About Constipation
Constipation is a common condition characterised by infrequent bowel movements, difficulty passing stools (trouble pooing), or the passage of hard, dry stools. It typically occurs when waste moves too slowly through the digestive tract, allowing the colon to absorb too much water from the stool, making it hard and dry.
This digestive issue can be temporary or chronic, affecting people of all ages. While often manageable with lifestyle changes, persistent constipation can cause discomfort and impact quality of life.
Causes
Sometimes there’s no obvious reason for constipation, but the most common causes include:
- Insufficient fibre in the diet
- Inadequate fluid intake
- Lack of physical activity
- Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement
- Changes in routine or travel
- Certain medications (like opioid painkillers, some antidepressants, iron supplements)
- Stress and anxiety
Chronic constipation may stem from underlying conditions including:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Neurological conditions affecting the nerves that cause muscles in the colon to contract
- Blockages in the colon or rectum
- Hormonal imbalances (thyroid issues, diabetes)
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
Symptoms
Common symptoms of constipation to look out for are:
- Passing fewer than three stools a week
- Hard, dry or lumpy stools
- Straining during bowel movements
- Feeling as though there’s a blockage in your rectum
- Feeling as though you can’t completely empty your bowel
- Needing help to empty your rectum
- Abdominal pain or cramps
- Bloating and nausea
- Loss of appetite
If you’ve experienced two or more of these symptoms for the last three months, you may have chronic constipation.
How to Treat Constipation
Constipation can usually be treated at home with lifestyle changes.
Do
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water
- Increase fibre in your diet gradually (fruits, vegetables, whole grains)
- Exercise regularly, even light walking can help
- Establish a regular toilet routine and don’t ignore the urge to go
- Try resting your feet on a low stool when having a bowel movement
- Add wheat bran, oats or linseed to your diet
Don’t
- Delay going to the toilet when you feel the urge
- Rely on laxatives for long periods without medical advice
- Consume excessive amounts of processed foods, dairy, or red meat
- Drink too much alcohol or caffeinated beverages, which can dehydrate you
- Make sudden, extreme changes to your diet
When to Seek Medical Attention
We advise contacting your GP if:
- You’ve been constipated for more than 3 weeks despite lifestyle changes
- You’re regularly constipated and it’s causing significant discomfort
- You have blood in your stool
- You’ve unexpectedly lost weight
- You feel tired all the time
- You’re experiencing severe abdominal pain
- You notice other symptoms like fever or vomiting
- You’re taking medication that may be causing constipation
Pharmacy Treatments
At Oushk Pharmacy, we offer several treatments that can help with constipation:
- Bulk-forming laxatives (like ispaghula husk) – add bulk to your stools
- Osmotic laxatives (like lactulose) – draw water into your bowel
- Stimulant laxatives (like senna) – stimulate the muscles in your bowel
- Stool softeners (like Dioctyl) – add water to your stools
Our pharmacists can advise on the most suitable option based on your symptoms and medical history. Most laxatives work within 3 days but should only be used short-term.
Complications of Long-term Constipation
Long-term constipation can lead to:
- Faecal impaction (where dry, hard stool collects in the rectum)
- Haemorrhoids (piles)
- Anal fissures (tears in the lining of the anus)
- Rectal prolapse (where part of the rectum protrudes from the anus)
Faecal impaction may require treatment with stronger laxatives, suppositories, enemas, or manual removal by a healthcare professional.
Special Considerations for GLP-1 Medication Users
If you’re taking GLP-1 medications (such as semaglutide or liraglutide) for weight management or diabetes, constipation can be a side effect due to slowed gastric emptying.
Our Pillsorted Pharmacy recommendations:
- Hydration: Drink at least 2-3 litres of water daily
- Fibre intake: Increase gradually to avoid worsening symptoms
- Physical activity: Maintain regular movement, even light walking helps
- Medication timing: Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions precisely
- Dietary adjustments: Consider incorporating probiotic foods
- Professional guidance: Never adjust your medication dosage without consulting your healthcare provider
FAQs
How long is it normal to go without a bowel movement?
Most people have bowel movements between three times daily and three times weekly. Longer than three days may indicate constipation.
Can stress cause constipation?
Yes. The gut-brain connection means stress and anxiety can slow digestion, contributing to constipation.
Are laxatives safe for regular use?
Most laxatives should only be used short-term. Regular use can lead to dependency. Consult a healthcare professional if needed frequently.
What foods should I avoid if constipated?
Limit processed foods, dairy, red meat, fried foods, and refined sugars. These typically lack fibre and can worsen constipation.
Can medications cause constipation?
Yes. Common culprits include opioids, some antidepressants, iron supplements, blood pressure medications, and certain antacids.
Is constipation during pregnancy dangerous?
Constipation is common during pregnancy and usually not dangerous. However, severe cases may lead to haemorrhoids or anal fissures. Consult your midwife if persistent.
How can I prevent constipation from recurring?
Maintain a high-fibre diet, stay well-hydrated, exercise regularly, establish a toilet routine, and never ignore the urge to go.
Are natural remedies effective for constipation?
Some natural remedies like prunes, flaxseeds, aloe vera juice, and certain herbal teas may help, but effectiveness varies between individuals.
Why do GLP-1 medications cause constipation?
GLP-1 medications slow gastric emptying and gut motility as part of their mechanism of action. This slowed digestion can lead to constipation in some people.