Chronic Constipation: When to Seek Help from a Specialist

Constipation is a common digestive complaint, but when it becomes chronic, lasting for weeks or months, it can seriously disrupt one's daily life. At South Island Gastroenterology Associates in Lawrence, NY, Dr. Steven Kadish and Dr. Jonathan Zinberg offer expert evaluation and care for patients struggling with chronic constipation. Seeking help from a specialist can be key to uncovering the cause and finding effective relief.

What Is Chronic Constipation?

Chronic constipation is more than the occasional slow-moving bowel movement. It typically involves fewer than three per week, hard or dry stools, straining, a feeling of blockage, or the feeling that you haven't emptied your bowels. When these occur for weeks or longer, it's time for a medical assessment.

What Causes Chronic Constipation?

Constipation can be linked to several factors, including low-fiber diets, dehydration, lack of exercise, or the use of certain medications, such as opioids or antidepressants. It is also frequently linked to underlying medical conditions like hypothyroidism, diabetes, IBS, or neurological disease. At times, structural issues or dysfunction can affect normal bowel function.

When to See a Specialist

While mild constipation can often be managed with dietary and lifestyle changes, specific signs signal the need for a gastroenterologist’s expertise. These include:

• Symptoms lasting more than three weeks despite home remedies
• Abdominal pain, bloating, or discomfort that interferes with daily life
• Blood in the stool or on toilet paper
• Unexplained weight loss
• A sudden change in bowel habits, including alternating constipation and diarrhea
• Difficulty passing stool, including the need for manual assistance
• A family history of digestive diseases or colorectal cancer

These symptoms may indicate serious concerns requiring diagnostic evaluation and a tailored treatment plan.

How a Specialist Can Help

Your South Island Gastroenterology Associates physician will thoroughly assess your symptoms, history, diet, and lifestyle. If needed, tests such as blood tests, imaging tests, colonoscopies, or anorectal manometry may be used to determine the cause of your constipation.

When diagnosis is straightforward, your treatment provider will create an individualized plan of care tailored to your needs. This plan can include dietary fiber and liquid recommendations, prescriptive medication, pelvic floor training, or, to the degree possible, surgical management to repair anatomic abnormalities.

Tips for Better Bowel Health

Alongside medical treatment, adopting a few habits can support more regular bowel movements. Eating more fiber-rich foods, staying hydrated, exercising consistently, and creating a daily routine for bathroom visits can all help. It’s also important to avoid long-term reliance on over-the-counter laxatives, as they may worsen the problem.

Take Control of Your Digestive Health

Chronic constipation shouldn’t be ignored, especially when it affects your comfort and quality of life. The South Island Gastroenterology Associates team in Lawrence, NY, is here to help you find answers and long-term relief. Call (516) 341-0990 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Steven Kadish or Dr. Jonathan Zinberg and take the first step toward better digestive health.