Causes of Constipation

便秘的成因

Constipation usually occurs when contractions of the colon muscle are sluggish and that the faeces move through the colon too slowly, or if too much water is absorbed from the faeces in the colon. As a result, faeces become hard and dry, causing constipation.

便秘的成因通常是由于结肠肌肉收缩功能减弱，令粪便在结肠内蠕动过于缓慢而导致长时间停留，当粪便中过多水分被结肠吸走，粪便变的得干硬，不易排出，因而形成便秘。

Impact of Constipation

便秘的影响

Although symptoms of constipation are often intermittent with no lasting health effects, they can be uncomfortable and disturbing to daily life. If constipation is left untreated and lingers for too long, it can lead to complications. For example, as compared with patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease, patients with chronic constipation are 3.2 times as likely to have faecal impaction; 2.1 to 2.5 times as likely to have complications of anus and rectum such as ulcers or anal fissures; 1.6 times as likely to have rectal prolapse; and 1.2 times as likely to have haemorrhoids. A systematic review of 13 studies demonstrated that constipation could negatively affect physical health, social functioning and mental well-being in both adults and children; and the impact on quality of life was significant and comparable with other common chronic conditions such as diabetes, osteoarthritis or chronic allergies.

虽然说便秘的症状通常是间断的，不会对健康带来长远的影响，但是便秘会令人感到不适，并对日常生活造成困扰。若对便秘问题坐视不理，久而久之可能会引起并发症。举例说，与胃食道反流症的患者作比较，慢性便秘患者出现大便嵌塞的风险是前者的3.2倍；患肛门和直肠的并发症（如溃疡或肛裂）的风险是前者的2.1至2.5倍；患直肠下垂的风险是前者的1.6倍；而患痔疮的风险则是前者的1.2倍。一项综合13个研究的系统性回顾指出，便秘对成年人和儿童的生理健康、社交能力和精神健康均带来负面的影响；对患者生活质素会造成显著的影响，其程度并不亚于其他常见慢性病，如糖尿病、关节炎和慢性过敏症。

Constipation Prevention Tips

预防便秘的提示

Preventing constipation should be addressed as if preventing any other health problems — starting with a healthy lifestyle:

跟预防其他健康问题一样，预防便秘，应从实践健康生活方式开始：

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Eat a balanced diet with sufficient amounts of fibre-rich foods, such as dried beans and oats;

养成均衡的饮食习惯，多吃高纤维食物，例如干豆及燕麦（麦皮）；

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Drink adequate amounts of water every day;

每天摄取足够的水；

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Do physical activity regularly; Develop a regular bowel habit;

规律进行体能锻炼；

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do not ignore the urge to defecate;

养成定时排便的习惯，切勿忽视便意；

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Use laxatives with caution. Always seek advice from your family doctor or a pharmacist before using.

小心服用泻药。服用前应先咨询家庭医生或药剂师的意见。

Remember, constipation can also be a sign of a serious underlying disease. Consult your family doctor if you have persistent constipation, blood or mucus in faeces, unexplained weight loss, or any major change in bowel habits.

请紧记，便秘亦可能是患上严重疾病的先兆。因此，若便秘持续、粪便带血或黏液、出现无故的体重下降、或排便习惯有任何明显的改变，请就医。

（来源：香港卫生防护中心）

统筹：宁可儿

美编：晓马哥