Constipation is it normal

Home remedies and lifestyle changes can often help resolve it, but sometimes, it may need medical attention. Constipation can happen for many reasons, such as when stool passes through the colon too slowly. The slower the food moves through the digestive tract, the more water the colon will absorb and the harder the feces will become. A person who poops fewer than 3 times per week may have constipation.

Sometimes, constipation results from a blockage in the large intestine. In this case, a person will need urgent medical attention. At other times, it may simply be due to a lack of fiber or water.

Find out here. What does it mean if a person has abdominal pain as well as constipation? However, it can become a problem if it is a symptom of a more serious underlying condition, such as colorectal cancer , or if it starts to cause further damage. Other possible complications include a reduced quality of life and depression. This is because fiber promotes regular bowel movements, especially when a person combines it with proper hydration.

Learn more about foods that can prevent and treat constipation here. Some past studies have found that physically fit people, including marathon runners, are less likely to experience constipation than other people, although the exact reasons for this remain unclear. A study from notes that increasing mobility might help improve constipation among older adults.

People who spend several days or weeks in bed or sitting in a chair may have a higher risk of constipation. Some medications can also increase the risk of constipation. These include:. Opioid pain relief drugs : These include codeine present with acetaminophen in Tylenol 3 , oxycodone OxyContin , and hydromorphone Dilaudid. Tricyclic antidepressants : These include amitriptyline Elavil and imipramine Tofranil.

Certain anticonvulsants : Examples include phenytoin Dilantin and carbamazepine Tegretol. Calcium channel blockers : These lower blood pressure , and certain types lower heart rate. They include diltiazem Cardizem and nifedipine Procardia. Diuretics : These remove excess fluid from the body. They include hydrochlorothiazide Hydrodiuril and furosemide Lasix.

Iron supplements : Doctors prescribe these to treat iron deficiency anemia. People with functional intestinal difficulty, such as irritable bowel syndrome IBS , have a higher risk of constipation than people without the condition.

With IBS, constipation can fluctuate over time. When constipation is not present, there may instead be loose stools with diarrhea. As people age, the prevalence of constipation tends to increase. The exact cause of this remains unclear.

It may be that as people age, food takes longer to pass through the digestive tract. Many people also become less mobile, which may also contribute to constipation. Medical conditions, medications, and a low intake of fiber or water may be other factors that lead to constipation with age.

When a person travels, for example, their usual routine changes. This can affect the digestive system. In an article from , scientists asked 83 people about the digestive changes they experienced while traveling outside of the United States. Eating meals, going to bed, and using the bathroom at different times than usual could increase the risk of constipation. Some people worry that they do not use the bathroom often enough, and they take laxatives to try to solve this problem. Laxatives can help with bowel movements, but regular use of certain laxatives allows the body to get used to their action.

This may cause a person to continue taking laxatives when they no longer need them. The person may also need higher doses to get the same effect. In other words, laxatives can be habit forming — especially stimulant laxatives.

This means that the more a person depends on laxatives, the greater their risk of constipation when they stop using them. Some of these complications can become life threatening. For this reason, people should talk to a healthcare professional before they start using laxatives. If a person ignores the urge to have a bowel movement, the urge may gradually go away until they no longer feel the need to go. Page last reviewed: 03 September Next review due: 03 September Check if it's constipation It's likely to be constipation if: you have not had a poo at least 3 times during the last week the poo is often large and dry, hard or lumpy you are straining or in pain when you have a poo You may also have a stomach ache and feel bloated or sick.

Read more about dementia behaviour changes What causes constipation Constipation in adults has many possible causes. The most common causes include: not eating enough fibre — such as fruit, vegetables and cereals not drinking enough fluids not moving enough and spending long periods sitting or lying in bed 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 Constipation is also common during pregnancy and for 6 weeks after giving birth.

Rarely, constipation may be caused by a medical condition. How you can treat and prevent constipation yourself Making simple changes to your diet and lifestyle can help treat constipation.

It's safe to try these simple measures when you're pregnant. Make changes to your diet To make your poo softer and easier to pass: drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol increase the fibre in your diet add some wheat bran, oats or linseed to your diet Improving your toilet routine Keep to a regular time and place and give yourself plenty of time to use the toilet. Do not delay if you feel the urge to poo.

Consider increasing your activity A daily walk or run can help you poo more regularly. Getting started with exercise Getting active with a disability or long-term condition Exercise during pregnancy Video: how to treat constipation This video shows you how to treat constipation.

Media last reviewed: 1 July Media review due: 1 July Find a pharmacy. If so, you may have a constipation problem. Doctors do not always know what causes constipation. It may be a poor diet , not getting enough exercise , or using laxatives too often. Reasons for constipation include:. Water and other liquids may help people stay regular. If you think you are constipated, talk to your doctor to rule out a more serious problem. If tests show no disease or blockage, and if your doctor approves, try these changes:.

There are different kinds of laxatives, and each has its pros and cons. Your doctor can help you decide which laxatives may be best for you.

MedlinePlus National Library of Medicine www. NIA scientists and other experts review this content to ensure it is accurate and up to date. Concerned About Constipation? Questions to Ask Some doctors suggest asking these questions to decide if you are constipated: Do you often have fewer than three bowel movements a week?

Do you usually have a difficult time passing stools? Are stools often lumpy or hard? Do you have a feeling of being blocked or of not having fully emptied your bowels? What Causes Constipation? Reasons for constipation include: Diet.

Also, eating a lot of high-fat meats, dairy products and eggs, or rich desserts and sugary sweets may cause constipation. People who live alone may lose interest in cooking and eating. As a result, they start using prepared foods. These foods tend to be low in fiber and may lead to constipation.

Also, people who have problems with their teeth tend to choose soft, processed foods that contain little fiber.