Constipation Specialist
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Gastro90210
Jonathan S Pourmorady, MD
Gastroenterology & Hepatology located in Los Angeles, CA & Garden Grove, CA
When you’re constipated, it can make you feel poorly and may be an indication of digestive problems. Jonathan Pourmorady, MD, of Gastro90210, offers holistic, integrated diagnosis and treatment of constipation at his offices in the Century City neighborhood of Los Angeles and Garden Grove, California. For treatment of your chronic constipation, call the nearest office or schedule an appointment online.
Constipation Q & A
What is constipation?
Constipation is one of the most common digestive issues in the United States. The American College of Gastroenterology defines constipation as unsatisfactory defecation due to infrequent stools, difficult-to-pass stools, or both.
Typically, health care providers diagnose constipation when you have hard, dry stools or pass stool less than three times a week. Chronic constipation lasts several weeks or more and may require medical intervention.
Constipation happens when the digestive process is too slow. The large intestine absorbs water from the solid waste produced by the body. When you have digestive issues that cause the stool to linger in the colon, it becomes hard and dry and difficult to pass.
Chronic constipation becomes an issue when you don't eliminate stool effectively, your body continues to produce stool, and your intestines get backed up. You have difficulty passing large amounts of dry stool, your colon doesn't empty well, and the cycle continues.
What causes constipation?
Typically, you can treat constipation without medical intervention by working to reverse the most common underlying causes of constipation.
Common causes include:
- A low-fiber diet
- Dehydration
- Travel
- Lack of activity or exercise
- Side effects of medications
Other, more serious causes of constipation may include:
- A bowel obstruction
- Colon cancer
- Nerve damage
- Neurological disorders
- Overuse of laxatives
Dr. Pourmorady creates a personalized treatment plan to relieve your constipation based on the cause, not just the symptoms.
What are the treatments for constipation?
Depending on why you may be experiencing constipation, the Gastro90210 team may recommend:
- Drinking 1-2 quarts of water a day
- Eating a high-fiber diet
- Maintaining an active lifestyle
- Limiting caffeine or alcohol intake
- Avoiding laxatives
- Incorporating a daily fiber supplement
If these simple interventions don't help relieve your constipation, or you show other symptoms, such as bloody stools, severe abdominal pain, or sudden changes in your bowel patterns, Dr. Pourmorady may suggest further testing.
What tests can help diagnose constipation?
To investigate your constipation or associated symptoms more thoroughly, Dr. Pourmorady may recommend any of the following:
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- X-rays
The primary purpose of your holistic, integrated treatment plan is to treat the underlying causes of your constipation and help you get long-term relief.
For expert diagnosis and treatment of your constipation, call Gastro90210 or schedule an appointment online today.
