Constipation is a common problem, affecting about 15.3% of people in the UK, especially older adults and those with limited mobility. It occurs when bowel movements become less frequent, often leading to hard or painful stools. While it can affect anyone, the good news is it’s usually easy to manage by making a few simple changes to your diet and lifestyle.
In this guide:
What is constipation?
Constipation occurs when you find yourself not pooing as much or finding it harder to poo. Usually, constipation is a sign of a dietary issue. It can also be a symptom of a more severe condition. You shouldn’t ignore constipation, especially if it’s a long-term or recurrent issue.
You may have constipation if:
- You’ve had fewer than three bowel movements in the past week, or you’re going less frequently than usual.
- Your stools are unusually large or small, and they are dry, hard, or lumpy.
- You experience straining or discomfort during bowel movements.
- You feel like you haven’t completely emptied your bowels.
Causes of constipation
Constipation usually happens because your stool is passing too slowly through your large intestine (colon). The slower your faeces move, the more water is absorbed, drying out the faeces. That can make it hard and uncomfortable to pass the stool.
Constipation is associated with:
- Low-fibre diet or low-calorie intake
- Not drinking enough
- Reduced mobility
- Obesity
In addition to these risk factors, certain medications cause constipation. Examples include codeine, morphine, antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), and iron tablets. If you’ve recently started a new medication and noticed constipation, speak to your GP.
Constipation is also a common symptom of underlying disease. It could indicate you have an underactive thyroid gland, irritable bowel syndrome, colon cancer, and diverticular disease.
Constipation symptoms
Everyone’s bowel habits are different. Some people are extremely regular, while others go less frequently.
Look for these symptoms of constipation:
- Fewer than three bowel movements a week
- Hard, dry, or lumpy stools
- Straining or discomfort during bowel movements
- Feeling of incomplete bowel emptying
- Abdominal bloating or discomfort
If a hard lump of faeces gets stuck in your colon, you may develop overflow diarrhoea. Because your new faeces can’t get past the lump, it leads to a watery stool. This may seem counterintuitive, but it’s still a symptom of constipation.
If you notice any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical attention:
- Rectal bleeding
- Blood in the stool
- Persistent abdominal pain
- Lower back pain
- Feeling of trapped gas
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Unexplained weight loss
- Sudden changes in bowel habits
Your doctor may ask for some tests to rule out severe conditions, such as colon cancer or inflammatory bowel disease.
Constipation treatment
Most cases of constipation are treated with dietary and lifestyle changes. However, if the constipation is caused by an underlying issue, you may need medication.
Lifestyle and dietary changes
Make these simple changes to your diet and lifestyle:
- Increase your fibre intake: Aim to include more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes in your diet. Fibre helps to soften stools and encourages more regular bowel movements.
- Stay hydrated: Make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day, as this will help prevent stools from becoming hard and difficult to pass.
- Engage in regular physical activity: Exercise can stimulate the muscles in your intestines, improving digestion and promoting bowel regularity.
- Limit processed foods: Processed and low-fibre foods can contribute to constipation, so it’s best to minimise these in your diet.
- Be mindful of caffeine and alcohol intake: Excessive consumption of caffeine or alcohol can lead to dehydration, which may worsen constipation.
- Establish a regular bathroom routine: It’s helpful to try to go to the bathroom at the same time each day, even if you don’t feel the urge immediately. This can help regulate your bowels.
You should notice a difference after a few days. If you don’t see an improvement after a few weeks, talk to your doctor.
Medications
Your doctor or pharmacist may prescribe a laxative as a temporary measure to help improve your bowel function. These include:
- Fibre supplements: Soften stool by holding fluids. Examples: psyllium (Metamucil), calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon), methylcellulose (Citrucel).
- Osmotic laxatives: Increase fluid in the intestines to ease stool movement. Examples: magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia), lactulose, polyethylene glycol (Miralax).
- Stimulants: Trigger intestine contractions to push stool through. Examples: bisacodyl (Dulcolax), sennosides (Senokot).
- Lubricants: Help stool pass more easily. Example: mineral oil.
- Stool softeners: Draw water into the stool for easier passage. Examples: docusate sodium (Colace), docusate calcium.
Other more powerful laxatives are available – however, these are reserved for the most severe cases of constipation.
Further reading and resources
Quick Constipation Relief with Medefer
When your GP refers you to a specialist for constipation, you can choose Medefer. Instead of waiting weeks, a consultant will review your case within 48 hours. If further tests are needed, Medefer will handle everything, from organising the tests to providing timely follow-up care.
Next time you need a non-urgent referral, ask for Medefer. Contact us at patients@medefer.com or call 08000 112 113.
