Many people mistakenly believe they are constipated if they fail to have a daily bowel movement. Not so: in reality, bowel function varies from one person to another and, in general, you are probably constipated if you pass hard and dry stools that are difficult and often painful to eliminate.
Most constipation is not medically serious and the chances are you will suffer from occasional constipation throughout your life. Travel, stress, change to your diet or altered work patterns from time to time interrupt an otherwise regular bowel pattern. In simple constipation, the first and usually only step required is to ensure you are eating enough high-fibre foods, drinking plenty of water, eating regularly and getting some exercise. If constipation persists, you can also try using a psyllium-based bulking agent such as Agiofibe or Metamucil. If this doesn't do the job, simple laxatives such as PLAIN Coloxyl or Nu-Lax can be used as required.
When to see your doctor
There is usually, but not always, a definite cause for the sudden onset of constipation. Some medications such as analgesics, antidepressants, tranquillisers and iron preparations can also cause constipation. In rare cases, constipation may signal some more serious medical conditions, including thyroid deficiency, depression, autoimmune disorders, diverticular disease and bowel cancer.
You should see your doctor if you experience a recent, unexplained onset of constipation or change in bowel habits, or if you notice any of the following signs and symptoms:
- constipation that does not respond to the simple measures outlined above
- abdominal pain
- blood in your stool
- constipation that alternates with diarrhoea
- rectal pain
- thin, pencil-like stools
- unexplained weight loss
If you are pregnant, don't take any medication for constipation without checking with your doctor first. Your doctor can advise you on the right anti-constipation products to use and tell you whether any medications you are taking could be making the condition worse.
Possible complications
If constipation persists and, especially if straining results, you may develop complications such as haemorrhoids and cracks or tears in your anus called abrasions or fissures. Very severe or chronic constipation can sometimes cause faecal impaction, a mass of hardened stool that you can't eliminate by a normal bowel movement. If your bowel is impacted, a doctor will probably try to clear it with enemas. If this doesn't work you may need to have it manually removed by a nurse or doctor.
And you should be aware that if you use laxatives frequently, your bowels may become dependent on laxatives to function properly. In fact, laxative use can cause a number of problems, including poor absorption of vitamins and other nutrients, damage to your intestinal tract, and worsening constipation.
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