image-2.jpg 836w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/health-article-alleviating-chronic-image-2-300x144.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/health-article-alleviating-chronic-image-2-768x367.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 836px) 100vw, 836px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6fa09f9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"6fa09f9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-846d21f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"846d21f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Symptoms such as rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss are concerning and should prompt further investigation to rule out the possibility of malignancy. In addition, be mindful of other symptoms such as bloating, a sensation of blockage in the rectum, hard stool, anal pain, stomach pain, and cramps. It is crucial not to overlook these symptoms, as they serve as red flags for potential serious conditions.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/specialties\/gastroenterology\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Colonoscopy<\/a> is typically recommended for early detection, especially for patients with a family history of colon cancer or those aged 50 years and above, regardless of the presence of warning signs. This screening procedure plays a vital role in the early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer, allowing for timely intervention and improved outcomes.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-369e3db elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"369e3db\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-88c1cc7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"88c1cc7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"subtopic04\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Do not wait, act now!<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d7be18d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d7be18d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Constipation is considered as chronic if it persists for at least 12 weeks within a year, whether concurrently or cumulatively. If left unmanaged, chronic constipation can lead to a series of uncomfortable and potentially serious symptoms. These may include abdominal bloating, discomfort during bowel movements, rectal bleeding, the development of hemorrhoids, and even low back pain. Furthermore, individuals may experience complications such as anal fissures, urinary retention, and rectal prolapse.<\/p><p>In severe cases, chronic constipation can result in bowel obstruction caused by impacted stool. Impacted stool occurs when feces become hardened and compacted within the rectum or colon, making them difficult to pass. This condition may manifest as severe abdominal distension and vomiting, requiring medical intervention to relieve the blockage.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5bd84c0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"5bd84c0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4728659 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4728659\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"subtopic05\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Finding relief through practical solutions<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-595ad68 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"595ad68\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If constipation is not attributed to underlying medical conditions or medication side effects, several measures can be taken to alleviate the symptoms and improve bowel function.<\/p><p><strong>1. Increase dietary fiber intake<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3dcb2c4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"3dcb2c4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"836\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/health-article-alleviating-chronic-image-3.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-40799\" alt=\"High-fiber breakfast for digestion\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/health-article-alleviating-chronic-image-3.jpg 836w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/health-article-alleviating-chronic-image-3-300x144.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/health-article-alleviating-chronic-image-3-768x367.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 836px) 100vw, 836px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1741eee elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"1741eee\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3509243 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3509243\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFocus on incorporating a variety of vegetables and fruits into your meals. If it is challenging to consume sufficient fiber through whole foods, consider integrating fiber supplements into your diet. Options like wheat, psyllium, or methylcellulose can provide additional fiber to support digestive health and regular bowel movements.\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-71c056a elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"71c056a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-03f71c8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"03f71c8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>2. Enough hydration<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-faea5d1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"faea5d1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"836\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/health-article-alleviating-chronic-image-4.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-40800\" alt=\"Drinking water for digestion and avoid constipation\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/health-article-alleviating-chronic-image-4.jpg 836w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/health-article-alleviating-chronic-image-4-300x144.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/health-article-alleviating-chronic-image-4-768x367.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 836px) 100vw, 836px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b9678b9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"b9678b9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bb3b1dc elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"bb3b1dc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Ensuring adequate hydration is essential for overall health and in preventing constipation. It is recommended to increase water intake to at least eight glasses a day, with each glass containing approximately 250 milliliters. However, it is important to note that individuals with heart failure or kidney disease may need to adjust their fluid intake under the guidance of a healthcare professional.<\/p><p>Additionally, it is beneficial to be mindful of the diuretic effects of caffeine, tea, and alcohol, which can increase urine output and potentially lead to dehydration. Therefore, reducing or abstaining from these beverages may help in maintaining proper hydration levels and prevent constipation.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5d546ab elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"5d546ab\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2c35ef9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2c35ef9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>3. Regular physical activities<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7e8c321 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"7e8c321\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"836\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/health-article-alleviating-chronic-image-5.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-40801\" alt=\"Exercise for better digestion\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/health-article-alleviating-chronic-image-5.jpg 836w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/health-article-alleviating-chronic-image-5-300x144.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/health-article-alleviating-chronic-image-5-768x367.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 836px) 100vw, 836px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3632e4c elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"3632e4c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-06edd09 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"06edd09\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Engaging in regular physical activities, such as exercise, can promote healthy colonic function. By participating in more physical activity, individuals are able to stimulate and activate colon movements.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5ba5ead elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"5ba5ead\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e09df37 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e09df37\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>4. Seek professional help<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1471d95 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"1471d95\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"836\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/health-article-alleviating-chronic-image-6.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-40802\" alt=\"Get doctor consultation for constipation treatment\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/health-article-alleviating-chronic-image-6.jpg 836w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/health-article-alleviating-chronic-image-6-300x144.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/health-article-alleviating-chronic-image-6-768x367.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 836px) 100vw, 836px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e1ff842 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"e1ff842\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9c277cd elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9c277cd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/specialties\/gastroenterology\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Seeking professional help<\/a> for chronic constipation can provide individuals with personalized care and guidance to effectively manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Besides, medications are commonly prescribed to alleviate constipation. In some cases, individuals may need to take these medications for an extended period to effectively manage their symptoms. Typically, these medications are recommended when lifestyle changes, such as increasing fiber intake, staying hydrated, and engaging in physical activity have proven ineffective in providing relief from constipation.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Chronic constipation may seem like a mundane topic at first glance.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":40761,"template":"","topic":[116,95],"language":[137],"class_list":["post-40791","health-article","type-health-article","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","topic-gastroenterology","topic-general","language-en"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Chronic Constipation: Causes, Symptoms &amp; How to Relieve It - Columbia Asia Hospital<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Struggling with chronic constipation? Learn the causes, symptoms, and expert tips to relieve discomfort and improve gut health.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/health-articles\/alleviating-chronic-constipation\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Chronic Constipation: Causes, Symptoms &amp; How to Relieve It - Columbia Asia Hospital\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Struggling with chronic constipation? Learn the causes, symptoms, and expert tips to relieve discomfort and improve gut health.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/health-articles\/alleviating-chronic-constipation\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Columbia Asia Hospital I Private Hospital in Malaysia\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-04-14T01:44:45+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/health-article-alleviating-chronic-banner.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"836\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"400\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/health-articles\/alleviating-chronic-constipation\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/health-articles\/alleviating-chronic-constipation\/\",\"name\":\"Chronic Constipation: Causes, Symptoms & How to Relieve It - Columbia Asia Hospital\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/health-articles\/alleviating-chronic-constipation\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/health-articles\/alleviating-chronic-constipation\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/health-article-alleviating-chronic-banner.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-06-11T09:15:19+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-04-14T01:44:45+00:00\",\"description\":\"Struggling with chronic constipation? Learn the causes, symptoms, and expert tips to relieve discomfort and improve gut health.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/health-articles\/alleviating-chronic-constipation\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/health-articles\/alleviating-chronic-constipation\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/health-articles\/alleviating-chronic-constipation\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/health-article-alleviating-chronic-banner.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/health-article-alleviating-chronic-banner.jpg\",\"width\":836,\"height\":400},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/health-articles\/alleviating-chronic-constipation\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Health Articles\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/health-articles\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Alleviating Chronic Constipation\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/\",\"name\":\"Columbia Asia Hospital I Private Hospital in Malaysia\",\"description\":\"Surpassing two decades of providing private healthcare in Malaysia, we continue to bring reliable &amp; affordable medical services through our 13 hospitals.\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Chronic Constipation: Causes, Symptoms & How to Relieve It - Columbia Asia Hospital","description":"Struggling with chronic constipation? Learn the causes, symptoms, and expert tips to relieve discomfort and improve gut health.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/health-articles\/alleviating-chronic-constipation\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Chronic Constipation: Causes, Symptoms & How to Relieve It - Columbia Asia Hospital","og_description":"Struggling with chronic constipation? Learn the causes, symptoms, and expert tips to relieve discomfort and improve gut health.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/health-articles\/alleviating-chronic-constipation\/","og_site_name":"Columbia Asia Hospital I Private Hospital in Malaysia","article_modified_time":"2025-04-14T01:44:45+00:00","og_image":[{"width":836,"height":400,"url":"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/health-article-alleviating-chronic-banner.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"6 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/health-articles\/alleviating-chronic-constipation\/","url":"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/health-articles\/alleviating-chronic-constipation\/","name":"Chronic Constipation: Causes, Symptoms & How to Relieve It - Columbia Asia Hospital","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/health-articles\/alleviating-chronic-constipation\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/health-articles\/alleviating-chronic-constipation\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/health-article-alleviating-chronic-banner.jpg","datePublished":"2024-06-11T09:15:19+00:00","dateModified":"2025-04-14T01:44:45+00:00","description":"Struggling with chronic constipation? Learn the causes, symptoms, and expert tips to relieve discomfort and improve gut health.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/health-articles\/alleviating-chronic-constipation\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/health-articles\/alleviating-chronic-constipation\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/health-articles\/alleviating-chronic-constipation\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/health-article-alleviating-chronic-banner.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/health-article-alleviating-chronic-banner.jpg","width":836,"height":400},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/health-articles\/alleviating-chronic-constipation\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Health Articles","item":"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/health-articles\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Alleviating Chronic Constipation"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/","name":"Columbia Asia Hospital I Private Hospital in Malaysia","description":"Surpassing two decades of providing private healthcare in Malaysia, we continue to bring reliable &amp; affordable medical services through our 13 hospitals.","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/health-article\/40791","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/health-article"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/health-article"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/health-article\/40791\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":45665,"href":"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/health-article\/40791\/revisions\/45665"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/40761"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40791"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"topic","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/topic?post=40791"},{"taxonomy":"language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.columbiaasia.com\/malaysia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/language?post=40791"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}