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Constipation could save your life

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We get it. No-one wants to talk about bathroom issues. But it’s always worth knowing what’s happening with your internal organs – even when it comes to “build-up.” 

Why does it happen?
Being constipated can be extremely uncomfortable and miserable as your bowel movements have come to a sudden halt; it’s either really difficult to go or happens less frequently. Constipation will vary for everyone as it’s based on your toilet habits and diet. It happens when the stool sits in the colon for too long as a result of the colon absorbing water from the stool, leaving them dry and hard to pass. Essentially, there’s no “right” amount of bowel movements because everyone’s body functions differently. Is it worth a doctor’s visit?

Occasional constipation is normal and it happens from time to time. It becomes more common after the age of 50. Unfortunately, constipation is no friend of your prostate gland as the bowel is located by the prostate. Your stools contain loads of toxins and bacteria and may start to leak over to the surrounding tissues; which will directly affect your prostate gland. Sometimes you may not just be constipated; it could be a sign of prostate or colon cancer. It’s that serious, so don’t overlook it.
Here are a few other red flags to watch out for.

Chronic cough
It could be a sign of heart failure, lung cancer, tuberculosis, pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of deep lung tissue), asthma, and sinusitis or gastroesophageal reflux disease. When a cough doesn’t go away it could be more serious. See a doctor, especially when you cough blood, lose weight unexpectedly, have trouble breathing and experience chest pain.
HIV (Human immunodeficiency syndrome) 

There’s a prevalence of HIV among men who have sex with men, also referred to as (MSM). In South Africa in 2017 about seven million people are living with HIV. This virus attacks your immune system, specifically your CD4 cells which protect your body from illnesses. Flu-like illnesses with a body rash, severe headaches, sore throat and fever that lasts for over two weeks can advance to a more serious infection that can severely damage your immune system. Always practise safe sex and get tested regularly. 

A sore that doesn’t heal
A wound or sore that doesn’t recover for weeks and months needs your doctor’s attention. Sores that don’t heal within three months are chronic wounds. They can start small, as a pimple or a scratch. They might scab but don’t actually get better.

Three main chronic wounds categories: 

Diabetic ulcer
Wounds are a big risk for diabetics and can lead to amputation.

Venus leg ulcers
An uncontrollable swelling of the legs may leak because it’s overfilled with fluid.

Pressure ulcers
If you’re bedridden or wheelchair-bound you’re at risk for pressure ulcers. This includes spinal cord injuries. Wounds appear when there’s constant pressure that compresses vessels that carry blood to keep body tissues alive.

Symptoms that need a doctor’s attention:

• Breathlessness
• Loss of appetite
• Erectile dysfunction
• Unintended weight loss
• Blood in your urine
• Lower abdominal pain
• Chest pain
• Persistent vomitting
• Leaking urine.

Screen, screen and screen again
Don’t dismiss warning signs. It’s important to get checked out regularly to find problems before they even begin. Early diagnosis means early treatment which is always the best solution for recovery and survival. 

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