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Constipation

Constipation services offered in Waldorf and Oxon Hill, MD

Constipation requires medical care if you have infrequent bowel movements and issues like pain or blood in your stool. At GI Associates of Maryland, with an office in Waldorf, Maryland, and an endoscopy center conveniently next door, the talented gastroenterology specialists team approaches constipation by finding the cause of your symptoms. They prescribe individualized treatments to get your digestive system back on track so you can enjoy life without the inconvenience and discomfort of constipation. Book your appointment online or call the office today. 

Constipation Q & A

Is constipation common?

Constipation is quite common, affecting around 16% of all adults. Its incidence increases as you get older, and by age 60, one-third of all adults have constipation at any given time.

When is constipation considered chronic?

Constipation becomes chronic when you experience ongoing stool difficulties for at least three months. Common problems include:

  • Infrequent bowel movements (fewer than three per week)
  • Hard stools
  • Lumpy stools
  • Dry stools
  • Blood in stool
  • Pain passing stool
  • Difficulty passing stool
  • A feeling of fullness after passing stool
  • Need to remove stool manually 

Chronic constipation is usually a sign of an underlying condition that needs treatment, so if you’re struggling with these issues, it’s time to reach out to GI Associates of Maryland.

How can I bring constipation up to my doctor?

First, it’s significant to know that the GI Associates of Maryland team includes seasoned gastrointestinal field leaders with decades of experience managing constipation and digestive problems of all types. 

Tell the team what you’re struggling with, how often it happens, and whether you’ve noticed any correlations (for example, constipation after you eat certain foods). They listen attentively and work hand-in-hand with you to help you get relief.  

The team feels that talking frankly with your doctors is essential in getting an accurate diagnosis and finding treatment to relieve your constipation. They make it easy for you, so you never need to be hesitant or embarrassed. 

What is the best way to relieve constipation? 

Constipation treatments vary from lifestyle changes to over-the-counter medications and specialized disease treatments. Some of the different approaches include:

  • Increasing dietary fiber (eating more foods like veggies, fruits, and whole grains)
  • Increasing water intake
  • Laxatives
  • Enemas
  • Stool softeners
  • Prescription medication to improve fluid secretion into your intestine
  • Manual stool removal (performed by a physician wearing a glove)

If your constipation is related to a disease, for example, Crohn’s disease, colon cancer, celiac disease, or ulcerative colitis, you need a disease-specific treatment plan. The team provides medication, dietary guidance, and other noninvasive treatments to help you manage your condition.

GI Associates of Maryland never rushes to surgery; however, if you have severe chronic constipation due to a disease that’s treatable through surgery, they may recommend a procedure to remove part of your colon. 

For fast help with constipation, call GI Associates of Maryland or book your appointment online.