Constipation: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Constipation

Constipation is a common condition causing infrequent and difficult bowel movements, characterized by hard, dry stool and discomfort or pain. Find out more about this common condition.

Recommended Actions

Enhance digestive health by increasing fiber intake, staying well-hydrated, engaging in regular exercise, and responding promptly to the urge to pass stool.

Recommended Avoidances

Factors that can contribute to constipation include a diet low in fiber, excessive consumption of dairy products, lack of physical activity, and ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement.

Prevention Tips

Preventing constipation largely involves maintaining a balanced diet rich in fibre, staying hydrated, being physically active, and responding promptly to the urge to have a bowel movement.

Condition 101

Constipation is a common condition affecting both adults and children. It involves having infrequent bowel movements or experiencing difficulty during evacuation, usually less than three times per week. It's typically characterised by passing hard, dry stool, which may cause discomfort or pain.

Infrequent bowel movements
Straining to have bowel movements
Feeling as though you can't fully empty the stool from your rectum
Hard or lumpy stools
Abdominal pain or bloating
A sense of incomplete evacuation
Low fibre in the diet
Physical inactivity
Certain medications
Ageing
Changes in routine (such as travel)
Overuse of laxatives
Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement
Dehydration
Being elderly
Being sedentary
Eating a diet low in fibre
Taking certain medications
Having certain neurological disorders
Constipation lasts longer than three weeks
You experience severe pain during bowel movement
You notice blood in your stool
You're losing weight without trying

Diagnosing constipation may involve a physical exam, blood tests to check for an underlying condition such as hypothyroidism, and diagnostic tests such as colonoscopy or imaging tests.
Hemorrhoids
Anal fissure
Fecal impaction
Rectal prolapse
Constipation is not always a sign of a serious health condition
Eating a balanced diet may not always prevent constipation
Laxatives are not the only treatment for constipation
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Bowel obstruction
Anal fissure
Colon cancer

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Treatment Options

Need more information about Constipation, contact us for more help on treatment or advise.

Bulk-forming laxatives (Fybogel)
Stimulant laxatives (Senna)
Osmotic laxatives (Lactulose)

Depending on the severity of the constipation, doctors may recommend over-the-counter or prescription medications, biofeedback training, or in rare cases, surgery.

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