Constipation Explained: When It’s Simple—and When It Signals Something More

Constipation is one of the most common digestive complaints, affecting people of all ages. Many experience it occasionally, but for others it becomes a chronic issue that affects comfort, energy, and overall quality of life. While constipation is often related to diet, hydration, or lifestyle, it can also be a sign of an underlying gastrointestinal condition that requires medical evaluation. Dr. Husney helps patients understand the true cause of their constipation and offers advanced testing and treatment options for long-lasting relief.

Constipation occurs when stool moves too slowly through the colon, becoming dry, hard, and difficult to pass. This can lead to straining, abdominal discomfort, bloating, and a feeling of incomplete evacuation. While occasional constipation is normal, symptoms that persist for weeks, recur frequently, or significantly affect daily life may indicate a more complex issue. Factors such as low fiber intake, inadequate hydration, stress, medications, or hormonal changes can all contribute, but identifying the exact cause often requires a deeper evaluation.

In many patients, constipation is functional—meaning the digestive tract appears normal but is not working efficiently. Conditions such as IBS-C (Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation) can cause irregular bowel habits, abdominal pain, and bloating. Others may have a condition called slow-transit constipation, where the colon moves waste more slowly than usual. Some patients also experience pelvic floor dysfunction, meaning the muscles involved in bowel movements are not coordinating properly. This leads to difficulty passing stool even when the urge is present.

However, constipation can also be related to structural or inflammatory issues. Conditions such as strictures, rectoceles, anal fissures, or colon polyps can cause mechanical difficulty with bowel movements. Endocrine problems like hypothyroidism, neurologic disorders, and certain medications can also slow the digestive system. This is why a thorough assessment is important when constipation becomes chronic or unresponsive to simple treatments.

One of the most valuable tools Dr. Husney uses to evaluate chronic constipation is anorectal manometry, a specialized test that measures the strength and coordination of the rectal and anal muscles. This painless, office-based test helps diagnose pelvic floor dysfunction—one of the most underdiagnosed yet treatable causes of persistent constipation. The test shows whether the muscles relax properly during a bowel movement and whether there is adequate sensation and pressure in the rectum. Anorectal manometry allows Dr. Husney to tailor treatment precisely, often dramatically improving symptoms in patients who have struggled for years.

In addition to anorectal manometry, Dr. Husney may recommend stool studies, blood tests, colonoscopy, or imaging to rule out underlying disease. Once the cause of constipation is identified, treatment becomes much more effective. Options may include dietary adjustments such as increased fiber or low-FODMAP strategies, optimized hydration, medications that improve motility, probiotics, pelvic floor physical therapy, or targeted treatments for underlying conditions like IBS-C or hypothyroidism.

While constipation is common, it should not be ignored if it becomes persistent, painful, or disruptive. Difficulty passing stool, chronic straining, abdominal bloating, or a feeling of incomplete evacuation are signs that something more may be going on. Patients should also seek evaluation sooner if constipation is accompanied by weight loss, blood in the stool, severe abdominal pain, or a family history of colon cancer or inflammatory bowel disease.

With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, most patients experience significant improvement—even after years of symptoms. Dr. Husney provides a thorough, personalized approach, using advanced testing such as anorectal manometry to uncover the root cause and restore proper bowel function. If constipation is affecting your daily life, now is the time to get clear answers and lasting relief. Call our office today at 718-872-5270.