Constipation is when you have trouble having bowel movements. "Regularity" does not mean that you have a bowel movement every day. Normal bowel habits range from 3 movements a day to 3 each week. What is important is what is normal for you.
Symptoms
A hard time passing stool,
not being able to pass stool, having very hard stool
Straining to have a bowel movement
Abdominal swelling or feeling of continued
fullness after passing stool
Causes
Drinking too few fluids and
not eating enough dietary fiber
Not being active enough
Not going to the bathroom when you have the
urge to pass stool
Misuse of laxatives
Taking iron supplements
A side effect of taking some heart, pain,
and antidepressant medicines, as well as antacids, antihistamines, water pills, and
narcotics.
Medical problems such as hemorrhoids and an
underactive thyroid
Some chronic illnesses, such as diabetes,
which slow the digestive tract
Treatment
Self-care treats most cases of constipation. (See Self-Care Tips
below.) You may also need to talk to your doctor about medications and/or health
conditions that could be causing you to be constipated.
Is the constipation present with any of the following? Unrelieved abdominal pain, especially
located in the lower left side Very thin pencil-like stools Recent change in bowel movement pattern |
 |
| Did the constipation occur after taking prescribed or
over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and/or herbal supplements? |
 |
| Does constipation worsen or not improve despite using the
Self-Care Tips listed in this section for more than a week? |
|
Eat foods high in dietary fiber, like
bran, whole-grain breads and cereals, and fresh fruits and vegetables daily. They serve as
natural stool softeners, thanks in part to their fiber content. One type of fiber from
these foods absorbs water like a sponge, turning hard stools into large, soft,
easy-to-pass masses.
Drink at least 1 1/2 to 2 quarts of water
and other liquids every day.
Drink hot water, tea, or coffee. These may
help stimulate the bowel.
Get plenty of exercise to help your bowels
move things along.
Don't resist the urge to eliminate or put
off a trip to the bathroom.
Keep in mind that medicines, such as
antacids (ones with aluminum or calcium), iron supplements, and calcium supplements can be
binding. Don't take them if you get constipated easily. Discuss this with your doctor
first.
If necessary, for occasional constipation,
you may need an over-the-counter stool softener or mild laxative. Check with your doctor
ahead of time so you'll know what is best for you to take if and when you do get
constipated.
Ask your doctor about the use of
"bulk-forming" laxatives such as Metamucil, Perdiem, or Fiber Con. You may be
able to use these daily, if necessary. Start out slowly and gradually increase how much
you take. Also drink plenty of liquids with them. Bloating, cramping, or gas may be
noticed at first, but these symptoms should go away in a few weeks or less.
Do not use "stimulant" laxatives
such as Ex-Lax, Dulcolax, Senokot, or enemas without your doctor's permission. Short-term
use of them may be okay, but in the long run they can make you even more constipated.
(Your intestines can become lazy and may not work as well on their own.) Long-term use of
these laxatives can also:
Lead to a mineral imbalance
Make it harder for your body to benefit from medicines
Lower the amount of nutrients you absorb
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 2002 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 06/04/02