<p>Bhaskor Banerjee had a tough time dealing with it in "Piku", but in reality, chronic constipation has significantly affected urban India's quality of life, a survey claimed on Wednesday.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Chronic constipation significantly impacts people's quality of life due to lack of sleep, and mental and physical stress, compared to those who do not have constipation, according to the "Gut-Health Survey".<br /><br />It said 14 percent of India's urban population suffer from chronic constipation, an inability to pass stool for more than three times a week and for more than three months at a stretch.<br /><br />The findings showed 60 percent of people with chronic constipation opted for home remedies as the most preferred treatment option for relief.<br /><br />However, half the people who self-medicate eventually visited a doctor for cure, said the survey.<br /><br />Irritability, lack of interest in work, mood swings, worry and embarrassment were the most common effects, noted among 3,500 individuals across six Indian cities - Mumbai, Delhi, Lucknow, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Coimbatore.<br /><br />The findings highlighted that incidence of constipation was higher in India than the worldwide average of 10 percent.<br /><br />Leading causes for constipation were "significantly higher frequency of eating non-vegetarian food, low water intake, snacking and eating fried, oily, spicy, junk and processed food".<br /><br />The survey said: "Three out of four people with chronic constipation said it leads to other medical problems/complications with piles and haemorrhoids, ulcers, abdominal pain and anal fissures as the leading issues."<br /><br />"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.<br /><br />"Untreated constipation can lead to complications like faecal incontinence, haemorrhoids and anal fissures. Greater awareness, timely action, lifestyle modifications and eating right can help people lead a healthy and active life," said Jyoti Ranjan Mohapatra, consultant gastrointestinal and liver diseases, associated with Peerless/Apollo Hospital.<br /><br />The survey was conducted by pharmaceutical firm Abbott along with Ipsos, a global market research agency.</p>
<p>Bhaskor Banerjee had a tough time dealing with it in "Piku", but in reality, chronic constipation has significantly affected urban India's quality of life, a survey claimed on Wednesday.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Chronic constipation significantly impacts people's quality of life due to lack of sleep, and mental and physical stress, compared to those who do not have constipation, according to the "Gut-Health Survey".<br /><br />It said 14 percent of India's urban population suffer from chronic constipation, an inability to pass stool for more than three times a week and for more than three months at a stretch.<br /><br />The findings showed 60 percent of people with chronic constipation opted for home remedies as the most preferred treatment option for relief.<br /><br />However, half the people who self-medicate eventually visited a doctor for cure, said the survey.<br /><br />Irritability, lack of interest in work, mood swings, worry and embarrassment were the most common effects, noted among 3,500 individuals across six Indian cities - Mumbai, Delhi, Lucknow, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Coimbatore.<br /><br />The findings highlighted that incidence of constipation was higher in India than the worldwide average of 10 percent.<br /><br />Leading causes for constipation were "significantly higher frequency of eating non-vegetarian food, low water intake, snacking and eating fried, oily, spicy, junk and processed food".<br /><br />The survey said: "Three out of four people with chronic constipation said it leads to other medical problems/complications with piles and haemorrhoids, ulcers, abdominal pain and anal fissures as the leading issues."<br /><br />"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.<br /><br />"Untreated constipation can lead to complications like faecal incontinence, haemorrhoids and anal fissures. Greater awareness, timely action, lifestyle modifications and eating right can help people lead a healthy and active life," said Jyoti Ranjan Mohapatra, consultant gastrointestinal and liver diseases, associated with Peerless/Apollo Hospital.<br /><br />The survey was conducted by pharmaceutical firm Abbott along with Ipsos, a global market research agency.</p>