Constipation is infrequent and/or uncomfortable bowel movements. Stool is often hard and dry. It is the most common gastrointestinal complaint in the United States and accounts for 2 million annual visits to the doctor.
There are over-the-counter medications to treat constipation called laxatives. However, changes in bowel habits, such as constipation, may indicate a more serious medical condition.
Consult a doctor if you have:
Constipation plus:
Abdominal pain
Bleeding
Black stool
Distended abdomen
Fever
Consistent and significant change in your bowel habits
Constipation that lasts longer than three weeks
Tests to rule out other medical conditions include:
Physical exam
Digital rectal exam—examination of the rectum with the doctor's gloved, lubricated finger inserted into your rectum
Blood tests
Abdominal x-rays
Barium enema x-ray—enema of fluid into the rectum that makes your colon light up on an x-ray
Flexible sigmoidoscopy—a thin, lighted tube with a camera inserted into the rectum to examine the rectum and the lower colon
Talk to your doctor about what is a normal frequency of bowel movements for you. The range of normal is quite broad. Some people have several stools a day; others have one stool every several days.
Making Lifestyle Changes
Eat a healthful, balanced diet that is high in fiber (unprocessed bran, whole-wheat grains, fresh fruit, and cereals).
Exercise regularly.
Drink at least eight, 8-ounce glasses of water each day.
Taking Laxatives, Stool Softeners, or Glycerin Suppositories
Do not regularly use laxatives or enemas; these can be habit forming and your bowels can become accustomed to these products and require them in order to produce a stool. Ask your doctor about how often and for how long to use these products.
Treating Underlying Medical Conditions
Work with your doctor to treat other conditions that may be causing your constipation.
Changing Medications
If you're taking a medication that causes constipation, ask your doctor for a less-constipating alternative.
Prevention
To reduce your chance of getting constipation:
Eat a healthy, balanced diet that is high in fiber.
Exercise regularly.
Drink at least eight, 8-ounce glasses of water a day.
In an effort to train your bowels, schedule a time daily to sit on the toilet just after a meal.
Don't rush yourself when using the bathroom.
If you feel the urge to defecate, listen to your body.
RESOURCES:
American Gastroenterological Association http://www.gastro.org
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases http://www.niddk.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
BC Health Guide http://www.bchealthguide.org/
Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html
References:
American Gastroenterological Association website. Available at:
http://www.gastro.org.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at:
http://www.niddk.nih.gov.
Primary Care Medicine. 4th ed. Lippincott, Williams, and Wilkins; 2000.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
