Constipation can be a really uncomfortable and even worrying experience. If you’ve noticed you’re not having bowel movements as often as usual, spending a long time trying to go, or if your stools are hard and difficult to pass, you might be constipated. It’s a common problem, and you might be wondering, “Why Am I So Constipated?”
Alt text: Senior couple enjoying fiber-rich smoothies to aid digestion and prevent constipation.
Almost everyone experiences constipation at some point in their lives. It’s actually more common as we get older. In fact, it’s estimated that about one in three older adults deal with occasional constipation. The good news is that most of the time, constipation isn’t a sign of something serious and there are effective ways to treat it.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Constipation
Some people get anxious if they don’t have a bowel movement every single day. However, there’s no set “right” number of bowel movements per day or week. What’s considered “regular” varies from person to person. For some, regular might mean going twice a day, while for others, three times a week is perfectly normal. But, if you frequently have infrequent bowel movements, you could be constipated.
Here are common symptoms of constipation to watch out for:
- Having fewer than three bowel movements in a week.
- Straining or having difficulty passing stools.
- Passing stools that are lumpy or hard.
- Feeling like you have a blockage or that you haven’t completely emptied your bowels after a movement.
Uncovering the Reasons: What Causes Constipation?
Many things can contribute to constipation. Several medical conditions that are more common in older adults, as well as certain medications, can be culprits. Let’s explore some of the common causes.
Medical Conditions That Can Lead to Constipation
Certain health conditions can directly or indirectly impact bowel regularity. For example, conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can disrupt normal bowel function. Also, neurological conditions that affect nerve signals to the colon can slow down movement.
Furthermore, individuals managing conditions that affect their diet and daily routines, such as Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, may be more prone to constipation. Changes in diet, reduced fluid intake, and decreased physical activity associated with these conditions can all play a role.
Medications and Supplements: Potential Constipation Triggers
Many medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, can have constipation as a side effect.
- These include certain antidepressants, antacids that contain aluminum or calcium, some antihistamines used for allergies, opioid painkillers, some medications for high blood pressure, diuretics, anticholinergics, antispasmodics, anticonvulsants, and drugs used to treat Parkinson’s disease. It’s always a good idea to review the potential side effects of any medication you are taking with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Certain dietary supplements, particularly iron supplements, are also known to cause constipation in some individuals.
- Anesthesia, which is used during surgical procedures to block pain, can also temporarily slow down bowel function and lead to constipation after surgery.
Lifestyle Factors: Nutrition, Activity, and Routine
What you eat and drink, and your daily habits significantly impact your bowel movements. Here’s how lifestyle factors can contribute to constipation:
- Insufficient Fiber Intake: Dietary fiber is crucial for adding bulk to your stool and helping it move smoothly through your digestive system. If you don’t consume enough high-fiber foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, you’re more likely to become constipated. Diets high in fatty meats, dairy products, eggs, sugary treats, and processed foods often lack fiber and can contribute to constipation.
- Dehydration: Not Enough Fluids: Water and other liquids help fiber do its job effectively. When you’re dehydrated, your body absorbs more water from your stool, making it harder, drier, and more difficult to pass. Not drinking enough fluids throughout the day can definitely contribute to constipation.
- Lack of Physical Activity: Regular physical activity helps stimulate bowel function. Being sedentary or inactive for long periods, whether due to a lack of exercise, illness, or recovery after surgery, can slow down your digestive system and lead to constipation.
- Changes in Daily Routine: Our bodies thrive on routine. When your daily routine is disrupted, it can throw off your bowel habits. Travel is a common example; changes in time zones, diet, and sleep patterns while traveling can easily lead to constipation.
How to Find Relief: Treatment Options for Constipation
In many cases, you can effectively manage constipation at home with simple lifestyle adjustments. These changes aim to soften your stools, make them easier to pass, and prevent constipation from recurring.
There are also various over-the-counter (OTC) laxatives available, including fiber supplements and stool softeners, which can provide relief. It’s always a good idea to consult your doctor or pharmacist to determine which laxative might be most appropriate for you, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
If lifestyle changes and OTC remedies don’t provide sufficient relief, or if you experience pain, bleeding, or other concerning symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor about further treatment options. Your doctor might suggest specific dietary or activity modifications, prescribe a stronger medication for constipation, or recommend biofeedback therapy. Biofeedback is a technique that helps you learn to control your pelvic floor muscles, which can be beneficial for certain types of constipation. In rare instances, surgery might be considered, such as to remove a blockage or address a structural issue in the colon. Always discuss the risks and benefits of any treatment with your doctor.
When Should You Seek Medical Advice for Constipation?
While most cases of constipation are not serious, sometimes it can be a symptom of a more significant underlying medical condition, including colorectal cancer or other types of cancer. It’s crucial to see your doctor or healthcare provider if your bowel habits change and you experience any of the following:
- Blood in your stool or bleeding from your rectum.
- Severe stomach pain or inability to pass gas.
- Vomiting or fever.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Lower back pain.
- Constipation that doesn’t improve with increased fiber intake and exercise.
For more in-depth information on the possible causes and treatments for constipation, you can visit the educational page on constipation provided by the NIH National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).
For further information about constipation, you can contact:
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
800-860-8747
866-569-1162 (TTY)
[email protected]
www.niddk.nih.gov
MedlinePlus
National Library of Medicine
www.medlineplus.gov
