Constipation is a common digestive issue that affects millions worldwide. Understanding its connection with the sigmoid colon—the part of your large intestine closest to the rectum—can help you manage and prevent this uncomfortable condition. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the sigmoid colon and constipation in simple, easy-to-understand language.
The sigmoid colon is the S-shaped last part of the large intestine, connecting the descending colon to the rectum. It plays a crucial role in storing feces until they are ready to be expelled from the body.
Constipation is a condition where you have infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stools. It can cause discomfort, bloating, and a feeling of incomplete evacuation.
Anatomy of the Sigmoid Colon
Structure
- Shape and Location: The sigmoid colon is shaped like an “S” and is located in the lower left part of the abdomen.
- Function: It stores fecal matter before moving it into the rectum for elimination.
Blood Supply
- Arteries: The sigmoid colon receives blood from the sigmoid arteries, branches of the inferior mesenteric artery.
- Veins: Blood drains through sigmoid veins into the inferior mesenteric vein.
Nerve Supply
- Autonomic Nervous System: The sigmoid colon is innervated by the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary actions like muscle contractions.
- Enteric Nervous System: It also has its own network of nerves that help regulate digestive processes.
Types of Constipation
- Acute Constipation: Short-term, often due to changes in diet or stress.
- Chronic Constipation: Long-term, lasting weeks or months.
- Primary Constipation: No underlying medical condition; includes slow transit and pelvic floor dysfunction.
- Secondary Constipation: Caused by medications or medical conditions like hypothyroidism.
Causes of Constipation
- Low-fiber diet
- Inadequate fluid intake
- Lack of physical activity
- Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement
- Medications (e.g., painkillers, antidepressants)
- Medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, Parkinson’s)
- Aging
- Pregnancy
- Stress and anxiety
- Changes in routine or travel
- Overuse of laxatives
- Hypothyroidism
- Intestinal obstruction
- Neurological disorders
- Structural abnormalities in the colon
- Dehydration
- Excessive dairy intake
- Excessive use of antacids containing aluminum
- Eating disorders
- Lack of dietary diversity
Symptoms of Constipation
- Infrequent bowel movements
- Difficulty passing stools
- Hard or lumpy stools
- Straining during bowel movements
- Feeling of incomplete evacuation
- Abdominal bloating
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Rectal bleeding (from straining)
- Hemorrhoids
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Backache
- Fecal impaction
- Reduced appetite
- Feeling of fullness
- Irritability
- Infrequent gas passage
- Skin irritation around the anus
Diagnostic Tests for Constipation
- Physical examination
- Digital rectal exam
- Blood tests (to check for thyroid or metabolic issues)
- Stool tests
- Abdominal X-ray
- Colonoscopy
- Sigmoidoscopy
- Colon transit study
- Anorectal manometry
- Defecography
- CT scan of the abdomen
- MRI of the pelvis
- Ultrasound of the abdomen
- Barium enema
- Breath tests
- Electromyography (EMG)
- Neurological evaluations
- Genetic testing (for specific conditions)
- Hormone level tests
- Capsule endoscopy
Non-Pharmacological Treatments for Constipation
- Increase dietary fiber intake
- Drink plenty of water
- Exercise regularly
- Establish a regular bowel routine
- Respond promptly to the urge to defecate
- Use of stool softeners
- Fiber supplements (e.g., psyllium)
- Probiotics
- Yoga and stretching exercises
- Massage of the abdomen
- Biofeedback therapy
- Squatting position during bowel movements
- Avoid delaying bathroom visits
- Limit high-fat and low-fiber foods
- Incorporate whole grains
- Eat more fruits and vegetables
- Reduce intake of dairy products
- Limit caffeine and alcohol
- Practice relaxation techniques
- Use of warm baths to relax muscles
- Herbal remedies (e.g., senna, cascara sagrada)
- Avoid excessive use of over-the-counter laxatives
- Incorporate bran into the diet
- Use of magnesium-rich foods
- Increase intake of healthy fats
- Avoid processed foods
- Keep a food diary
- Manage stress effectively
- Ensure adequate sleep
- Avoid excessive red meat consumption
Drugs Used for Constipation
- Bulk-forming laxatives: Psyllium (Metamucil), Methylcellulose (Citrucel)
- Stool softeners: Docusate sodium (Colace)
- Osmotic laxatives: Polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX), Lactulose
- Stimulant laxatives: Bisacodyl (Dulcolax), Senna (Senokot)
- Lubricant laxatives: Mineral oil
- Prokinetic agents: Prucalopride
- Chloride channel activators: Lubiprostone (Amitiza)
- Guanylate cyclase-C agonists: Linaclotide (Linzess)
- Serotonin receptor agonists: Tegaserod (Zelnorm)
- Enemas: Fleet Enema
- Suppositories: Glycerin suppositories
- Fiber supplements: Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon)
- Magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia)
- Bisacodyl extended-release tablets
- Sodium phosphate enemas
- NITRIC oxide donors
- Naloxegol (Movantik)
- Methylnaltrexone (Relistor)
- Prucalopride
- Rifaximin (for specific cases)
Surgeries for Constipation
- Colectomy: Removal of part of the colon
- Sigmoid resection: Removal of the sigmoid colon
- Anorectal myectomy: Removal of muscles for better stool passage
- Bowel bypass surgery
- Sacral nerve stimulation: Electrical impulses to nerves
- Colostomy: Creating an opening from the colon to the abdomen
- Rectopexy: Fixing the rectum in place
- Antegrade continence enema (ACE) procedure
- Hemorrhoidectomy: Removal of hemorrhoids causing obstruction
- Laparoscopic surgery for bowel obstruction
Prevention of Constipation
- Eat a high-fiber diet
- Stay hydrated
- Exercise regularly
- Establish a regular bathroom routine
- Don’t ignore the urge to go
- Limit intake of processed foods
- Include probiotics in your diet
- Manage stress effectively
- Avoid excessive use of laxatives
- Maintain a healthy weight
When to See a Doctor
- Persistent constipation: Lasting more than three weeks
- Severe pain: In the abdomen or rectum
- Blood in stools: Indicates possible complications
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever: Could signal an underlying infection
- Sudden change in bowel habits: Especially in older adults
- Difficulty swallowing or pain during bowel movements
- Constipation after surgery or childbirth
- Family history of colon cancer
- Constipation accompanied by other unusual symptoms
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What exactly is the sigmoid colon?
- The sigmoid colon is the final section of the large intestine before the rectum, shaped like an “S.”
- How does the sigmoid colon relate to constipation?
- It stores stool until it’s ready to be expelled. If stool stays too long, it can become hard and lead to constipation.
- What are common causes of constipation?
- Low fiber diet, dehydration, lack of exercise, medications, and medical conditions.
- Can stress cause constipation?
- Yes, stress can affect your digestive system and lead to constipation.
- How much fiber should I eat to prevent constipation?
- Adults should aim for 25-30 grams of fiber daily from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Is it normal to use laxatives regularly?
- Regular use of laxatives can lead to dependency and should be done under medical supervision.
- What foods help relieve constipation?
- Foods high in fiber like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
- Can drinking water prevent constipation?
- Yes, staying hydrated helps soften stool and promotes regular bowel movements.
- When should I worry about constipation?
- If it’s persistent, accompanied by severe pain, blood in stool, or unexplained weight loss.
- Are there natural remedies for constipation?
- Yes, increasing fiber and water intake, exercising, and certain herbal teas can help.
- How does exercise help with constipation?
- Physical activity stimulates intestinal muscles, promoting regular bowel movements.
- Can certain medications cause constipation?
- Yes, painkillers, antidepressants, and some blood pressure medications can lead to constipation.
- Is constipation more common in older adults?
- Yes, aging can slow down the digestive system, increasing the risk of constipation.
- Can pregnancy cause constipation?
- Yes, hormonal changes and pressure on the intestines during pregnancy can lead to constipation.
- What is a healthy bowel movement frequency?
- Anywhere from three times a day to three times a week is considered normal.
Conclusion
Understanding the role of the sigmoid colon in digestion and the various factors contributing to constipation is essential for maintaining good digestive health. By recognizing the causes, symptoms, and treatment options, you can take proactive steps to prevent and manage constipation effectively. Remember, if you experience persistent or severe symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment.
Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, treatment plan, life style, food habit, hormonal condition, immune system, chronic disease condition, geological location, weather and previous medical history is also unique. So always seek the best advice from a qualified medical professional or health care provider before trying any treatments to ensure to find out the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. Regular check-ups and awareness can help to manage and prevent complications associated with these diseases conditions. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this website or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. We always try to ensure that the content is regularly updated to reflect the latest medical research and treatment options. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.
