Here’s Everything You Need To Know About slow transit constipation

Lazy bowel syndrome falls under the umbrella of chronic constipation, which is characterized by infrequent bowel movements (less than three bowel movements per week) due to difficulty with passing stools (i.e., feces). Chronic constipation typically persists for several weeks or longer.

What are the signs and symptoms of lazy bowel syndrome?

Lazy bowel syndrome is commonly characterized by symptoms of constipation, which is defined as having a bowel movement fewer than three times per week. Individuals with sluggish bowel syndrome may also have hard stools that are difficult to pass, resulting in straining, painful bowel movements and hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins in the lowest part of the rectum and anus.

Other symptoms of lazy bowel syndrome include abdominal bloating and/or pain, nausea, and the inability to control bowel movements, resulting in uncontrollable soiling, poor appetite, bloody stool, and diarrhea.

How is lazy bowel syndrome diagnosed?

Lazy bowel syndrome is commonly diagnosed by a medical professional after a thorough evaluation of an individual’s signs, symptoms, and medical history. Subsequently, a physical exam to check for abnormalities of the rectum, anus, and pelvic floor muscles may also be conducted.

Prior to proceeding with further diagnostic tests, a trial of dietary fiber supplementation with or without the use of laxatives may be recommended to relieve constipation. If this trial does not relieve constipation, further investigations may be conducted.

Additional tests may be conducted to support diagnosis, such as a blood test and stool sample. Imaging techniques, such as an abdominal X-ray, ultrasound, and colonoscopy, may be conducted to detect any abnormalities of the digestive tract, such as a blockage.

Specialized imaging techniques, such as barium radiographs, colon transit studies, and motility studies, may also be performed in order to further study the functioning of the gastrointestinal system. For example, anorectal manometry, which is a test that measures how well the rectum and anal sphincters work together to eliminate feces, or a balloon expulson test, which is a method used to investigate defecatory disorders, may be conducted.

How is lazy bowel syndrome treated?

Treatment of lazy bowel syndrome typically consists of a combination of lifestyle changes and medical therapies. Oftentimes, treating the underlying cause of lazy bowel syndrome, such as treating hypothyroidism, can treat lazy bowel syndrome. Regardless, many treatment options are focused on relieving chronic constipation, which directly results from lazy bowel syndrome.

Lifestyle changes may involve light exercise to enhance blood circulation through the abdomen, thereby increasing bowel motility and relieving constipation. Specific postures, such as squatting during a bowel movement, may also be tried to facilitate bowel release.

Dietary changes, such as increasing water and probiotic intake (i.e., yogurt or supplements) while limiting dairy, caffeine, and heavily processed foods, may be an effective treatment for lazy bowel syndrome and chronic constipation. Evaluating and correcting fiber intake in consultation with a medical professional may also be used as treatment as too much or too little dietary fiber may contribute to lazy bowel syndrome.