BCT # 4 (CONSTIPATION)

Constipation is defined as infrequent bowel movements (<3 times weekly), or passing stools less often than the person's own normal habit, or with difficulty, straining or pain. The ROME criteria for Constipation defines it as: the presence of >= 2 symptoms during bowel movements (BMs):

• Straining for >=25% of BMs
• Lumpy or hard stools in >= 25% of BMs
• Sensation of incomplete evacuations for in >= 25% of BMs
• Sensation of anorectal obstruction or blockage for in >= 25% of BMs
• Manual manoeuvres to facilitate at least 25% of BMs
• Fewer than 3 BMs per week

Chronicity entails constipation for the last 90 days, with onset >= 6 months ago.

It is essential to look into the frequency, nature and consistency of stools, presence of blood or mucus in stools, an alternating diarrhoea, pain, changes in bowel habit, diet and drugs in a case of constipation.

Action of Ingredients:

Calcarea fluorica: Internal or blind piles frequently, with pain in the back, generally far down the sacrum and constipation. Anal fissure.

Kali muriaticum: Constipation; light coloured stools. Pain in the stomach, with constipation. Anus sore, worse walking or after stools.

Natrum muriaticum: Constipation; stool dry, crumbling. Burning pain and stitching after stool. Anus contracted, torn, bleeding.

Silicea: Colic; cutting pain with constipation. Rectum feels paralyzed. Stools come down with difficulty; when partly expelled, recedes again. Great straining; rectum stings; closes on stool. Faeces remain for a long time in the rectum. Constipation always before and during menses; with an irritable sphincter ani.