About 16 out of 100 U.S. adults deal with constipation¹. This issue can cause a lot of discomfort and frustration. But, knowing what causes it, what symptoms to watch for, and how to find relief can help people get their digestive health back on track.

Constipation means you don’t have bowel movements often or they’re hard. You might also have hard, lumpy stools, feel like you’re straining, or feel like you didn’t fully go to the bathroom². It might seem like a small problem, but it can really affect your life and health if you don’t deal with it.

Looking into what causes constipation, spotting the signs, and trying different ways to feel better can help. This way, people can take steps to fix this issue and keep their digestive system healthy.

Key Takeaways

• Constipation is a common issue affecting about 16 out of 100 U.S. adults¹.
• Things like lifestyle, some medicines, and health conditions can cause constipation.
• Symptoms include not going to the bathroom often, having hard or lumpy stools, and feeling like you didn’t fully go.
• Relief can come from changing your diet and lifestyle, using over-the-counter laxatives, or sometimes prescription drugs or medical help.
• Eating a lot of fiber, drinking plenty of water, and exercising regularly can help prevent and fix constipation.

What is Constipation?

Definition and Overview

Constipation means having trouble or not going to the bathroom often³. The Mayo Clinic says it’s when you go to the bathroom less than three times a week or it’s hard³. It’s a common issue caused by diet changes, not moving enough, some medicines, and health problems.

Over 4 million Americans deal with constipation regularly³. Women get it more often than men³. It’s when you have less than three bowel movements a week, and your stools are hard, dry, and small³. Some people go more often, while others less often³.

To fight constipation, slowly add more fiber until you get 20 to 35 grams a day³. Drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day is also key³. Coffee can help too, thanks to its caffeine³. But, eating cheese, processed foods, and high-fat/low-fiber foods can make it worse³.

Prebiotics and probiotics can help your gut bacteria, which might ease constipation³. Use laxatives only after trying more fiber and water, and don’t use them for a long time³. There are different laxatives like fiber supplements, lubricants, osmotic laxatives, stimulants, and stool softeners³. If over-the-counter treatments don’t work, your doctor might suggest stronger ones like linaclotide, lubiprostone, and plecanatide³.

Symptoms of Constipation

Common Signs

Constipation is quite common⁴. It shows up when you have fewer than three bowel movements a week. You might also have hard or lumpy stools, feel like you’re not fully done after going to the bathroom, or feel like your rectum is blocked⁵. Other signs include feeling bloated, having cramps, and needing to use your fingers to help with bowel movements⁵.

If you have these symptoms for three months or more, you might have chronic constipation⁴. This needs a doctor’s help.

About 4 million people in the U.S. deal with constipation often⁶. It leads to 2.5 million doctor visits a year in the U.S⁶. Being older, a woman, not active, or having mental health issues can make constipation worse⁴. Long-term constipation can cause problems like hemorrhoids, anal fissures, fecal impaction, or rectal prolapse⁴.

If your constipation doesn’t get better with home remedies or you have a family history of colon or rectal cancer, see a doctor⁵. You should get help right away if you have bleeding, blood in your stool, constant belly pain, trouble passing gas, vomiting, fever, or lower back pain⁵.

To avoid constipation, eat foods high in fiber, drink lots of water, stay active, and don’t ignore the urge to go to the bathroom⁴. Foods like whole wheat bread, granola bread, and cereals like All-Bran are good for fiber⁶. Vegetables and fruits such as beets, broccoli, and berries are also great sources⁶.

Symptom	Description
Fewer than 3 bowel movements per week	Infrequent bowel movements can be a sign of constipation.
Hard, dry, or lumpy stools	Stool that is difficult to pass can indicate constipation.
Straining or pain when passing stool	Difficulty and discomfort during bowel movements can be a symptom of constipation.
Feeling of incomplete evacuation	A sensation that not all stool has been passed can be a sign of constipation.
Sensation of blocked or obstructed rectum	Feeling of a blocked or obstructed rectum can indicate constipation.

In summary, constipation signs include not going to the bathroom often, having hard stools, straining, feeling not fully emptied, and feeling blocked. If it lasts three months or more, you should see a doctor. To prevent it, eat fiber-rich foods, drink plenty of water, exercise, and have a regular bowel routine⁴⁶⁵.

Causes of Constipation

Lifestyle Factors

Constipation is a common issue that often comes from our daily habits and choices⁷. A big cause is not getting enough dietary fiber, which is key for regular bowel movements. Eating lots of processed foods, fatty meats, dairy, and sweets can make constipation worse. But, eating foods high in fiber like whole grains, veggies, fruits, and beans can help⁸.

Not drinking enough fluids, like water, is another big cause of constipation⁷. Hard stools make it tough to go to the bathroom. Sitting too much and not moving around can also make constipation more likely. Exercise helps keep the digestive system working right⁷⁸.

Some medicines, like opioid painkillers, antidepressants, and certain blood pressure drugs, can cause constipation⁷⁹. Also, ignoring the need to go to the bathroom, often because you’re busy or away from home, can lead to constipation⁸.

While lifestyle plays a big part in constipation, some health issues like irritable bowel syndrome, thyroid problems, or gut problems might need a doctor’s help⁸⁹. By changing our lifestyle, we can often ease constipation and boost our gut health.

“Constipation is a common problem that can be managed through simple lifestyle changes, such as increasing fiber intake, staying hydrated, and engaging in regular physical activity.”

Lifestyle Factor	Impact on Constipation
Dietary Fiber	Inadequate fiber intake can lead to constipation789.
Fluid Intake	Dehydration can contribute to harder stools and constipation78.
Physical Activity	Lack of exercise can increase the risk of constipation78.
Medication Side Effects	Certain medications, such as opioids and antidepressants, can cause constipation79.
Ignoring Bowel Urges	Putting off bowel movements can contribute to constipation8.

⁷⁸⁹

Medications and Constipation

Some medications can make constipation worse as a side effect¹⁰. Opioid painkillers slow down the intestines, making it hard to pass stool¹⁰. Iron supplements, antidepressants, blood pressure meds, and nausea drugs can also cause constipation because they slow down bowel movements.

The Mayo Clinic lists many medications that can cause constipation¹¹. These include drugs for high blood pressure, seizures, depression, and allergies, as well as some antacids. Even some over-the-counter supplements like iron can cause constipation. People taking these medications should talk to their doctor about constipation risks.

Stimulant laxatives like sennosides are often the first choice because they are mild and work well¹². For those with bowel cramps, osmotic laxatives like polyethylene glycol (PEG) are recommended¹².

It’s important to adjust laxative doses based on your own bowel habits and goals, known as a protocol¹². Most people find the sennosides protocol easier than PEG. Start with either sennosides or PEG, but not both at once¹².

Move up the protocol every 24 hours until you have a regular bowel movement¹². If you get diarrhea, stop taking laxatives until you have a normal bowel movement, then start again at a lower step¹². If you have severe stomach cramps, stop taking sennosides and call a doctor¹².

If the constipation doesn’t get better, you might need lactulose syrup¹². Always ask for medical advice if you’re unsure about laxative dosage or if constipation lasts even after reaching the highest step¹². Don’t take diarrhea medicine if you have watery stools after constipation¹².

Everyone taking medications should know about the risk of constipation and talk to their healthcare providers to manage it well.

Medical Conditions and Constipation

Constipation can be caused by many medical conditions that affect the digestive system or the nerves and muscles that help with bowel movements¹³. These include irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, hypothyroidism, and problems with the pelvic floor muscles¹³. Sometimes, blockages in the colon or rectum, like tumors or structural changes, can also cause constipation¹⁴. Finding the root cause of constipation can be hard.

Underlying Health Issues

Constipation is a common problem that can get worse with various medical conditions¹⁵. Around 15% of people worldwide have chronic constipation¹⁴. Some diseases and conditions, like colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), megacolon, and rectal prolapse, are linked to constipation¹⁴. Also, research shows that people with chronic constipation often have mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and eating disorders¹⁴.

Some medicines can also make constipation worse¹⁴¹⁵. Antacids, antidepressants, antiepileptics, antihistamines, antipsychotics, and muscle relaxants are common culprits¹⁴¹⁵. Conditions like diabetes and Parkinson’s disease can also cause constipation¹⁴.

Medical Condition	Impact on Constipation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)	More than one-third of individuals with IBS have constipation-predominant IBS (IBS-C)14.
Diabetes	Approximately 60% of people with long-standing diabetes experience constipation14.
Multiple Sclerosis	Nerve damage from this condition can disrupt normal bowel function and lead to constipation.
Parkinson’s Disease	The disease can affect the nerves and muscles involved in the digestive process, contributing to constipation.
Hypothyroidism	Slow thyroid function can slow down the digestive system and cause constipation.
Pelvic Floor Disorders	Problems with the muscles and nerves that control bowel movements can result in constipation.

It’s important to address the underlying medical conditions that can cause constipation for better management and prevention¹⁴. Seeing a healthcare professional is a good idea to find and treat any health issues that might be causing or making constipation worse¹⁴.

“Constipation is a common issue that can be exacerbated by various medical conditions. Addressing the underlying medical conditions that can contribute to constipation is crucial for effective management and prevention.”

Risk Factors for Constipation

Constipation is a common issue that can affect anyone. But, some things make it more likely to happen¹⁶. The Mayo Clinic says some big risk factors are:

• Being an older adult¹⁶
• Being assigned female at birth, especially during pregnancy¹⁶
• Living a life that’s mostly sitting down¹⁶
• Having mental health issues like depression or eating disorders¹⁶
• Eating too little fiber¹⁶

Some medicines and certain diseases can also make constipation worse¹⁶.

Constipation affects different people in different ways¹⁷. It’s found in 0.7% to 79% of people, but more in older folks and women¹⁷. In the U.S., about one in five folks deal with it¹⁸.

Knowing what makes constipation more likely helps us fight it¹⁸. By eating more fiber, drinking water, and moving more, we can lower our risk¹⁸.

“Constipation is a big problem that can really change how we feel. By knowing the risks and acting early, we can keep our digestive health in check and dodge the bad parts of constipation.”

Complications of Chronic Constipation

Chronic constipation can lead to serious issues if not treated¹⁹. Hemorrhoids affect up to 4% of people and are more common in those over 45¹⁹. Anal fissures, small tears, can happen from hard stools or straining, especially in children who fear pain¹⁹.

Fecal impaction, a blockage in the intestines, is more common in kids and the elderly¹⁹. Chronic constipation can also cause rectal prolapse, needing medical help¹⁹.

Chronic constipation greatly affects quality of life, causing discomfort and pain²⁰. Getting medical help and using the right treatments is key to avoid these issues and keep digestive health good²⁰.

Up to 33% of adults over 60 suffer from chronic constipation²¹. About 49% of fecal impaction cases are due to chronic constipation²¹. Prolonged constipation raises the risk of hemorrhoids and anal fissures, causing pain²¹.

Not treating chronic constipation can lead to serious issues like fecal impaction, which can be dangerous²¹. It’s vital to see a doctor and follow a treatment plan to prevent these problems²¹.

“Chronic constipation is a common issue with serious consequences if ignored. Getting medical help and a specific treatment plan is key to stop complications and keep digestive health in check.”

Understanding the risks of chronic constipation and getting medical care quickly helps manage the condition and improve life quality²⁰. With the right treatments, many complications can be prevented or reduced²⁰.

Diagnosis of Constipation

Healthcare providers start by taking a detailed medical history and doing a physical exam. This may include a rectal exam to check for blockages²². They might order more tests to find out what’s causing constipation.

Tests and Evaluations

There are many tests to check for constipation, such as:

• Blood tests: These show signs of anemia, hypothyroidism, and celiac disease²³.
• Stool tests: These look for blood and signs of infection and inflammation²³.
• Urine tests: These can show signs of diseases like diabetes²³.
• Radiopaque markers: An x-ray tracks these markers through the digestive system, taking about 3 to 7 days²³.
• Scintigraphy: This test uses a meal with a small dose of a radioactive substance, tracked by computers and cameras²³.
• Defecography: An x-ray of the anus and rectum to see how stool is held and released²³.
• Anorectal manometry: This checks how the rectum and anal sphincter work²³.
• Balloon expulsion test: This test sees if you can push out stool²³.
• Imaging tests: These include x-rays, MRI, and CT scans to find other problems causing constipation²³.

These tests help doctors figure out why someone has constipation and plan the right treatment²³²⁴²².

“Determining the underlying cause of constipation is crucial for effective management and relief of symptoms.”

By knowing what causes constipation in someone, doctors can make a treatment plan that really works²³²⁴²².

Treatment for Constipation

Lifestyle Modifications

Many people can manage constipation by changing their lifestyle. Drinking more water is a key suggestion²⁵. Eating foods high in fiber, like fruits and whole grains, can also help²⁵. Regular exercise is another important step for healthy bowel movements²⁵.

Having a regular bathroom routine and not ignoring the urge to go can help with constipation relief²⁵. Cutting down on processed foods, dairy, and caffeine can also help²⁵. For some, over-the-counter fiber supplements might be useful too²⁵.

Eating more fiber is advised to help with constipation²⁶. Foods like veggies, fruits, and whole grains can boost digestive health²⁶. Regular exercise is also good for bowel movements, making the digestive system work better²⁶.

In some cases, biofeedback training can be helpful for constipation caused by muscle issues²⁶.

“Making lifestyle changes, such as increasing fiber intake and staying hydrated, can go a long way in relieving constipation for many people.”

Often, a mix of diet changes, exercise, and sometimes medical help is needed to manage constipation well²⁵²⁶²⁷.

Laxatives and Constipation

If changing your lifestyle doesn’t help, over-the-counter laxatives might be a good choice. There are many types, like fiber supplements, osmotic agents, and stimulant laxatives²⁸. Always talk to a doctor to find the right one for you and how long to use it.

Fiber supplements, such as Metamucil and Citrucel, are gentle and help by making stool soft and bulky²⁸. Adults need 25 to 31 grams of fiber daily to fight constipation²⁸. Osmotic laxatives, like MiraLAX, can cause bloating and diarrhea²⁸. Stimulant laxatives, including Dulcolax, make your intestines contract and may lead to cramping and diarrhea²⁸.

Using laxatives for too long can harm your body, causing problems like heart rhythm issues and seizures²⁸. Some laxatives mix different types, but they might not work better and could cause more side effects²⁸. They can also interact with other medicines, making it harder to find the right one²⁸.

Using laxatives too much can make constipation worse by weakening your colon’s muscles²⁸. Pregnant women and those breastfeeding should talk to a doctor before taking laxatives, as some can be harmful²⁸.

Laxative Type	Onset of Action	Potential Side Effects
Bulk-forming	12-24 hours29	Bloating, flatulence
Osmotic	2-3 days29	Bloating, cramping, diarrhea
Stimulant	6-12 hours29	Cramping, belching, diarrhea
Stool softener	12-72 hours29	Mild discomfort
Lubricant	Variable	Mineral oil can reduce absorption of fat-soluble vitamins30

Be careful with laxatives and always talk to a doctor. Using them too much can cause serious problems like dehydration and addiction²⁹. Trying natural ways, like eating more fiber and drinking water, can also help with constipation²⁹.

In summary, laxatives can help with constipation, but use them wisely and talk to a doctor. Choosing the right laxative, the right amount, and for the right time can help you feel better safely²⁸²⁹³⁰.

Prescription Medications for Constipation

For those with chronic or severe constipation, prescription drugs might help. These drugs can ease symptoms when over-the-counter options don’t work well. Studies show that many people suffer from constipation³¹. Prescription meds can be key for those whose quality of life is affected by bowel issues³¹.

Common prescription options include lubiprostone (Amitiza), linaclotide (Linzess), lactulose, plecanatide (Trulance), and prucalopride (Motegrity). Research shows these drugs help with constipation³². They have been shown to work well and are easy to tolerate³².

For constipation caused by opioid pain meds, there are special prescription drugs. Options like methylnaltrexone (Relistor), naldemedine (Symproic), and naloxegol (Movantik) can help. Around 41 to 81 percent of people on opioids for noncancer pain get constipated³³. These targeted treatments are crucial for them.

Choosing the right prescription medication for constipation means working with a healthcare provider. They will consider your medical history, current conditions, and how you’ve reacted to other treatments. It might take some trial and error to find the best option and manage any side effects.

“Prescription medications can be a game-changer for those with chronic or severe constipation, providing relief when other methods fall short.”

Surgical Interventions for Constipation

Surgery is not often used to treat constipation. But, it might be needed for some to fix serious problems. This includes fixing anal tears, removing blockages, or treating rectal prolapse³⁴. The goal is to fix the body’s structure and help the digestive system work better. Surgery is usually a last resort when other treatments don’t work.

A surgery called a total abdominal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis (TAC IRA) can help with chronic constipation. It removes the whole colon and connects the small intestine to the rectum. This surgery has been successful for over 90% of people, making them have 1 to 3 bowel movements daily³⁴. A survey showed that 93% of patients would choose this surgery again if they could³⁴.

Another surgery for constipation is taking out part of the colon. But, this might lead to needing more surgery in up to 50% of cases³⁴. On the other hand, the success rate for TAC IRS is over 90%, with different ways to measure success³⁴.

It’s key to know that surgery can help some people, but it’s very safe for healthy patients, with a death rate less than 1%³⁴. Yet, some people might face complications like small bowel obstruction or ongoing pain after surgery³⁴.

When thinking about surgery for constipation, it should be a last choice. Make sure other treatments have been tried first. Always talk to a healthcare expert to see if surgery is right for you.

“Surgery is typically reserved for cases where other treatment methods have been unsuccessful.”

Prevention of Constipation

Lifestyle Changes

Preventing constipation starts with simple changes in your daily life. Eating foods high in fiber like fruits, veggies, and whole grains is key³⁵. Aim for 25–30 grams of fiber a day if you’re a woman, and 30–38 grams if you’re a man³⁵. Prunes and prune juice are great for constipation relief because they’re full of fiber and sorbitol³⁵. Drinking enough water is also vital, as not staying hydrated can lead to constipation³⁶.

Being active helps keep your bowels moving smoothly and prevents constipation³⁶. Having a regular bathroom routine is also important, listening to your body’s signals to go³⁷. But, eating too much fat or following a high-fat diet can make constipation worse³⁵. The BRAT diet, with bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, is good for digestive issues like constipation³⁵.

Sticking to regular meal times can help keep your bowels regular by keeping your digestive system active³⁵. But, how fasting affects bowel movements can differ based on the fasting plan you follow³⁵. Supplements like psyllium husks or guar gum can help with constipation, but only use them as directed³⁵.

By making these lifestyle changes, you can take steps to

Constipation in Specific Populations

Constipation is a big issue for some groups of people. This includes older adults, women, especially during pregnancy, and those with mental health issues like depression or eating disorders³⁸. These groups face a higher risk of constipation due to slower metabolism, hormonal changes, less physical activity, and certain medications³⁸. They need special care to manage their constipation.

For older adults, constipation affects 24% to 30% in the U.S³⁹. It’s more common in women than men and gets worse with age⁴⁰. Helping older people with constipation means looking at many things like how active they are, their meds, and what they eat.

Pregnant women also struggle with constipation a lot⁴⁰. Hormonal shifts, less activity, and the growing baby can cause it. Eating well, drinking plenty of water, and doing gentle exercises can help.

People with mental health issues like depression or eating disorders often get constipation too³⁸. The mix of mental health, meds, and gut issues can make constipation a long-term problem. Treating the mental health and using laxatives or diet changes can help.

It’s important to understand the special challenges of constipation in these groups. By knowing how constipation affects older adults, pregnant women, and those with mental health issues, doctors can give better care. This can make a big difference in their lives³⁸⁴⁰³⁹.

Conclusion

Constipation is a common issue that can come from many things like our lifestyle, some medicines, and health problems⁴¹. It can make life tough with symptoms like not going to the bathroom often, hard stools, and feeling like you didn’t finish going to the bathroom⁴². Luckily, it can often be fixed with simple changes in diet and lifestyle, or with medicines you can buy over the counter or by prescription. But sometimes, you might need more help or even surgery.

Not everyone gets constipation, but it’s pretty common, affecting 2% to 30% of people, and up to 75% of older folks in care homes⁴³. Things like taking certain medicines, having health issues, and how you live can make you more likely to get it⁴¹. Knowing what causes it, what it feels like, and how to treat it can help you stop it and manage it better. This can make your digestive health and overall well-being much better.

This article has given a full summary of constipation, covering what causes it, what it feels like, and how to handle it. With this info, readers can understand and tackle this common digestive problem better. This can lead to better health and a better life overall.

FAQ

What is constipation?

Constipation means you don’t have regular or easy bowel movements. It can happen for many reasons, like diet changes, not moving much, some medicines, or health issues.

What are the symptoms of constipation?

Signs of constipation include fewer than three bowel movements a week. You might also have hard or lumpy stools, struggle to pass stool, or feel like you didn’t fully go to the bathroom.

What can cause constipation?

Many things can cause constipation. This includes your lifestyle, like diet and exercise habits, and some medicines. Health conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, and some nerve disorders can also cause it.

How can medications contribute to constipation?

Some medicines can make you constipated. This includes painkillers, blood pressure drugs, seizure medications, antidepressants, and certain antacids with calcium or aluminum.

What medical conditions can lead to constipation?

Certain health issues can make you constipated. These include irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, hypothyroidism, and problems with the muscles in your pelvic area.

Who is at higher risk of developing constipation?

Some people are more likely to get constipated. This includes older adults, women, especially during pregnancy, people who don’t move much, those with mental health issues, and those eating too little fiber.

What are the potential complications of chronic constipation?

Not treating constipation can lead to serious problems. These include hemorrhoids, anal fissures, fecal impaction, and rectal prolapse.

How is constipation diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose constipation by talking to you, doing a physical check-up, and sometimes running tests. They might ask for blood, stool, or imaging tests to find the cause.

What are some lifestyle modifications for managing constipation?

To help with constipation, try eating more fiber, drinking plenty of water, being active, and going to the bathroom at the same time every day.

When are laxatives used to treat constipation?

If changing your diet and lifestyle doesn’t help, doctors might suggest laxatives. These can be over-the-counter or prescription drugs, like fiber supplements or stool softeners.

What prescription medications are used to treat chronic constipation?

For ongoing constipation, doctors might prescribe stronger medicines. These include lubiprostone, linaclotide, lactulose, plecanatide, and prucalopride.

When is surgery considered for constipation?

Surgery is rare for constipation but needed for some serious issues. This includes fixing anal tears, removing blockages, or treating rectal prolapse.

How can constipation be prevented?

To avoid constipation, eat lots of fiber, drink water, exercise regularly, and have a regular bathroom routine.

Are there any unique challenges in managing constipation for specific populations?

Some groups, like older adults, pregnant women, and those with mental health issues, face special challenges with constipation. This can be due to slower metabolism, hormonal changes, or certain medicines.

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