Danger of constipation for the thyroid gland

Constipation is a problem that can be especially dangerous for people with hypothyroidism - a disease of the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism slows the work of many body systems, including digestion and elimination. And, unfortunately, some people can eventually come to chronic constipation.

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Visit doctor

If you suffer from chronic constipation and do not diagnose your thyroid gland, consult a doctor for a comprehensive assessment of the thyroid gland - this is an integral part of the overall assessment of the disease pattern. The doctor can also prescribe blood tests to rule out other diseases that can cause constipation.

Keep in mind that you should consult your doctor right away, as soon as your constipation bothers you, seemingly without reason. In addition, consult a doctor if constipation is accompanied by symptoms such as rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, cramps, nausea, vomiting, or noticeable weight loss.

In general, however, most doctors will begin a survey with a medical history and physical examination. The doctor should know about the frequency of your bowel movements, the characteristics of your stool, your food and drink, the medicines that you take, and your level of physical activity.

Typically, your doctor will do a physical examination, including examining your rectal area.

Especially for patients with thyroid disorders

Be absolutely sure that your thyroid gland requires an optimized treatment, as insufficient treatment can lead to constipation.

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Important note for patients with thyroid disease

Some high fiber foods that are used to fight constipation are also zobogenic, which means that they stimulate an increase in the thyroid gland. And this can cause or exacerbate hypothyroidism. As a rule, the risk is highest when these products are consumed raw, regularly and in significant quantities. Cooking (heat treatment) eliminates most of the zobogenic properties.

Increase fiber intake with fiber supplements

Since it is difficult - to get the right amount of fiber per day, you can also consider additional fibers. They can include natural remedies: plantain seeds or flax seeds. They are mixed into juice, or food supplemented with fiber supplements. Fiber additives are considered laxatives and are called "bulk laxatives." They are usually safe, especially when compared with laxatives.

Note!

The increase in fiber in your diet can affect the decrease in the production of thyroid hormones. Do not forget to pay attention to thyroid treatment for at least two or three other methods, besides fiber-rich foods and supplements, if possible.

You should check your thyroid function again about eight weeks after the onset of a fiber-rich diet or supplements - you may need to increase the dose of the drug to account for hormone uptake and change in levels due to the intake of fibers.

Fiber supplements can also interact with other drugs other than those used to treat thyroid disorders. If you are taking any medications, be sure to discuss this with your vracha-gastroenterologist.

Changes in Lifestyle

Make sure you get enough fluid. This means that you consume at least 2-2.4 liters of fluid per day (not including caffeinated drinks), and even more if you are overweight. Daily exercises are also necessary. Even a short walk is useful for improving the functioning of the intestines.

Make sure that you have enough time and privacy for a comfortable bowel movement. And do not ignore, postpone or delay the urge to defecate.

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Traditional methods of osteopathic treatment

The osteopathic manipulation of a doctor who specializes in osteopathy (DO) can be a painless, effective and generally the best method of non-drug treatment of constipation for some people.

Laxatives

If you have tried diet and lifestyle changes and still suffer from chronic constipation, you should talk with your doctor about laxatives. Because of chronic constipation, the state of your health and, in particular, the thyroid gland needs to be evaluated by a doctor, and most laxatives can be addictive, so it is better not to be treated yourself with laxatives. Instead, talk to your doctor about alternative methods of dealing with constipation.

Laxatives are sold in various forms, including tablets, capsules, liquids, powders, chewing gum and "sweets."

Next steps

Sometimes chronic constipation can lead to additional complications. The most common are hemorrhoids, prolapse of the rectum or the retention of fecal masses. Ideally, a doctor's treatment should help avoid this kind of serious complications.

If diet, exercise, lifestyle changes and prescriptions or medications with the proper treatment of the thyroid gland is not a solution to chronic constipation, then consultations with a gastroenterologist for wider testing are needed, additional diagnostic methods are likely to be recommended.

Tests can include

• Colorectal and rectal examinations, monitoring how well food passes through the intestinal tract
• Anorectal functional tests, they are needed to evaluate the abnormal functioning of the anal sphincter or rectal muscles and the anal sphincter area
• Radiography, it can help in identifying violations
• A colonoscopy with barium enemas to identify obstructions in the colon, colon tumors or problems with the nerves of the rectum, examine the colon and the lower part of the small intestine
• Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, which involves the study of the inner surface of the intestine, using a long flexible tube of the colonoscope

More aggressive methods of treating severe constipation may include surgical treatment or more complex drug treatment regimens.