Common Myths About Constipation Dispelled

[Guest guest]

Jan. 4, 2005 — A review article in the January issue of The American Journal of Gastroenterology dispels many of the common myths about constipation, such as that increased intake of fluids and fiber is necessary and that laxatives are harmful."Chronic constipation is uncomfortable, but not dangerous," lead author Stefan A. Müller-Lissner, MD, from Humboldt University in Berlin, Germany, says in a news release. "This might be the reason why medical doctors often do not take it seriously. There are many unproven beliefs about constipation, but most of them are not tenable upon closer investigation with scientific methods."The American College of Gastroenterology states that constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal (GI) tract complaints in the U.S. and in Western countries. In the U.S., there are at least 2.5 million physician visits for constipation each year, and costs of laxatives are in the hundreds of millions of

dollars.Based on a review of medical trials, the authors found no evidence for the "autointoxication" theory suggesting that diseases may arise when poisonous substances are absorbed from stools within the colon.Dolichocolon, defined as an elongated colon, does not appear to cause constipation. The role of sex hormones in changing GI tract function during the menstrual cycle seems to be minimal, whereas during pregnancy, sex hormones may contribute to slowed gut transit. Although hypothyroidism can cause constipation, hypothyroidism is rare in patients presenting with constipation.The authors suggest that a diet lacking fiber should not be assumed to be the cause of chronic constipation. Although some patients may benefit from a fiber-rich diet, many patients with more severe constipation get worse symptoms when increasing dietary fiber intake. Unless there is evidence of dehydration, there is no evidence that increasing fluid intake can

successfully treat constipation.Constipation may be associated with decreased physical activity in the elderly, but many other factors are likely to contribute. Nonetheless, intervention programs to increase physical activity as part of a broad rehabilitation program may be helpful.At recommended doses, stimulant laxatives are unlikely to be harmful to the colon. Although some patients with chronic constipation depend on laxatives for satisfactory bowel function, this is not the result of prior laxative intake. Tolerance to stimulant laxatives is uncommon; there is no evidence of "rebound constipation" after stopping laxative intake, and there is no potential for addiction even though laxatives may be misused.Chronic constipation appears to be associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer, but there are no data suggesting that stimulant laxatives are an independent risk factor for colorectal cancer."Patients may no

longer be bothered by ineffective advice regarding fiber and fluid ingestion nor threatened by the side effects of laxatives," Dr. Müller-Lissner says. "Also, unnecessary colonic resections may be avoided."Am J Gastroenterol. 2005;100:232-242http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/496828?sssdmh=dm1.234463 & src=top10

Dr.Venu Gopal Rao.T

M.D(Ayu)

AGASTHYA AYURVEDIC CENTER Send instant messages to your online friends http://au.messenger.

[Guest guest]

I don't agree at all with these findings which seem to

be influenced by MNCs making anti-constipation drugs

so that let people go on suffering from constipation,

thereby boosting the sales. But if that is so, it is

highly inhuman to make fellow human beings suffer so

that some Pharma companies make billions of dollars.

 

S. M. Acharya <smacharya

 

--- " Dr. Venu Gopal M.D (Ayurveda) "

<dr_venug wrote:

 

>

> Jan. 4, 2005 — A review article in the January issue

> of The American Journal of Gastroenterology dispels

> many of the common myths about constipation, such as

> that increased intake of fluids and fiber is

> necessary and that laxatives are harmful.

> " Chronic constipation is uncomfortable, but not

> dangerous, " lead author Stefan A. Müller-Lissner,

> MD, from Humboldt University in Berlin, Germany,

> says in a news release. " This might be the reason

> why medical doctors often do not take it seriously.

> There are many unproven beliefs about constipation,

> but most of them are not tenable upon closer

> investigation with scientific methods. "

> The American College of Gastroenterology states that

> constipation is one of the most common

> gastrointestinal (GI) tract complaints in the U.S.

> and in Western countries. In the U.S., there are at

> least 2.5 million physician visits for constipation

> each year, and costs of laxatives are in the

> hundreds of millions of dollars