When you feel the urge to have a bowel movement, be sure to do it. But call your healthcare provider if:. You may be constipated when your stools are painful and happen less than 3 times a week. Constipation can cause other health problems such as hemorrhoids red, swollen veins in the rectum.
Making diet and lifestyle changes can reduce constipation symptoms. These changes can also stop constipation from happening. Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your healthcare provider tells you. At the visit, write down the names of new medicines, treatments, or tests, and any new instructions your healthcare provider gives you.
If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit. Search Encyclopedia. Constipation What is constipation? You may have constipation if: You have bowel movements less than 3 times a week Your stool is hard, dry, and in small pieces Normal bowel movements vary depending on the person. What causes constipation? Some of the most common diet and lifestyle causes of constipation are: Not getting enough exercise Not drinking enough liquids Not eating enough fiber Not moving your bowels when you feel the urge to Changes in your lifestyle, such as travel, pregnancy, and old age Other causes of constipation include: Medicines A problem with how your stomach and bowels work such as irritable bowel syndrome Your intestine does not work well Taking too many medicines that help to loosen your bowels laxatives Metabolic problems such as thyroid disease Intestinal blockage What are the symptoms of constipation?
Symptoms of constipation may include: Difficult and painful bowel movements Less than 3 bowel movements a week Feeling bloated Not having much energy Belly abdominal pain Ineffective straining to move your bowels The symptoms of constipation can look like other health problems. How is constipation diagnosed? First your healthcare provider will look at: Your age If you have any blood in your stool Any changes in your bowel habits Weight loss Your healthcare provider will likely: Ask about your past health.
Your healthcare provider may also do other tests such as: Abdominal X-ray. Blood work. Blood is taken for testing. How is constipation treated? Your healthcare provider will come up with a care plan for you based on: Your age, overall health, and past health How serious your case is How well you handle certain medicines, treatments, or therapies If your condition is expected to get worse Your opinion and what you want to do In most cases, diet and lifestyle changes can help reduce constipation symptoms.
These changes may include: Drinking more water and juice. Getting regular exercise. Giving yourself time to have a bowel movement each day. Eating more fiber. Taking laxatives. Stopping or changing medicine. Constipation can cause other health problems such as: Hemorrhoids.
Can constipation be prevented? Many of the same lifestyle changes that help treat constipation may also help to stop it from happening: Have plenty of fiber, water, and liquids each day. Get regular exercise. Try to have a bowel movement at the same time each day. When should I call my healthcare provider? But call your healthcare provider if: Constipation lasts longer than 3 weeks.
Constipation pain is stopping you from doing your daily activities. You have symptoms of any of the complications of constipation. Key points about constipation Constipation is the most common GI gastrointestinal problem. Abdominal self-massage has been studied as a treatment for constipation.
It may stimulate the muscles involved in producing bowel movements and reduce stress. Biofeedback can also help people with constipation. Biofeedback is a mind-body therapy that helps you learn to control how your body functions. Many healthcare providers recommend probiotics for patients with constipation. However, a review of 18 studies found there's not enough evidence to show this is helpful.
Other alternative therapies that have not been proven to work include acupuncture and acupressure. Medical experts warn against using natural products marketed as laxatives. That's because their dosage and purity might not be safe. They can also interact with other medications you may be taking.
If you continue to have constipation and hard stools, working with your healthcare provider is a good idea. Your healthcare provider can recommend stool softeners and various types of laxatives, both over-the-counter and prescription. They can also make sure that these medications don't interfere with ones you may already be taking. There are other medications your healthcare provider can prescribe, including Amitiza Lubiprostone and Linzess Linaclotide , that draw water into your intestines.
There's very little research on the specific symptom of hard stools in patients with irritable bowel syndrome IBS. One small, older study had an interesting finding.
The researchers looked at patients with IBS who had pain after eating lunch or dinner. Instead, patients made this distinction based on whether their stools were hard or loose. This shows that people who have IBS-C may need to be more careful in defining their bowel problems.
Your diagnosis affects your treatment. For example, if your problem is infrequent stools, your treatment is different than for people who have hard stools but are regular.
Hard stools occur because your colon absorbs too much water from your stool. This can happen if it takes too long for liquids and fiber to move through your colon. It can also occur if you put off having a bowel movement.
To prevent hard stools, listen to your body and poop when you need to go. It's also important to get plenty of fiber and stay hydrated.
This may require cutting back on caffeine and alcohol. These drinks can cause you to become dehydrated. Most people experience hard stools at some point. Over-the-counter stool softeners are safe to use every once in a while. Studies show products with psyllium may work even better. Many of the tips for relieving hard stools are good health habits for everyone. Listen to your body's needs. Make sure you are drinking enough water and getting enough fiber in your diet.
If your constipation and hard stools persist for longer than a week, you should see your healthcare provider. You may feel embarrassed or uncomfortable, but you need to be clear when you describe your problem.
That's because treatment differs depending on your symptoms. Gas pain? Stool issues? Sign up for the best tips to take care of your stomach. Last reviewed November 7, Gray JR. What is chronic constipation? Definition and diagnosis. Can J Gastroenterol. Anal Health Care Basics. Perm J. Chandar AK. Diagnosis and treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with predominant constipation in the primary-care setting: focus on linaclotide. Int J Gen Med.
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Ferri FF. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor Department of Health and Human Services and U. Department of Agriculture. Wald A. Etiology and evaluation of chronic constipation in adults. Management of chronic constipation in adults. Constipation and defecation problems. American College of Gastroenterology. Accessed June 7, American Gastroenterological Association.
Ohkusa T, et al. Gut microbiota and chronic constipation: A review and update. Frontiers in Medicine. Accessed June 10, Crockett SD, et al. American Gastroenterological Association Institute guideline on medical management of opioid-induced constipation. Related Laxatives. Associated Procedures Colonoscopy Flexible sigmoidoscopy X-ray. Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic.
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