Constipation is when you have trouble having bowel movements. Signs of constipation are abdominal swelling, straining during bowel movements, hard stools, and the feeling of continued fullness even after a bowel movement. Constipation can be very uncomfortable, but it usually doesn't signal disease or a serious problem.
Causes
A number of things cause or lead to constipation.
These include:
Not drinking enough fluids
Not eating enough dietary fiber
Not being active enough
Using laxatives over a long period of time
Taking certain medicines (Examples: some
heart, pain, and antidepressant medicines, as well as antacids, antihistamines, water
pills, and narcotics)
Taking iron supplements
Not going to the bathroom when you have the
urge to have a bowel movement
Medical problems such as hemorrhoids or an
underactive thyroid gland
It is important to know that it is not necessary to have a bowel movement daily. What is more important is what is normal for you.
The "cure" for constipation generally consists of correcting the things that make bowel habits irregular. (See Self-Care Tips below.) Ask your doctor what you should do if medications and/or health conditions are causing you to be constipated.
Is the constipation present with any of the following? Fever Severe abdominal pain, especially located in
the lower left section Persistent vomiting Abdominal bloating Weight loss Very thin pencil-like stools or blood seen
in the stools |
 |
| Did the constipation occur after taking prescribed or
over-the-counter medicines and/or vitamins? |
 |
| Do you have persistent constipation despite using the Self-Care
Tips listed in this section? |
|
Eat foods high in dietary fiber, like
bran, whole-grain breads and cereals, and fresh fruits and vegetables daily. They serve as
natural stool softeners, thanks in part to their fiber content. One type of fiber from
these foods absorbs water like a sponge, turning hard stools into large, soft,
easy-to-pass masses.
Drink at least 1 1/2-2 quarts of water and
other liquids every day.
Drink hot water, tea, or coffee. These may
help stimulate the bowel.
Get plenty of exercise to help your bowels
move things along.
Don't resist the urge to eliminate, or put
off a trip to the bathroom.
Keep in mind that medicines such as
antacids (ones with aluminum or calcium), iron supplements, and calcium supplements can be
binding. Don't take them if you get constipated easily. Discuss this with your doctor
first.
If necessary, for occasional constipation
you may need an over-the-counter stool softener or mild laxative. Check with your doctor
ahead of time so you'll know what is best for you to take if and when you do get
constipated.
Ask your doctor about the use of
"bulk-forming" laxatives such as Metamucil, Perdiem or Fiber Con. You may be
able to use these daily, if necessary. Start out slowly and gradually increase how much
you take. Also drink plenty of liquids with them. Bloating, cramping, or gas may be
noticed at first, but these symptoms should go away in a few weeks or less.
Do not use "stimulant" laxatives
such as Ex-Lax, Dulcolax, Senokot, or enemas without your doctor's permission. Short-term
use of them may be okay, but in the long run they can make you even more constipated.
(Your intestines can 
become lazy and may not
work as well on their own.) Long-term use of these laxatives can also:
Lead to a mineral imbalance
Make it harder for your body to benefit from medicines
Lower the amount of nutrients you absorb
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 1999 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 02/01/99