The fear of constipation is unusual, but not uncommon. When someone develops this disorder, it is known as Coprastasophobia.
Reasons For This Phobia
Fearing constipation can be the result of medical conditions, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome. When someone suffers from digestive difficulties, they can become sluggish, ill, and pale. There can be serious long-term ill effects from being constipated, such as colon problems and diseases like Crohn’s. If someone suffers from stomach and bowel afflictions, they may become phobic about regularity.
Today, the media tackles this problem by writing articles about combating constipation. New, designer yogurts, such as Activia, promise better digestion and elimination through the use of probiotics. This topic receives a lot of media coverage, and for this reason, stories and programs about constipation and its side effects can be triggers for Coprastasophobia.
Dangerous Solutions?
Some women seek out high colonics and enemas to avoid the bloating and weigh gain that often accompany constipation. Often, women may abuse laxatives or adopt a diet that is very high in fibre, in order to avoid the worst symptoms of constipation. People with this phobia may actually damage their bodies and their health by seeking out diuretics and other medications that offer relief from constipation. Diuretics can be very dehydrating, and they place a lot of stress on the internal organs. In some cases, when this phobia gets out of hand, it can be dangerous.
Both men and women can be victimized by the fear of constipation. Whether it stems from existing medical conditions, fears of weight gain, or simple vanity (avoiding unattractive bloating), there should be a concerted effort to maintain a healthy diet that does not promote extremes in exercise, medication, or diet.
Popular supplements, such as Metamucil, are often healthy solutions that promote regularity, and ease the fear of constipation. Vegetables and a low-protein diet that is free of sugar, wheat and dairy may provide some welcome relief, if constipation is already present. As well, gentle exercise and proper hydration can influence regularity in a way that is natural and easy on the system.
Addictions A Trigger?
Certain addictions can exacerbate the fear of constipation. Heroin addicts often suffer from intense and persistent constipation, and they may be more subject to developing this phobia. Sometimes, it’s important to look at the underlying reasons why this problem develops. Getting at the root of why you are afraid of constipation may require a doctor’s input. Sometimes, people who are prone to psychosomatic illnesses will be likely to fear a loss of regularity. The emotions can play a role here. If psychological issues feed into Coprastasophobia, some therapy or panic treatment may be a good starting point for healing and enhanced well being.
Symptoms & Treatment
People with this phobia will display symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, anxiety, and a sense of doom. Panic attacks may happen when sufferers are faced with triggers. Avoiding certain foods and drinks known to bring about constipation will be a common ritual for those with this phobia. Sometimes, overuse of medication or enemas can tax the system, and bring about a general lessening of health and happiness.
Finding ways to educate yourself about nutrition and healthy ways to stop constipation will be the best line of defense against the onset of Coprastasophobia.
The fear of constipation is also referred to as:
- afraid of constipation
- constipation fear
- constipation phobia
