Parkinson’s Disease and Constipation: What is the Link?

 When you think about serious illnesses, constipation generally does not make the top of the list. It is usually considered a mild nuisance that causes temporary discomfort. Yet, it can be a symptom of a larger problem. For instance, issues with your brain or nervous system may affect nerve impulses to the muscles in your digestive system, causing irregularity in intestinal contraction.

Constipation is one of the most common and disabling non-motor symptoms among people with Parkinson’s Disease, sometimes appearing years before other symptoms or diagnoses.

The center for the best Parkinson’s Disease treatment in Bangalore states that Parkinson’s is one of the most common neurodegenerative conditions in the world. It primarily affects the nervous system causing the breakdown or death of nerve cells. 

This, in turn, impairs body movements and causes emotional changes, depression, loss of smell, dementia, and so on. Although Parkinson’s Disease is not fatal by itself, the symptoms are unpredictable, and the complications can be serious.

Here, we look at the relationship between Parkinson’s Disease and constipation, including the causes, treatments, and management of symptoms.

What is Constipation?

It can be defined as unsatisfactory defecation characterized by abdominal bloating and cramping along with infrequent stools and/or difficult stool passage. Difficult stool passage can include straining, incomplete evacuation, hard or lumpy stool, and prolonged time to pass stool.

Chronic constipation is defined as the presence of these symptoms for at least three months.

How Does Parkinson’s Disease Cause Constipation?

Parkinson’s Disease has varying effects on the brain and the body, many of which are still being researched. Several factors are believed to contribute to constipation among people with Parkinson’s.

●       Lack of dopamine: dopamine is a neurotransmitter and is involved in controlling muscle movements. People with Parkinson’s Disease have a lack of dopamine, which causes impairment of muscle movement throughout the body, including bowel muscles. This makes it more difficult for matter to be pushed through the gastrointestinal tract

●       Anorectal changes: research suggests that people diagnosed with Parkinson’s are more likely to have reduced anal sphincter pressure, causing straining or incomplete evacuation of stool

●       Poor muscle coordination: Parkinson’s Disease weakens the muscles of the bowels and pelvic floor. This means that those muscles may clench or relax unpredictably, making it difficult for a regular bowel movement to occur

●        Poor posture and inactivity: Parkinson’s Disease can lead to a hunched or bent posture. It also makes staying active a challenge, leading to a more sedentary lifestyle, which slows the passage of food through the digestive system

●        Difficulty in eating and drinking: adequate consumption of fluids and dietary fiber is necessary to prevent constipation. Since Parkinson’s Disease impacts the muscles used to chew and swallow, it may discourage patients from consuming enough fiber and fluids to have a healthy diet

 

●        Medication: some medications used to treat Parkinson’s Disease and related symptoms can reduce appetite and affect bowel movements. These include anticholinergic medications, which help to block involuntary movements of the muscles, as well as trihexyphenidyl, benztropine mesylate, and fluoxetine

Diagnosis and Treatment of Constipation in Parkinson’s Disease:

Since medical problems other than Parkinson’s Disease can cause constipation, doctors may carry out additional tests for diagnosis of the situation. These include:

●        Medical history

●        A detailed description of symptoms

●        Physical examination.

You are advised to see your doctor immediately if you:

●        Remain constipated for more than three weeks

●        Notice blood in your stool

●        Experience pain while passing stool

●        Have unexplained weight loss

Following diagnosis, treatments that medical professionals may suggest for constipation include: 

●        Dietary changes, including more easy-to-eat fibrous foods including soft or pureed fruit and vegetables, brown rice, pasta, bread, and drinking sufficient fluids

●        Moderate exercise determined by a specialist

●        Good toilet habits that include not straining on the toilet, going to the toilet as soon as you feel the urge, and using the correct posture (draw legs up on a footstool, rest elbows on knees, and straighten spine)

●        Avoidance of unnecessary medicines that contain substances, such as calcium and aluminum, known to cause constipation

●        Laxatives, particularly agents that bulk and lubricate the stools

●        Treatment for any other medical problem that may be contributing to your constipation, such as hemorrhoids (swollen veins in the anus)

Treatment and Outlook for Patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease:

The best Parkinson’s Disease treatment in Bangalore endeavors to achieve the desired results in the minimum possible time. Patients are provided with a holistic treatment approach which includes:

●       Prophylactic options such as Stem Cell Therapy and specific medication

●       A customized Regenerative Rehabilitation Program which comprises regular physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy

Patients are assisted in improving mobility and muscle strength, as well as trained in various techniques of communication. With the help of specialists, family, and proper self-care, people diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease can maintain a good quality of life.