Constipation

Constipation

Constipation occurs when your bowel movements become less frequent and stools become difficult to pass. It's common and it affects people of all ages. You can usually treat it with simple changes to your diet and lifestyle.

It's likely to be constipation if:

  • you have not had a poo at least 3 times during the last week or you're pooing less often than usual
  • the poo is unusually large or small and is dry, hard or lumpy
  • you are straining or in pain when you have a poo
  • you feel like you haven't fully emptied your bowels

The most common causes include:

  • not eating enough fibre, which is found in fruits, vegetables and cereals
  • not drinking enough fluids
  • not moving enough and spending long periods sitting or lying down
  • being less active and not exercising
  • often ignoring the urge to go to the toilet
  • changing your diet or daily routine
  • a side effect of medicine
  • stress, anxiety or depression

Diet and lifestyle changes are usually recommended as the first treatment for constipation.

This includes gradually increasing your daily intake of fibre, making sure you drink plenty of fluids, and trying to get more exercise.

If diet and lifestyle changes don’t help., an oral laxative may be tried.

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Constipation

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