Piku Got it Right, Many Urban Indians Suffer from Constipation

14% of India’s urban population suffers from chronic constipation compared to the worldwide average of 10%.

(Photo: iStock)

This shit is crazy!

A total of 14% of the urban population in the country is suffering from chronic constipation – 4% higher than the world average which stands at 10%, a recent study has revealed.

And that’s not all. 20% (2 out of 10) of people in the age group of 45 to 65 years suffered from chronic constipation in 2014, against an overall average of 14%, according to the Abbott Gut-Health Survey.

When Does One Suffer from Chronic Constipation?

Ideally, a patient suffers from chronic constipation when the person is unable to defecate for more than three times in a week and around three months or more at a stretch.

Other symptoms experienced are abnormally hard stools, the need to strain very hard to pass motions, feeling of incomplete evacuation or a feeling of bowel obstruction.

Coimbatore, the Worst

Abbott, a US healthcare group in partnership with IPSOS India, conducted the survey with 3,500 people in six cities across the country.

Coimbatore – also known as Kovai in Tamil Nadu – seems to have the most number of people (21%) suffering from chronic constipation. And it is 13% in Delhi and Kolkata.

Lucknow, meanwhile, has the least at 2%. But the report revealed that the incidence of acute pain during bowel movements was the worst among the Lucknow participants – at 93%.

Only After Multiple Times

The survey also reveals that about 80% of the people with chronic constipation looked for a solution only after they faced the issue multiple times.

While the relief to this nagging issue is easy, people with constipation generally try out multiple self-medication options and come to a doctor only after the issue has become chronic.

Constipation is often considered a taboo in India and people are hesitant to talk about it, in spite of the high incidence. Untreated constipation can lead to complications like fecal incontinence, haemorrhoids and anal fissures. Greater awareness, timely action, lifestyle modifications and eating right can help people lead a healthy and active life.
– Dr Rajesh Sainani, a gastroenterologist at Mumbai’s Jaslok Hospital