Constipation – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Constipation involves difficulty passing stools or having fewer than three bowel movements per week. This common digestive issue often stems from lifestyle factors.
These factors include low fiber intake, insufficient hydration, and limited physical activity. Various medical conditions and certain medications can also contribute to constipation problems. Most cases can be resolved through simple lifestyle adjustments and over-the-counter remedies.
For persistent constipation (chronic constipation), healthcare providers may recommend prescription medications or treatment plans targeting underlying conditions. Management approaches vary based on individual circumstances and severity.
Common causes of constipation:
- Insufficient dietary fiber
- Inadequate fluid intake
- Lack of regular exercise
- Medication side effects
- Underlying health conditions
Proper diagnosis is important for effective treatment, especially when constipation persists despite basic interventions.
Signs of Constipation
Constipation shows itself in several ways. You might have bowel movements less than three times a week. The stool may be hard, dry, or lumpy. Many people feel pain or strain when trying to pass stool.
Some experience a feeling that not all stool has passed or that something is blocking the rectum. In some cases, people need to use a finger to help pass stool.
When these problems last, they can affect your daily life. If you have two or more of these signs for three months or longer, this is called chronic constipation.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
It’s important to call your doctor if you have constipation along with any of these issues:
- Symptoms that continue for more than three weeks
- Problems that make daily activities difficult
- Bleeding from your rectum or blood on toilet paper
- Blood in your stool or black-colored stools
- Unusual changes in stool shape or color
- Ongoing stomach pain
- Weight loss you didn’t plan
These additional symptoms might point to a more serious health issue that needs medical attention. Don’t wait to get help if these problems appear with your constipation.
Why Constipation Happens
Lifestyle Factors
Constipation often stems from everyday habits. People who don’t drink enough water may develop harder stools. Meanwhile, low fiber intake from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains makes this worse.
Not exercising regularly slows down gut movement. Also, ignoring the urge to use the bathroom can lead to constipation over time.
Medication Effects
Many drugs can cause bowel problems. For example, pain medications, especially opioids, often slow digestion. Other medicines that might cause constipation include:
- Blood pressure medications
- Anti-seizure drugs
- Antidepressants
- Nervous system medications
- Allergy treatments
Always talk to your doctor if you think your medicine is causing constipation.
Pelvic Muscle Issues
The muscles at the bottom of your torso (pelvic floor muscles) play a key role in bowel movements. To pass stool normally, you need to be able to both relax these muscles and push down at the right time.
When these muscles are weak or don’t work together properly, chronic constipation can result.
Bowel Blockages
Sometimes physical barriers prevent normal bowel movements. These might include:
- Growths or tumors in the colon or rectum
- Narrowing of the colon
- Scar tissue from previous surgery or injury
These blockages can make it hard or impossible for stool to pass through.
Other Possible Causes
Many health conditions can affect how your body moves stool. These include:
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Diabetes
- Multiple sclerosis
- Nerve damage
- Thyroid problems
- Parkinson’s disease
- Pregnancy
Sometimes doctors can’t find a specific cause for chronic constipation, even after testing.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase a person’s chance of having ongoing constipation:
- Advanced age
- Female gender
- Sedentary lifestyle with minimal exercise
- Psychological conditions, including depression and eating disorders
These factors don’t guarantee someone will develop chronic constipation, but they do raise the likelihood of experiencing this digestive problem.
Problems That Can Happen
Ongoing constipation can lead to several health issues:
- Hemorrhoids – swollen blood vessels around the anus.
- Anal fissures – small tears in the skin around the anus.
- Fecal impaction – hard stool that gets stuck in the colon.
- Rectal prolapse – condition where rectal tissue pushes through the anal opening.
These complications can cause pain, bleeding, and discomfort.
Prevention
To prevent constipation, focus on eating fiber-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, beans, and whole grains. These help waste move through your digestive system.
Limit processed foods, dairy products, and meats as they contain little fiber.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
Regular physical activity helps keep your digestive system working properly.
Listen to your bodyโdon’t ignore when you need to use the bathroom.
Try establishing a regular bathroom routine. Do this particularly after meals when your digestive system is most active.
