Constipation

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3rd Herbal Therapeutics Flashcards on Constipation, created by carlymerlo on 11/08/2013.
carlymerlo
Flashcards by carlymerlo, updated more than 1 year ago
carlymerlo
Created by carlymerlo over 11 years ago
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Question Answer
What is constipation? It is persistently difficult and infrequent passage of stools which involves straining, or an urge to have a bowel movement, but can only pass a small amount
What are the possible causes of constipation? Insufficient dietary fiber and fluid Decreased liver and bile function Side effects of drugs Little exercise IBS Hypothyroidism Pregnancy Anxiety and stress Inappropriate bowel flora Diverticular disease Age
Signs and symptoms Bowel pain and rectal discomfort Abdominal fullness Nausea Anorexia Malaise Faecal impaction with diarrhoea ulceration of colon intestinal obstruction
What are the two types of constipation? Spasmodic / spastic constipation Atonic constipation
define spasmodic constipation Urge but no surge Knotted stool Unsatisfactory evacuation Spasm in colon ineffectual peristaltic motion Flatus pain
Define Atonic constipation As the bowel becomes less used, the reflex is ignored and the person loose the urge to go to the toilet They become less aware of rectal fullness and feel full Bowel movements become more difficult May not have a bowel movement for days More likely to have one large stool Flatus
What are the common features of constipation? Poor liver function and bile production- bile promotes intestinal peristalsis, as well as carrying wastes to the intestines for further elimination
What is a common feature of constipation? Imbalance between the PSNS and the SNS
Why is serotonin involved in constipation? serotonin initiates peristaltic, secretory, vasodilatory, vagal and nociceptive pain reflexes
What dietary and lifestyle factors cause constipation? Insufficient soluble and insoluble fiber Lack of exercise Decreased water intake
Therapeutic Aims and Actions 1. Reduce spasms and ineffectual peristalsis spasmolytics
2. support the nervous system nervines sedatives anxiolytics
3. Improve bile productions and liver functions Choleretics Hepatics
Increase finer? Mucilages Bulking laxatives
improve overall functioning of the digestive tract? bitters Carminatives
What do visceral spasmolytics do? Relieves smooth muscle contractions
What are the visceral spasmolytics? Angelica archangelica - wild cherry Dioscorea villosa - wild yam Foeniculum vulgare - fennel Matricaria recutita - chamomile Melissa officinalis - Lemon balm Mentha piperita - Peppermint Valeriana officinalis - valerian Viburnum opulus - cramp bark
What are the bulking laxatives? Linum usitatissiumumm - Flax seed Plantago psyllium - psyllium Ulmus rubra - raspberry leaf
What are the laxative herbs Aloe barbadensis - aloe vera Cassia senna - senna pods Rhamnus pushiana - bearberry Rheumex crispus - curly dock Juglan cinera - butternut Juglans nigra - black walnut
What are the therapeutic actions for constipation? 1. Improve bile production and liver function -Choleretics -Hepatics
How do we Increase fiber intake in constipation? Mucilages Bulking laxatives
How do we improve overall functioning of the digestive tract? Bitter Carminatives Aromatic digestives
How do we encourage direct evacuation of the bowels Stimulating laxatives
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