Chronic constipation diagnosis and treatment in Los Angeles

Constipation Treatment in Los Angeles, CA

Chronic constipation can cause discomfort, bloating, straining, and a constant feeling of being backed up. While occasional constipation is common, ongoing symptoms often have an identifiable cause, such as diet, medications, methane-producing SIBO, or pelvic floor dysfunction. At LA Integrative Gastroenterology & Nutrition in Century City, our physicians use advanced testing and an integrative approach to find out why you are constipated and create a plan that restores regular, comfortable bowel movements.

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What Is Constipation?

Constipation generally means having fewer than three bowel movements per week, passing hard or lumpy stools, straining, or feeling that the bowel has not emptied completely. Occasional constipation is common, but symptoms that last for several weeks or keep returning are considered chronic constipation and deserve a careful evaluation.

Common Symptoms

  • Infrequent bowel movements
  • Hard, dry, or lumpy stools
  • Straining or pain during bowel movements
  • A feeling of blockage or incomplete emptying
  • Bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort
  • Needing to use pressure or changes in position to pass stool

See a doctor promptly if constipation is accompanied by rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, severe pain, or a sudden change in bowel habits, especially after age 45.

What Causes Constipation?

  • Low fiber or fluid intake and irregular meals
  • Limited physical activity
  • Medications such as opioids, some antidepressants, iron, calcium channel blockers, and antacids containing aluminum or calcium
  • Methane-predominant SIBO, which can slow intestinal transit
  • Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C)
  • Pelvic floor dysfunction, also called dyssynergic defecation
  • Hypothyroidism, diabetes, and electrolyte imbalances
  • Pregnancy, aging, and neurological conditions
  • Structural problems such as strictures or, less commonly, colon cancer

How We Diagnose Constipation

Your evaluation begins with a detailed history of your bowel habits, diet, medications, and other symptoms, along with a physical exam. Based on your needs, testing may include:

Integrative Constipation Treatment

Treatment is tailored to the cause. Your plan may include:

  • Dietary changes: the right types and amounts of fiber, adequate fluids, and a personalized plan from our digestive disorder diets
  • Treating SIBO: targeted therapy when methane-producing organisms are slowing transit
  • Biofeedback: ARM biofeedback to retrain pelvic floor muscles for patients with dyssynergic defecation
  • Supplements: magnesium, specific fibers, and other nutraceuticals when appropriate
  • Medication review and therapy: adjusting contributing medications and using prescription treatments when needed
  • Lifestyle support: movement, regular bathroom routines, and stress management through diet and lifestyle education

This approach reflects our functional medicine philosophy of treating the root cause. Explore our full list of conditions treated to learn more.

Constipation FAQs

How many bowel movements are normal?

Normal ranges from about three times a day to three times a week. Constipation is generally fewer than three per week or difficulty passing stool.

When should I see a doctor for constipation?

See a doctor if constipation lasts more than a few weeks, keeps recurring, or comes with blood in the stool, weight loss, severe pain, or a sudden change in bowel habits.

Can SIBO cause constipation?

Yes. Methane-producing organisms in the gut can slow intestinal movement. A breath test that measures methane can help identify this cause.

What is pelvic floor dysfunction?

It occurs when the muscles used for bowel movements do not coordinate properly, making stool difficult to pass even when it is soft. Anorectal manometry diagnoses it, and biofeedback can treat it.

Will adding more fiber help?

Fiber helps many people, but some types can worsen bloating, especially with SIBO or slow transit. Your doctor will recommend the right type and amount for you.

Are laxatives safe to use long-term?

Some laxatives are safe for regular use, while others are best used short-term. A doctor can help you choose the right option and address the underlying cause.

Do I need a colonoscopy for constipation?

A colonoscopy may be recommended if you are due for screening or have warning signs such as bleeding, weight loss, or a recent change in bowel habits.

Get Relief From Chronic Constipation in Los Angeles, CA

You do not have to keep living with constipation. Call LA Integrative Gastroenterology & Nutrition at (310) 289-8000 to schedule an evaluation and find the cause of your symptoms.

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