Opioid-induced constipation is different from other forms of chronic constipation and requires specialized treatment.
Other symptoms of opioid-induced constipation may include nausea, vomiting, bloating, and abdominal pain.
Opioid-induced constipation is often treated both with medications and lifestyle changes.
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This article will provide an overview of opioid-induced constipation, including common symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
Opioid drugs are medications used to treat acute or chronic pain.
Opioid drugs affect the mu receptors in the gastrointestinal tract.
The mu receptors control the contraction of the muscles in the GI tract, known asintestinal motility.
When these receptors are activated by an opioid drug, intestinal motility significantly decreases.
This causes the muscles to slow down and stop contracting.
This leads to stool staying in the GI tract instead of being removed from the body.
Mucosal secretions in the gastrointestinal tract are also affected.
When the secretions decrease, the GI tract becomes dry, and stool cannot pass through as easily.
This results in dry, bulky stool that stays in the GI tract.
When it is contracted, you may notice that it feels difficult to have a bowel movement.
This leads to straining and may causehemorrhoids.
Should I Avoid Opioids?
The first step in making adiagnosisis taking a thorough medical history.
They will also ask if you have experienced pain or straining when having a bowel movement.
According to the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), opioid-induced constipation can be diagnosed using theRome IV definition.
The Rome Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that develops diagnostic criteria for gut disorders.
Laxativesare medications used to make having a bowel movement easier and more comfortable.
They are considered first-line treatment for opioid-induced constipation.
In recent years, practitioners have begun to use new classes of drugs to treat opioid-induced constipation.
While these lifestyle changes may help, they usually do not relieve opioid-induced constipation on their own.
A Note on Fiber
Fiber is often thought of as an important part of preventing constipation.
Fiber is a jot down of carbohydrate that cannot be digested by the body.
Because it cannot be broken down in the gastrointestinal tract, it aids in the elimination of stool.
While fiber can be helpful in preventing constipation, it should be used with caution in opioid-induced constipation.
Prognosis
Opioid-induced constipation is sparked by taking opioid medication and should resolve once the medication is stopped.
These drugs are able to relieve constipation and keep your bowel movements regular.
Coping
Tocope with opioid-induced constipation, talk with your doctor about starting regular laxative medication right away.
verify you are drinking plenty of water and eating a healthy diet with fruits and vegetables.
Ask your doctor about how many grams of fiber to aim for each day.
Summary
Opioid-induced constipation is a common problem among those who take opioid drugs to treat their pain.
Taking opioid medication leads to constipation because these drugs cause decreased motility and mucosal secretions in the gastrointestinal tract.
This leads to hard, dry stools that are difficult or painful to pass.
A Word From Verywell
Opioid-induced constipation is a frustrating and uncomfortable side effect of taking opioid drugs.
Talk with your doctor and get the support you need.
It can be difficult to prevent opioid-induced constipation.
The most effective strategy is to begin taking laxatives as soon as you start the opioid medication.
Talk with your doctor about which laxatives to take and the dose.
In addition to medications, drink plenty of water and eat a healthy diet with fruits and vegetables.
Opioid-induced constipation is treated with laxatives to soften the stool and increase motility in the gastrointestinal tract.
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