It’s not unusual to experience constipation every once in a while, but if you’re having a difficult time passing stools on a regular basis, the experienced team at Gastroenterology Associates of Central Georgia can help. The board-certified gastroenterologists take a proactive approach to care and can design a plan to alleviate your constipation and normalize bowel function. Call the office in Macon, Georgia, today.

Bowel function differs from person to person. However, you may be dealing with constipation if you’re:

Having fewer than three bowel movements a week

Passing hard, dry stools

Experiencing pain during a bowel movement

Feeling as though you can’t completely empty your bowels

You may also experience stomach bloating, abdominal pain, or gas. In extreme cases, you may also have an inability to defecate at all. 

Constipation isn’t a disease but may be a symptom of an underlying health issue or condition. Common causes of constipation include:

Irritable bowel syndrome

Blockage in your colon or rectum

Neurological issues in your gastrointestinal system that slows movement

Pelvic floor disorder

Hormonal changes 

Low-fiber diet

Use of certain medications

Your constipation may lead to other health issues, such as hemorrhoids or fecal impaction. Your straining may also cause the tearing of your anal tissue (anal fissure) or rectal prolapse (rectal tissue protruding through your anus).

The team at Gastroenterology Associates of Central Georgia recommends you contact the office any time you’re experiencing changes in bowel habits, which includes both constipation and diarrhea. You should also contact the team if it’s been several days since you’ve had a bowel movement or you’re experiencing severe abdominal pain. 

The team conducts a comprehensive evaluation when you come to the office with concerns about constipation. In addition to reviewing your symptoms and medical history and performing a physical, the team may request diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of your constipation, such as:

Blood tests

Abdominal ultrasound

Colonoscopy

Colonic transit study

Understanding the cause of your constipation helps the team determine the best treatment plan to normalize your bowel movements. 

The team at Gastroenterology Associates of Central Georgia develops individualized treatment plans for the management of constipation. You may first benefit from lifestyle changes to improve bowel function, such as:

High-fiber diet

Increased water intake

Regular exercise

Taking your time during a bowel movement

If lifestyle changes fail to improve your constipation, the team may suggest medications, such as laxatives. The team may recommend surgery if your constipation is due to a bowel blockage or narrowing of your large intestines. 

For expert care of your constipation from a team who takes a proactive approach, contact Gastroenterology Associates of Central Georgia by phone.