Constipation

Having fewer than three Having fewer than three bowel movements a week is, technically, the definition of constipation. But how often you poop varies widely from person to person. Some people poop several times a day while others only poop one to two times a week. Whatever your bowel movement pattern is, it’s unique and normal for you as long as you don’t stray too far from your pattern.

Regardless of your bowel pattern, one fact is certain: The longer you go before you poop, the more difficult it becomes for poop to pass. Other key features that usually define constipation include:

• Your stools are dry and hard.
• Your bowel movements are painful, and your stools are difficult to pass.
• You have a feeling that you haven’t fully emptied your bowels.

How common is constipation?

You’re not alone if you’re feeling constipated. Constipation is one of the most frequent gastrointestinal complaints in the United States. At least 2.5 million people see their healthcare provider each year due to constipation.

What causes constipation?

There are many causes of constipation, including lifestyle factors, medications and medical conditions.

Common lifestyle causes of constipation include:

• Not eating enough fiber.
• Not drinking enough water (dehydration).
• Not getting enough exercise.
• Changes in your regular routine, such as traveling or eating, or going to bed at different times.
• Consuming large amounts of milk or cheese.
• Stress.
• Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement.

What are the symptoms of constipation?

Constipation symptoms include:

• You have fewer than three bowel movements a week.
• Your stools are dry, hard and/or lumpy.
• Your stools are difficult or painful to pass.
• You have a stomach ache or cramps.
• You feel bloated and nauseated.
• You have a feeling that you haven’t fully emptied your bowels.

Diagnosis and Tests

• Lab tests: Blood tests and urine tests reveal signs of hypothyroidism, anaemia and diabetes. A stool sample checks for signs of infection, inflammation and cancer.
• Imaging tests: Your provider may order a computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan or lower gastrointestinal tract series to identify other problems that could be causing your constipation. But these usually aren’t ordered.
• Colonoscopy: Your provider may perform a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy — an internal view of your colon with a scope. During this procedure, they may take a small sample of tissue (biopsy) to test for cancer or other issues and they’ll remove any polyps.
• Other bowel function tests: Your provider may order tests that check how well your anus and rectum hold and release stool. These tests include a certain type of X-ray (defecography), done to rule out causes of outlet dysfunction constipation, and the insertion of a small balloon into your rectum (balloon expulsion test and anorectal manometry).

How do you relieve constipation?

Some recommendations for immediate constipation relief at home include:

• Drink two to four extra glasses of water a day. Avoid caffeine-containing drinks and alcohol, which can cause dehydration. Also, avoid juice and high-sweetened beverages.
• Avoid processed meats, fried foods and refined carbs like white bread, pasta and potatoes. It’s OK to eat lean meats like poultry and low-fat dairy products.
• Add fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other high-fiber foods to your daily diet. Eat fewer high-fat foods, like meat, eggs and cheese.
• Eat prunes, bran cereal and other high-fiber fruits like oranges, pineapples, berries, mangos, avocados and papaya.
• Keep a food diary and single out foods that constipate you.
• If needed, take a very mild over-the-counter stool softener or laxative. Mineral oil enemas and stimulant laxatives are other options. There are many laxative choices. Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for help in making a choice. Don’t use laxatives for more than two weeks without calling your provider. Overuse of laxatives can worsen your symptoms.
• Don’t read or use your phone or other devices while trying to move your bowels.
• Avoid holding the urge to use the bathroom. Eventually, it will block the signal from your colon to your brain to relax and let the poop out.

Conclusion

Constipation may cause complications if it persists or if it is a symptom of a more serious underlying condition. Taking steps to prevent constipation and getting medical attention for persistent or severe constipation can help reduce the risk of complications.