Constipation is common and affects people of all ages. You can usually treat it with simple changes to your diet and lifestyle

This page is about constipation in adults.

There is separate information on constipation in infants and children.

First: check if it is constipation

It is likely to be constipation if:

• you have not pooped at least 3 times in the last week
• the poo is often large and dry, hard or lumpy
• you are straining or in pain when pooping

You may also have an upset stomach and feel bloated or sick.

If you care for someone with dementia, constipation can be easily missed.

Pay attention to any changes in behaviour, as it could mean that they are in pain or feeling uncomfortable.

What causes constipation?

Constipation in adults has many possible causes.

Sometimes there is no obvious reason.

The most common causes include:

• not eating enough fibre, which is found in fruit, vegetables and cereals
• not drinking enough liquids
• not moving enough and spending long periods sitting or lying down
• being less active and not exercising
• ignoring the urge to go to the bathroom
• changing your diet or daily routine
• a side effect of a medicine
• stress, anxiety or depression

Constipation is also common during pregnancy and for 6 weeks after delivery.

Rarely, constipation can be caused by a medical condition.

How you can treat and prevent constipation yourself

Making simple changes to your diet and lifestyle can help cure constipation.

It is safe to try these simple measures when you are pregnant.

You may notice a difference within a few days. Sometimes it takes a few weeks before symptoms improve.

Make changes to your diet

To make your stools softer you should

• drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol
• increase the fibre in your diet
• add some wheat bran, oats or flaxseed to your diet
• improve your bathroom routine

Stick to regular times and places and give yourself plenty of time to go to the toilet.

Don’t delay if you feel the need to poo.

To make pooping easier, try placing your feet on a low stool while going to the toilet.

If possible, raise your knees above your hips.

Consider increasing your activity

A daily walk or run can help you poop more regularly.

Talk to a pharmacist for advice

Talk to a pharmacist if changes in diet and lifestyle do not help.

They can suggest a suitable laxative.

These are medicines that help you poop more regularly.

Most laxatives work within 3 days.

They should only be used for a short period.

Complications of long-term constipation

Long-term constipation can lead to faecaloma.

This is where poo accumulates in the last part of the large intestine (rectum).

The main symptom is diarrhoea after a long period of constipation.

Faecaloma can be treated with:

• stronger laxatives – prescribed by a family doctor
• a suppository – medicine that you put in your bottom
• a mini enema – where fluid is passed through the buttocks into the intestine
• a health worker who removes part of the poo – not something you should do yourself

Read Also

Emergency Live Even More…Live: Download The New Free App Of Your Newspaper For IOS And Android

Black Stools And Melena: Causes And Treatment In Adults And Infants

Constipation In Pregnancy, What To Do?

Faecal Colour: Normal And Pathological

What Is Faecal Incontinence And How To Treat It

Faecal Calprotectin: Why This Test Is Performed And Which Values Are Normal

Paediatrics: Constipation In Children

Constipation: What It Is And What Are The Remedies

When The Baby Doesn’t Poop: Constipation

Obstructed Defecation Syndrome (ODS): The Inability To Defecate Naturally

Paediatrics: Constipation In Children

Obstructed Defecation: How It Manifests Itself And How To Treat This Form Of Chronic Constipation

Cholangitis: Symptoms, Causes And Treatment

Abdominal Health Emergencies, Warning Signs And Symptoms

Faecaloma And Intestinal Obstruction: When To Call The Doctor

Faecal Colour: Normal And Pathological

Source

NHS