Urgent Care for Constipation Treatment in Burbank, CA

The general guideline for defining constipation is having fewer than three bowel movements a week. However, this can vary from person to person. A constipated person has fewer bowel movements than the norm due to a shift in their bowel movement pattern.

Constipation is also characterized by hard and dry stools. Constipation can cause painful bowel movements during which it is difficult to pass stools. A constipated individual may not feel like their bowels have been empty after a bowel movement.

Constipation occurs when there are fewer than three bowel movements per week. Chronic constipation is characterized by infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stools. Chronic constipation can interfere with some people’s daily activities, even though occasional constipation is very common. People with chronic constipation may strain excessively to pass stools. The underlying cause of chronic constipation can be addressed in part to treat it. Some cases of diarrhea, however, do not have a clear cause.

As a result of too much water absorbed from waste, the stool becomes hard in consistency and difficult to pass. As food passes through the digestive tract, nutrients are absorbed. Partially digested food (waste) is then transferred to the large intestine, commonly known as the colon.

The colon absorbs water from these wastes and produces stool as a result. The digestive tract may move food too slowly if you are constipated. The colon has a hard time absorbing water from waste because it has too much time to absorb it. The stool becomes dry, hard, and difficult to pass as a result. Constipation can be caused by lifestyle choices, medical conditions, medications, or pregnancy.

Constipation patients are often given recommendations on lifestyle changes they can make to promote overall health and eliminate constipation. Avoiding alcohol and caffeine while drinking plenty of water can help. Consuming more vegetables, fruits, and high-fiber foods, along with fewer high-fat foods like cheese, eggs, and meat can reduce constipation. It is often helpful to increase activity and exercise.

Your doctor may ask you to keep a food diary to determine which foods tend to cause constipation if its cause is not clear. Medications may also cause constipation, so you should speak with your healthcare provider about them. Medications for constipation are also available when provided by prescription. When constipation is caused by a structural problem in the colon, surgery may be necessary.

The most common gastrointestinal complaint here in the United States is constipation. At least 2.5 million people visit their doctors each year due to constipation. A lack of regular, soft bowel movements can lead to complications. It is important not to ignore constipation since it can lead to several complications and health problems in the long run.

A family doctor or general practitioner will likely be your first source of medical care for constipation. Depending on the severity of constipation, your doctor may refer you to a gastroenterologist (specialist in digestive disorders). It’s a good idea to be prepared for appointments because they can be brief and there will often be a lot of information to cover.

Patients in Burbank CA, can receive care at Burbank Urgent Care and Walk-In Clinic. As a top-rated urgent care, Burbank Urgent Care provides excellent, non-urgent, and preventative care services. The staff of trained medical professionals works with patients to provide guidance and care to combat cases of constipation as needed.

Reach out to us today and let us help keep your health in check. Our team of providers is here to serve you, and we look forward to meeting you at your next appointment. We serve patients from Burbank CA, Glendale CA, Pasadena CA, Beverly Hills CA, San Fernando CA, La Crescenta-Montrose CA, and Kagel Canyon CA.