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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. Copyright © 2006 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subdiaries. All Rights Reserved.


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