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Constipation
It happens to most people from time to time and yes, it is uncomfortable.
Constipation (having trouble defaecating) simply means less frequent bowel actions. Your motion or faeces (pronounced fee-sees) becomes hard and dry, and you can only pass small pieces with much trouble. You may also have stomach pains, swelling, pain when straining and a feeling of having not quite emptied the bowel.
Any of these can cause constipation:
- Not eating enough fibre
- Not drinking enough water
- Not getting enough exercise
- Using laxatives for too long
- Some medicines, even common ones like panadeine (check with your doctor)
- Pregnancy
- Lack of activity due to illness, injury, or because of age
- Anxiety, depression and grief
- Bowel problems that need to be looked at
- Chronic illness such as under-active thyroid, Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis
- Vaginal prolapse (collapsed womb)
If you continue to have problems with constipation or diarrhoea , or have any change from your usual bowel pattern, with or without pain or blood, please see your doctor or continence advisor as soon as possible.
Page last updated 29 Feb 2008