Constipation Basics:
The Symptoms and Causes
Constipation Basics:
The Symptoms and Causes
If you think you’re experiencing constipation, you’re not alone. It’s a more common condition than you think. Check
out the list below to see if constipation may be the reason for your discomfort.
Possible Symptoms of Constipation:
- Infrequent bowel movements (fewer than three bowel movements in a week)
- Irregular bowel movements
- Incomplete bowel movements
- Pain or straining during bowel movements
- Hard, dry stool
- Excessive bloating
Once you are confident that you’re experiencing constipation, the next step is to figure out what’s causing it. There
are a few common sources that could be the culprit for your backed-up bottom.
Possible Causes of Constipation:
Low Fiber Diet
Women should have 25 grams of fiber a day and men should have 38 grams. The average adult, however, consumes only 15 grams of fiber per day. Since dietary fiber helps you pass stool more easily, a low-fiber diet can lead to constipation.
Dehydration
When you don’t drink enough fluids, your large intestine soaks up water from food waste that traveled from your stomach. Without water, your stool becomes hard and difficult to pass.
Waiting too long or ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement
We’ve all been there – you’re in an important business meeting or at a nice dinner and you suddenly feel the urge to go. If you try to wait until a more opportune time, the delay can cause constipation.
Pregnancy
When women are pregnant, a change of hormones that relax the intestinal muscle can cause constipation.
Aging
As you get older, the likelihood that you will experience constipation greatly increases. A few reasons for this include a slowdown of your digestive system, more medication, a less active lifestyle and dehydration.
Travel
Even if you normally experience no issues going number two, the change in routine, limited bathroom access and stress of traveling can cause constipation.
Certain medications may be associated with constipation
Speak to your doctor to determine if your constipation symptoms are associated with another medication.
About Occasional Constipation
If you have questions about constipation, you’re not alone. Constipation affects an estimated 63 million people in North America, making constipation one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints. 1
Some possible symptoms of constipation may include 2-4:
- Infrequent bowel movements
- Irregular bowel movements
- Incomplete bowel movements
- Pain or straining during bowel movements
- Hard, dry stools
- Excessive bloating
If your need for a laxative lasts for more than one week, you should see your doctor to make sure it’s not a sign of a more serious condition.
References:
1. Higgins PD, Johanson JF. Epidemiology of constipation in North America: a systematic review. Am J Gastroenterol. 2004;99(4):750-9.
2. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). Definition & Facts for Constipation.
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/constipation/definition. Accessed March 2021.
3. American Gastroenterological Association. Constipation. Available at http://www.gastro.org/patient-care/conditions-diseases/constipation. Accessed March 2021.
4. American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. Constipation. Available at https://www.fascrs.org/patients/disease-condition/constipation-0. Accessed March 2021.
Warnings
- Do not use laxative products for longer than 1 week unless told to do so by a doctor.
- Do not use if you are presently taking mineral oil unless told to do so by a doctor.
- Ask a doctor before use if you have:
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Noticed a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts over two weeks
- Stop use and ask a doctor if you have rectal bleeding or fail to have a bowel movement after use of a laxative. These could be signs of a serious condition.
- If pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a health professional before use.
- Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.