A few days ago, in the outpatient department of Gastroenterology of the General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Ms. Liu, who was dressed beautifully but frowned, handed a stack of examination reports to Professor Wang bangmao, director of the digestive center of the hospital, and asked anxiously, "director, please help me see how my intestines turn black!" Professor Wang bangmao carefully inquired about the medical history and learned that Professor Wang had a good idea of the "sausage tea" and "small powder pill" that Ms. Liu took out from her bag three or four days ago. Combined with Ms. Liu's medical history and colonoscopy, he gave the diagnosis result: melanosis coli caused by long-term use of laxatives. Wang bangmao said that gastroenterologists are very familiar with these two "wanghong" laxatives. Although they can solve some defecation problems in the short term, they bring great hidden dangers to patients. Because most of these laxatives contain irritant laxative ingredients, such as "Changqing tea" containing anthraquinones, long-term use can induce melanosis coli; The main component of "Xiaofen pill" is bisakodine, which can directly stimulate the nerves of intestinal wall. Long term overdose will affect the movement law of the intestine itself, cause laxative dependent constipation, severe intestinal obstruction and megacolon, and even require surgical treatment. March 28 is China constipation day every year. Liu Wentian, chief physician of the digestive department of the hospital, said that because of her work, Ms. Liu sat for hours and was too busy to even drink water. I usually eat irregularly. I often order takeout and always brush my mobile phone when I go to the toilet. Over time, I find the door for constipation. Constipation refers to defecation less than 3 times a week, dry and hard feces and difficult defecation. It can be functional constipation or organic constipation caused by various diseases. Some people defecate only once, but they feel no discomfort. This situation is not constipation. When the course of constipation is more than 6 months, it is chronic constipation. Research shows that the prevalence of chronic constipation in adults in China ranges from 4.0% to 10.0%, that is, there is one constipation patient in every 10 to 25 people. In contrast, the elderly and women are more prone to constipation. Cao Hailong, chief physician of the enteropathy team, believes that the incidence rate and prevalence rate of constipation are increasing. It may be related to the changes in diet structure such as coarse grains, vegetable intake, excessive intake of fine food, high working pressure, anxiety, depression, and unhealthy life events. Long term constipation can cause hemorrhoids, anal fissure, proctitis, and may even increase the risk of colorectal cancer; For patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, it can also induce angina pectoris and intracerebral hemorrhage; Mentally, it can cause insomnia, anxiety, irritability, fatigue and weakness. Cao Hailong said that the prevention and treatment of constipation should first adjust the lifestyle. Diet + exercise is both therapeutic and economical. Drink more water every day, about 1500-2000ml a day; Eat more coarse grains, fruits, vegetables and dietary fiber. Make sure you exercise for at least one to two hours a day. In addition, pay attention to develop good defecation habits. Defecate regularly 1 to 2 times a day for 5 to 10 minutes each time. Don't look at your mobile phone when you go to the toilet; Avoid prolonged sitting and squatting. For patients with severe constipation, laxatives recommended by clinical guidelines, such as lactulose and polyethylene glycol, can be used under the guidance of doctors. In addition, biofeedback, flora transplantation, anxiety and depression control and surgery can also be used as auxiliary means to treat constipation. (outlook new era)