A person who has fewer than three bowel movements per week suffers from this condition. “Although occasional constipation is very common, some people experience chronic constipation which can significantly affect their daily life and quality of life. This condition is not serious in itself. However, if someone neglects the condition, it could lead to prolonged and chronic constipation which is associated with various diseases of the rectal system, either as a symptom or as a cause of their appearance” points out the Mr. Dimitrios Mousiolis General SurgeonDirector of the 1st Surgical Clinic for Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Rectal and Rectal Surgery Metropolitan General.

Constipation and Hemorrhoids

“Constipation can be an aggravating factor for the manifestation of diseases related to the rectal system, such as hemorrhoids. Straining during bowel movements can cause the veins in the anus and lower rectum to swell.

Especially in cases of hard stools or intense strain, the hemorrhoidal veins in the anus or lower part of the rectum are compressed, causing inflammation in several cases. Hemorrhoids can cause irritation or itching around the anus, discomfort, pain or swelling in that area, and bleeding during bowel movements can also occur. In order to prevent the development or worsening of hemorrhoids, it is imperative to treat chronic constipation early and avoid straining during bowel movements. At the same time, it is important for patients to avoid sitting for long periods of time on the toilet, which can put pressure on the hemorrhoidal veins,” he emphasizes.

Constipation and anal fissures

“Constipation can be the cause of certain rectal diseases, such as anal stretch marks. An anal fissure is an elongated, painful tear in the tissue lining the anal canal that extends from the dentate line to the ring, reaching the fibers of the internal anal sphincter.

This tissue can be torn by the passage of hard stools or due to straining during bowel movements, two conditions that occur due to constipation. Symptoms of an anal fissure include a visible tear in the skin around the anus, pain during or after a bowel movement, or bright red blood on the toilet paper or in the stool after a bowel movement. To prevent and treat anal stretch marks, it is important to treat chronic constipation and avoid straining during bowel movements,” recommends the expert.

Constipation and Rectal Prolapse

Over time, it is possible that chronic constipation, due to prolonged strain, can cause rectal prolapse. Rectal prolapse is manifested by the abnormal protrusion of the rectal mucosa through the anus. Symptoms of rectal prolapse include a feeling of fullness or heaviness, while bleeding during bowel movements can also be detected.

At the same time, itching, irritation or pain may occur around the anus, while sufferers may also experience faecal incontinence. Many experience incontinence at the same time as constipation.

Constipation can be, in addition to being a cause and a symptom of more serious diseases. In some cases, constipation can even signal the presence of colon cancer. In fact, chronic constipation is one of the first signs of colon cancer.

Its most common symptom is a change in bowel habits. There may be increasing constipation or perhaps alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea. In the event that constipation is accompanied by unexplained weight loss, exhaustion, rectal bleeding, pain in the anus area or in the stomach that does not go away, it is imperative to visit a doctor in order to carry out tests for colon cancer”, concludes Mr Mousiolis. .