Constipation
Constipation is a condition in which a person has fewer than three bowel movements a week or passes stools that are hard, dry, small, or difficult to pass. Some people also feel bloated or have discomfort in the abdomen. Bowel habits can vary from person to person, and not everyone needs to have a bowel movement every day.
Key Takeaways
- Constipation may involve fewer than three bowel movements a week or stools that are hard, dry, and difficult to pass.
- It can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-lasting).
- Common causes include low fiber intake, inactivity, medications, routine changes, and digestive disorders.
- Many people improve with diet, exercise, hydration, and other first-line treatments.
Symptoms of Constipation
Constipation can look different from person to person. Common symptoms may include:
- Fewer bowel movements than usual
- Hard, dry, or small stools
- Straining during bowel movements
- A feeling that the bowel movement is incomplete
- Bloating or abdominal discomfort
Acute vs. Chronic Constipation
Constipation can be acute, meaning it comes on suddenly and lasts a short time, or chronic, meaning it lasts a long time or comes back repeatedly. Most constipation is acute and not dangerous, but ongoing symptoms may need medical evaluation.
Common Causes of Constipation
Constipation happens when stool spends too much time in the colon, allowing too much water to be absorbed and making the stool harder and drier. Common factors or disorders that may contribute include:
- Diets low in fiber
- Lack of physical activity
- Medications
- Life changes or daily routine changes
- Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement
- Neurological and metabolic disorders
- GI tract problems
- Functional GI disorders such as IBS
How Constipation Is Diagnosed
To diagnose the cause of constipation, your provider may review your medical history, perform a physical exam, and recommend testing based on how long symptoms have lasted, how severe they are, your age, and whether you have warning signs such as blood in the stool, weight loss, or recent changes in bowel habits.
Most people with constipation do not need extensive testing, but in some cases evaluation may include lab work, imaging, or a colonoscopy.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the cause, severity, and duration of constipation. Management may include one or more of the following:
- Changes in eating, diet, and nutrition
- Exercise and lifestyle changes
- Medication or laxatives
- Biofeedback in select cases
- Surgery in rare cases when another treatment is not effective
First-line treatment often includes diet changes, exercise, lifestyle changes, and laxatives when appropriate.
When to See a Gastroenterologist
You should seek medical evaluation if constipation is persistent, severe, associated with blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, new changes in bowel habits, or abdominal pain that does not improve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is constipation?
Constipation is a condition in which a person has fewer than three bowel movements a week or has bowel movements with stools that are hard, dry, and difficult to pass.
What causes constipation?
Common causes include low fiber intake, lack of physical activity, medications, routine changes, ignoring the urge to go, and some GI or metabolic disorders.
Does everyone need to have a bowel movement every day?
No. Bowel habits vary from person to person. Some people have bowel movements three times a day, while others may go three times a week.
How is constipation treated?
Treatment may include changes in diet, exercise, lifestyle habits, medications, and other therapies depending on the cause and severity.
When should I see a doctor for constipation?
You should seek evaluation if constipation is long-lasting, severe, or accompanied by blood in the stool, weight loss, or other concerning symptoms.
Related Resources:
IBS | Diarrhea | Colonoscopy | Colonoscopy 101 | Procedure Preps
