Persistent Constipation

  written by: Muhammad Arif Rahimi

constipation has different types. Ordinary constipation might not last for a long time but some people complain from persistent constipation.

AEPO’s writer/producer has talked to some patients and a physician about this disease.

Muhammad Ibrahim, a resident of Barikaab town, Kabul province says: “I had persistent constipation and when I got hungry, I could not eat food because I was afraid that it might cause me more trouble. I was not able to ease myself in the toilet.”

Shahida, a resident of Shakardara district, Kabul province says: “My sister complains from persistent constipation. She goes to the toilet for four or five days and, she spends more time in the toilet. She has a cyst, and she suffers from stomachache too.”

Doctor Hasibullah Wardak, a physician in Istiqlal Hospital, Kabul city says: "Most commonly, though, constipation is said to occur when you have fewer than three times going to the toilet in a week; having hard, dry stool that's difficult to pass. The patient wastes more time in the toilet and he/she strains in the toilet to pass the stool. Sometimes the patient might feel stomachache, and if not treated on time, it might cause hemorrhoids and if it blocks the intestine, then it might take the patient’s life.

Poor diet and an inactive lifestyle are the most common causes of constipation.  lack of exercises and eating too much junk food could effect on the digestive system, lack of high-fiber foods (like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains), lack of water and other fluids could also be the causes of constipation.”

How do people treat constipation at home?

Abid, a resident of Maidan-Wardak province says that had been suffering from chronic constipation. He was taking fleawort (psyllium) with lukewarm water but it did not help more.

A teacher, Abdul Fatah, a resident of Shakardara district says: “I had chronic constipation and I was always taking Zarsarak (a medical herb found in Afghanistan), aniseeds and celery seeds and I got better with them.”

Mahjan, a resident of Kabul city says: “my son had persistent constipation. I gave him cassia with lukewarm water and his constipation problem is solved now.”

Doctor Wardak says that herbal treatment is useful for constipation because taking psyllium, cassia and aniseeds soften the stole and help it to pass easily.

How to solve this health problem permanently?

Painda Muhammad, a resident of Nangarhar province says: “I avoid hard foods, I always eat wholemeal bread, soft foods and I walk after eating and now I feel better.”

Engineer Abdul Fatah says: “I divided my daily meal into 6 times a day and I drink two or three glass water before the meal and I do my exercises after each meal and now my constipation problem is solved.”

Doctor Wardak says: “we solve most consistent constipation by foods. we recommend the patients to take fiber-rich foods like banana, apple, oranges, raspberry, mango, and dark-colored vegetables as their daily foods. Soft foods and drinking more water or tea are also more useful in constipation. If they drink about 8-10 glass water daily and do regular exercises, their constipation problem would be solved. The patient should regularly to the toilet. For instance, if he/she goes to the toilet at 6 am, he should go to the toilet at the same time every day but he/she should not strain in the toilet. If the problem persists, she/he should go to the doctor for essential treatment.”