Constipation is when your bowel motions are hard. This can make them difficult to pass. Constipation is a common problem.
Signs and symptoms
- Bloating and stomach cramps
- Straining to pass bowel motions
- Hard and difficult to pass bowel motions
- Small, hard bowel motions
- Reduced frequency of bowel motions
- Painful bowel motions
- Haemorrhoids
Causes of constipation
- Insufficient fluid intake
- Insufficient fibre intake
- Lack of exercise or mobility
- Not wanting to pass (holding in) bowel motions
- Medication eg some antidepressants, antipsychotics, diuretics, and pain relievers
- Other conditions eg haemorrhoids, depression, and diabetes
- Emotional stress
- Pregnancy
What can you do about it?
Some non-medicated treatment options include:
- Drink more water
- Eat more soluble, non-fermentable fibre
- Exercise more and increase mobility
- Prune juice
Medicated treatment options include:
- Stimulant laxatives: Bisacodyl (Ducolax, Lax suppositories), Senna (Senokot, Laxsol (senna + docusate))
- Softener: docusate (Coloxyl)
- Osmotic agents: Macrogols (Molaxsol, Lax Sachet, Movicol), Lactulose
- Bulk forming agents: Fibre supplements (Konsyl-D, Metamucil)
Red Flags
See your doctor if:
- Constipation becomes more severe or painful
- Bowel motions change (constipation and/or looseness)
- Black and tar-like blood is visible in your bowel motions
- You regularly or continually use laxatives
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