| Basic Information |
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| Description |
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Difficult, uncomfortable, or infrequent bowel movements that are hard and dry. In most people, constipation is harmless, but it can indicate an underlying disorder.
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| Frequent Signs and Symptoms |
People vary widely in bowel activity. Any of the following may be a sign of constipation:
- Infrequent bowel movements, sometimes accompanied by abdominal swelling.
- Hard feces.
- Straining during bowel movements.
- Pain or bleeding with bowel movements.
- Sensation of continuing fullness after a bowel movement.
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| Causes |
People vary widely in bowel activity. Any of the following may be a sign of constipation:
- Infrequent bowel movements, sometimes accompanied by abdominal swelling.
- Hard feces.
- Straining during bowel movements.
- Pain or bleeding with bowel movements.
- Sensation of continuing fullness after a bowel movement.
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| Risk Increases With |
- Stress.
- Illness requiring complete bed rest.
- Use of certain drugs, including: belladonna, calcium channel blockers, beta-adrenergic blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, narcotics, atropine, iron, antacids.
- Sedentary life style.
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| Preventive Measure |
- Eat a well-balanced, high-fiber diet.
- Exercise regularly.
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.
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| Expected Outcome |
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Usually curable with exercise, diet and adequate fluids.
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| Possible Complications |
- Hemorrhoids; laxative dependency.
- Hernia from excessive straining.
- Uterine or rectal prolapse.
- Spastic colitis; bowel obstruction.
- Chronic constipation.
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| Treatment/Post Procedure Care |
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| General Measures |
- Set aside a regular time each day for bowel movements.
The best time is often within 1 hour after breakfast. Don't
try to hurry. Sit at least 10 minutes, whether or not a bowel
movement occurs.
- Drinking hot water, tea or coffee may help stimulate
bowel.
- If constipation persists for 3 or 4 days, use a nonprescription,
disposable enema for temporary relief. If you prefer
not to use a commercial enema preparation,
you may give yourself an enema as follows:
- Spread a bath mat on the bathroom floor or in the tub.
- Fill an enema bag with lukewarm water.
- Hang the enema bag no higher than 30 inches from the floor.
- Lie on your left side on the mat.
- Insert the nozzle gently inside the rectum.
- Let the water flow in slowly, a little at a time. If it hurts, stop
the water flow until the pain subsides. Then start the flow again.
- Use the entire quart of water.
Hold the fluid inside until you are uncomfortable. Then sit
on the toilet for a bowel movement.
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| Medication |
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For occasional constipation, you may use a stool softener
laxative, mild nonprescription laxatives or enemas. Don't
use laxatives or enemas regularly as this can cause dependency.
Avoid harsh laxatives and cathartics, such as Epsom salts. The best laxatives
are bulk-formers, such as bran, psyllium, polycarbophil and methylcellulose.
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| Activity |
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Exercise and good physical fitness helps maintain healthy bowel patterns.
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| Diet |
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Drink at least 8 glasses of water each day. Include bulk
foods, such as bran and raw fruits and vegetables, in your
diet. Avoid refined cereals and breads, pastries and sugar.
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| Notify Your Healthcare Provider If |
- Constipation persists, despite self-care especially if the
constipation represents a change in your normal bowel patterns. (Changes in bowel patterns may be an early sign of cancer.)
- Constipation is accompanied by fever or severe abdominal cramping.
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