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Constipation

What is constipation?

Constipation is infrequent or uncomfortable bowel movements. Often the bowel movements are small, hard, or dry.

How does it occur?

You may have constipation because:

You wait too long to have bowel movements.
You do not drink enough fluids.
You overuse some types of laxatives.
You do not eat enough fiber.
You don't have enough physical activity.
You are taking iron pills or a medicine that has a side effect of constipation.

Other possible causes are:

pregnancy
depression or stress
some medical conditions and diseases.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms may include having:

small bowel movements
hard, dry bowel movements
uncomfortable or painful bowel movements that are hard to pass
a longer time than usual between bowel movements.

Normal bowel movements vary from person to person. For some people, 3 times a day is normal. For others once every 3 days may be normal. What's important is whether there is a change in what has been normal for you.

How is it treated?

To ease your constipation:

Drink more fluids.
Add more fiber to your diet.
Increase your physical activity.
Do not delay bowel movements. Make sure that you go to the bathroom whenever you feel that you need to go.

Laxatives may be used for a short time, generally less than 1 week. Many people find fiber supplements, such as Metamucil, Citrucel, or other psyllium products, to be helpful, but in a few cases they make constipation worse.

Ask your health care provider if any medicines you are taking may be causing constipation.

Tell your health care provider if:

You start having constipation after years of normal bowel movements.
You have bouts of constipation alternating with bouts of diarrhea.
You have pain during bowel movements or for some time afterward.
Your bowel movements are dark or tar-colored or have blood in them.
You are losing weight without trying.

How can I take care of myself?

To help take care of yourself:

Eat fresh vegetables and fruit every day.
Exercise regularly. For example, walk for at least 20 minutes every day.
Drink prune juice or eat stewed fruits at breakfast.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Increase the whole-grain fiber in your diet by eating cereals with 5 or more grams of fiber per bowl (for example, shredded wheat or bran flakes).
Take a fiber product like Metamucil or Citrucel once or twice a day for several days if you are constipated. If the problem continues, tell your health care provider.
Avoid overusing other laxatives, such as cathartics, which are products that will cause a liquid bowel movement. Cathartics, including Milk of magnesia or Epsom salt, irritate the lining of the intestines.
Ask your health care provider about taking fiber products or laxatives or giving yourself an enema.
Contact your provider if constipation lasts longer than 1 week.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIA File DIG4008F.HTM Release 9.0/2006