What is Constipation in adults?

Constipation in adults

What is constipation in adults?

If you have constipation, passing a stool is difficult, or you don't pass a stool very often. But people's bowel habits vary, so it's hard to say exactly when someone's constipated.

There are two main types of constipation.

You find passing a stool difficult or uncomfortable, but you go to the bathroom fairly regularly.
You don't pass a stool often enough.

Lots of people get constipation from time to time. Occasionally it can last several weeks.

How do I know if I have constipation?

It's difficult to say exactly when someone's constipated.

Source:
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Constipation.
July 2007. Available at http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/constipation (accessed on 20 July 2009).

¹ People's bowel habits and what they think is normal vary a lot. For some people, passing a stool two or three times a week is normal, but for others, passing a stool two or three times a day is normal. A change from your usual pattern of bowel movements is often a better way of telling if you're constipated.

Your doctor will probably diagnose constipation by asking you questions about your symptoms. If you've had a bowel movement twice a week or less for at least two weeks, he or she will probably say you have constipation.

Source:
Frizelle F, Barclay B.
Constipation in adults.
August 2007. Clinical Evidence. (Based on October 2006 search.) Available at http://www.clinicalevidence.com/ceweb/conditions/dsd/0413/0413.jsp (accessed on 20 July 2009).

Your doctor may do a physical exam. He or she may also order tests to try to see what's causing your constipation. But most people don't need any tests. You'll need tests only if your doctor wants to make sure there isn't something more serious that's causing your symptoms. To read more, see Tests you might need if you have constipation.

You should see your doctor if you have a sudden change in your bowel habits, if you lose weight for no obvious reason or if you see blood mixed in with your stools. Blood in your stools is most often caused by

hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus. Sometimes you can see or feel them and sometimes they are inside the anus. Hemorrhoids can hurt and bleed. They usually happen when you strain a lot to pass a stool.

hemorrhoids. But occasionally it can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as colon cancer.

Why am I constipated?

There are lots of reasons why you can have constipation. Sometimes it's hard to know exactly what's causing it. But there are things that make constipation more likely. These are known as risk factors. Risk factors for constipation include:

Source:
NHS Centre for Reviews and Dissemination.
Effectiveness of laxatives in adults.
Effective Health Care. 2001; 7: 1-12.

Not eating enough fiber.

fiber
Fiber is all the parts of your diet that your body can't absorb. This is why foods that are high in fiber make you have more bowel movements. When your body can't absorb something, it leaves your body in your stools. Foods high in fiber include wholemeal bread and cereals, root vegetables and fruits.

Fiber is the part of fruits, vegetables and grains that your body can't break down. It makes your stools more bulky and prevents them from becoming hard and dry. This makes it easier for you to pass the stools.
Not drinking enough fluids. Fluids can also add bulk to stools and make them softer.
Lack of exercise. If you don't get much exercise or you aren't able to move around, you can get constipated. But doctors don't know exactly why this happens.
Taking medications. Lots of drugs can cause constipation as a side effect. These include some painkillers, especially strong ones such as morphine, and some

antidepressant
Antidepressants are medicines used to treat depression and sometimes other conditions. They work by changing the levels of chemicals in your brain called neurotransmitters. There are three main types of antidepressants, which work in different ways: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs).

antidepressants. If you're taking medication and you think it's making you constipated, you should tell your doctor.
Pregnancy. Women are more likely to get constipated when they're pregnant.

Some illnesses can slow the movement of stools through your bowels. Here we look only at constipation that isn't caused by an underlying illness.

Foods that contain a lot of fiber can help prevent constipation.

If you're a parent and your child has constipation, see our information on Constipation in children. Treatments for children are different from those for adults.

Sources for the information on this page:

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Constipation.July 2007. Available at http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/constipation (accessed on 20 July 2009).

Frizelle F, Barclay B.Constipation in adults.August 2007. Clinical Evidence. (Based on October 2006 search.) Available at http://www.clinicalevidence.com/ceweb/conditions/dsd/0413/0413.jsp (accessed on 20 July 2009).

NHS Centre for Reviews and Dissemination.Effectiveness of laxatives in adults.Effective Health Care. 2001; 7: 1-12.

This information was last updated on Aug 06, 2009

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