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changing your diet or daily routine. a side effect of medicine. stress, anxiety or depression. Constipation is common during pregnancy and after giving birth. It is also more common if you are over 65 years old. Constipation can also be caused by a medical condition such as diverticular disease or bowel cancer, but this is rare.
- Laxatives
Bulk-forming laxatives work by increasing the "bulk" or...
- Stomach Ache
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) Bad ongoing pain that can go...
- Laxatives
- About Constipation
- What Causes Constipation?
- Who’s Affected
- When to Get Professional Advice
- Treating Constipation
- Preventing Constipation
- Complications
Constipation is a common condition that affects people of all ages. It can mean that you’re not passing stools regularly or you’re unable to completely empty your bowel. Constipation can also cause your stools to be hard and lumpy, as well as unusually large or small. The severity of constipation varies from person to person. Many people only exper...
It’s often difficult to identify the exact cause of constipation. However, there are a number of things that contribute to the condition, including: 1. not eating enough fibre, such as fruit, vegetables and cereals 2. a change in your routine or lifestyle, such as a change in your eating habits 3. ignoring the urge to pass stools 4. side effects of...
Constipation can occur in babies, children and adults. It’s estimated that around 1 in every 7 adults and up to 1 in every 3 children in the UK has constipation at any one time. The condition affects twice as many women as men and is also more common in older adults and during pregnancy.
Constipation isn’t usually serious and can be treated by a pharmacist. Your pharmacist may recommend that you contact your GP practice if required. Also speak to your pharmacist if you think your child might be constipated. Laxativesare often recommended for children alongside diet and lifestyle changes. You may be able to treat constipation yourse...
Diet and lifestyle changes are usually recommended as the first treatment for constipation. This includes gradually increasing your daily intake of fibre, making sure you drink plenty of fluids, and trying to get more exercise. If these aren’t effective, your pharmacist may recommend an oral laxative medication that can help you empty your bowels. ...
Making the diet and lifestyle changes mentioned above can also help to reduce your risk of developing constipation in the first place. Giving yourself enough time and privacy to pass stools comfortably may also help, and you should try not to ignore the urge to go to the toilet. Read more about preventing constipation.
For most people constipation rarely causes complications, but people with long-term constipation can develop: 1. haemorrhoids (piles) 2. faecal impaction (where dry, hard stools collect in the rectum) 3. bowel incontinence (the leakage of liquid stools) Read more about the complications of constipation.
Sometimes the brain and gut overshare information. Being upset or depressed can make the bowel slow down or speed up. Ignoring the natural urges to open bowels. Ignoring bowel urges can change both how the bowel muscles work and the pattern of bowel opening. This happens due to inadequate time, an aversion to public toilets, or social limits.
- Diabetes. Constipation is a common problem for people who live with diabetes. Diabetes can cause the muscles in the intestines to be less effective at moving stool through.
- Endometriosis. In endometriosis, tissue that is similar to the lining of the uterus grows in other parts of the body. This can cause a variety of symptoms.
- Travel. Some people develop constipation while traveling. The change in routine can lead to a disruption in the digestive system. Even the most experienced and conscientious travelers can find they are backed up for a time.
- Something You Ate. Sometimes new foods or eating foods you don't usually have can lead to constipation. Foods that don’t contain much fiber, such as dairy, fatty meats, eggs, and foods high in sugar, may cause or worsen constipation.
Jul 15, 2024 · Otherwise, it may cause constipation. Drink water: Consuming more water daily can help you digest your fiber and make your bowel movements easier to pass. Cut out irritating foods: Some foods can ...
Bowel incontinence (also known as 'faecal incontinence') is when you can't control when you poo and you have accidents. It's usually a symptom of an underlying medical condition that affects the bowel, such as constipation, diarrhoea or multiple sclerosis. It can be uncomfortable to talk about, but it's nothing to be embarrassed about.
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Oct 20, 2023 · Symptoms. Symptoms of constipation include: Fewer than three stools a week. Hard, dry or lumpy stools. Straining or pain when passing stools. A feeling that not all stool has passed. A feeling that the rectum is blocked. The need to use a finger to pass stool. Chronic constipation is having two or more of these symptoms for three months or longer.
