| What Is Constipation? |
In general, we say a person is constipated when he or she is experiencing discomfort as a result of infrequent or difficult bowel movements. In terms of frequency, what constitutes normal differs greatly from person to person: it may mean as many as 3 bowel movements a day or as few as 3 or 4 bowel movements a week. That is why healthcare providers often rely on a person's report of the uncomfortable effects of constipation — such as bloating, excessive gas, straining and even pain due to hard, dry stools — as the best indicator that a person is really experiencing constipation.
|
| Who Gets Constipation? |
Constipation can affect anyone, at any age, although adults over 65, women and children are more likely to report having problems with constipation.
|
| What Causes Constipation? |
The most common causes of constipation include:
- Too little fiber in diet
- Not enough liquids
- Lack of exercise
- Certain medications
- Changes in life or routine such as old age, childbirth,* travel
- Ignoring the urge to go to the bathroom
Understanding how the colon (large intestine) works is key to understanding constipation. As food moves through it, the colon absorbs water to form waste products or stools. Next, the muscles that line the colon contract in a wave-like motion to push the stool down toward the rectum in preparation for elimination. By the time stools reach the rectum, the stools are solid because most of the water has been absorbed. But, if the muscles of the large intestine are sluggish, the colon will absorb too much water and the stool will become dry and hard, resulting in difficult and painful bowel movements.
The sluggish colon that results in constipation can develop if a person fails to simply drink enough water, eat enough fiber, or get enough exercise each day. Travel, surgery and childbirth* can also cause constipation, as can certain diseases or functional problems. Many people do not know that there are hundreds of over-the-counter and commonly-prescribed prescription medications that may be associated with constipation. (To view a list of medications that may be associated with constipation, click here.)
*If you are pregnant or nursing a baby, consult your healthcare provider before using any laxative products.
|
| How Common Is Constipation? |
Constipation affects almost everyone at some point in their lives. In fact, constipation is the most common gastrointestinal complaint in the United States today with over 4 1/2 million people claiming to be constipated most or all of the time.
|
| How Can I Avoid Developing Constipation? |
By taking a few simple steps, you can help avoid constipation:
1. Eat more fiber.
Found in many fruits, vegetables and whole grain breads and cereals, fiber helps your body develop soft, bulky stools. In addition to adding healthy fiber to your diet, try to avoid over-processed foods with little fiber such as chips, pizza, ice cream, frozen dinners and instant potatoes.
2. Drink at least 8 eight-ounce glasses of water or other liquid a day.
Keeping your stools soft and easy to pass requires plenty of fluids — and especially water. Concentrate on drinking fruit juice, herbal teas, and just plain water, and avoid caffeine- and alcohol-containing beverages, which tend to dry out your system.
3. Get plenty of exercise.
Vigorous exercise isn't necessary; just a 20-30 minute walk or any other regular exercise can help prevent constipation.
4. Don't ignore the urge to have a bowel movement.
People with busy schedules, children who don't want to interrupt their play, folks who don't like to use public facilities are just a few examples of those who sometimes don't stop and take the time to have a bowel movement. Repeatedly ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement, or just delaying a stop at the bathroom, can actually make us lose the ability to feel that urge which — in turn — can lead to constipation. So, when the urge comes, pay attention.
5. Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether any medications you take are associated with constipation.
There are many over-the-counter and prescription medications known to be associated with constipation. (Click here to view list) Sometimes your body will adjust to a medication and your bowel movements will return to normal after a short time. In other cases — as with opioid pain medications — constipation is an ongoing problem that needs to be addressed as long as you continue with your medication.
|
| Are Any Medical Conditions Related To Constipation? |
There are neurological, metabolic and endocrine conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, irritable bowel syndrome, Parkinson's, diabetes, and lupus, which can cause constipation. These conditions, along with certain cancers and functional problems with the colon, slow normal passage of the stool which can result in constipation.
|
| Can Medications Cause Constipation? |
Yes. People are often surprised to discover that many common over-the-counter — and more than 150 prescription medicines — are associated with constipation. (View list now.) Antacids and antidepressants, as well as medications used to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular conditions, are just a few of the classes of medicines associated with constipation. Certain pain medications — and especially opioids — are known to be associated with "medication-induced constipation," a condition which usually requires ongoing constipation treatment. Your doctor can help you develop a plan to avoid the constipation associated with medications.
|
| Should I Use A Laxative For My Constipation? |
Most people with constipation need only to make simple lifestyle and diet changes to avoid and/or treat their constipation. (View 5 steps.) However, if you continue to experience constipation after making these changes, or if you are suffering from medication-induced constipation, your doctor may recommend treatment with a laxative. (Remember: constipation that lasts for more than a few weeks should be reported to your doctor.)
|
| What Happens If I Don’t Treat My Constipation? |
Though it can be uncomfortable and bothersome, constipation is rarely serious. But left untreated, constipation can affect your general well being, health, or — rarely — even result in a dangerous complication such as impaction. Making a few simple lifestyle changes, or occasional use of a laxative to treat your constipation, can help you maintain healthy bowel habits. (Remember: constipation that lasts for more than a few weeks should be reported to your doctor as it may be the first signal of a serious underlying disease.)
|
| When Should I Use A Laxative With A Stool Softener? |
When constipation is accompanied by hard, dry stools, the combination of a laxative plus a stool softener can help provide more comfortable relief. The laxative promotes healthy muscle contractions to move waste through the colon while the stool softener ensures that fecal matter remains soft and easy to eliminate.
|
|
