Overview
Constipation is a gastrointestinal condition characterized by infrequent bowel movements. It can feel like not all of your stool has passed, difficulty passing stools, or the passage of hard and dry stools. It usually means passing less than three stools a week. It can be acute or chronic and may have various underlying causes, including inadequate dietary fiber intake, dehydration, lack of physical activity, medications, certain medical conditions (such as hypothyroidism or irritable bowel syndrome), or structural abnormalities. Chronic constipation is defined as having symptoms for three months or longer. You should contact your physician right away if you have blood in your stool, blood when you wipe your rectum, unexplained weight loss or abdominal pain that doesn’t go away.
How is it diagnosed?
Blood and stool tests can be ordered to check for thyroid function, electrolyte levels, and signs of inflammation or infection. Imaging studies such as abdominal X-rays, CT scans, or colonoscopy can also be used to evaluate the colon and rectum for any structural abnormalities or blockages like tumors.
How is it treated?
Lifestyle modifications such as increasing dietary fiber intake by consuming more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes can help with constipation. Drinking an adequate amount of water to stay hydrated, regular physical activity to promote bowel motility and establishing a regular bowel routine by trying to have a bowel movement at the same time each day can also aid in constipation. OTC medications such as fiber supplements husk to help soften stools and promote bowel movements. Osmotic laxatives such as polyethylene glycol to draw water into the colon and soften stools and stimulant laxatives such as senna to stimulate bowel contractions and promote evacuation. Prescription medications approved for treating chronic constipation in adults, especially those with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) can also be used.
References
Mayo Clinic. (2023). Constipation. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/constipation/symptoms-causes/syc-20354253
