Overview
Constipation is a symptom, not a disease by itself. People may describe it as fewer bowel movements than usual, hard or dry stools, straining, or a feeling that the bowel did not empty fully. What is normal varies widely, so constipation is often about a change from your usual pattern.
Key Symptoms
Common symptoms include passing stool less often, hard or lumpy stool, straining, pain with bowel movements, bloating, and stomach discomfort. Some people also feel blocked or need to sit on the toilet for a long time. Ongoing constipation can sometimes lead to hemorrhoids or small tears around the anus.
Causes and Risk Factors
Constipation can happen when stool moves too slowly through the intestines or when the body absorbs too much water from the stool. Common triggers include low fiber intake, not drinking enough fluids, less movement, ignoring the urge to go, travel, stress, and changes in daily routine. Some medicines can contribute, including certain pain medicines, iron supplements, and some medicines for mood, blood pressure, or allergies. It can also be linked with pregnancy, pelvic floor problems, thyroid disease, diabetes, and bowel or nerve disorders.
Who Is Affected
Constipation can affect children, adults, and older adults. It may be more common during pregnancy, in older age, and in people with limited mobility or long-term medical conditions. People who have had recent surgery, major routine changes, or who take several medicines may also be more likely to develop it.
Prevention
Prevention often focuses on regular habits that support bowel movement. These include eating enough fiber-rich foods, drinking fluids regularly, being physically active, and going to the toilet when you feel the urge instead of delaying. For some people, a regular toilet routine, especially after meals, can help.
Diagnosis and Tests
A healthcare professional may ask about your bowel pattern, diet, fluids, activity, medicines, and other symptoms. They may do a physical exam and, if needed, order tests to look for bleeding, thyroid problems, diabetes, or bowel conditions. New constipation, long-lasting symptoms, weight loss, anemia, or blood in the stool may lead to further evaluation.
Treatment Categories
Treatment depends on the cause and how long symptoms have been present. It may include changes in food and fluid intake, more activity, reviewing medicines that may be contributing, bowel habit training, or other supportive options recommended by a healthcare professional. If constipation is caused by another medical condition, that condition also needs attention.
Diet and Lifestyle
Many people benefit from gradually adding fiber-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, beans, lentils, and whole grains. Drinking enough fluids can help, especially when increasing fiber. Regular walking or other movement may support bowel activity, and some people find it helpful to set aside unhurried time for the toilet each day.
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek medical care if constipation lasts for several weeks, keeps coming back, or is affecting eating, sleep, work, or daily life. You should also get medical advice if constipation starts suddenly, if you have pain with bowel movements, or if you think a medicine may be contributing. Children, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone with long-term illness may need earlier review.
When It May Be an Emergency
Get urgent medical help if constipation comes with severe or worsening belly pain, repeated vomiting, a swollen or hard abdomen, inability to pass gas, fainting, fever, or blood in the stool. These symptoms can point to a bowel blockage, serious infection, heavy bleeding, or another urgent problem. New constipation with weakness, confusion, or dehydration also needs prompt attention.