What is it?

Constipation means having fewer bowel movements than usual, or passing hard, dry, or painful stools. Some people may feel bloated or have a sense that they haven’t fully emptied their bowels.

Why Does It Happen?

Constipation can be due to lifestyle, diet, medical conditions, or medications.

Common Causes:

• • Low fiber intake (not enough fruits, vegetables, or grains)
• • Not drinking enough water
• • Lack of physical activity
• • Ignoring the urge to go
• • Stress or change in routine (like travel or pregnancy)
• • Certain medications (painkillers, antacids, iron, antidepressants)
• • Underlying medical issues (thyroid problems, diabetes, neurological disorders)

🚨 When Should You Be Concerned?

• • Fewer than 3 bowel movements a week
• Needing to strain or sit long in the toilet
• • Hard or pellet-like stools
• • Feeling that your bowel hasn’t fully emptied
• • Pain or bleeding during stool passage
• • Loss of appetite, nausea, or abdominal pain
• • Weight loss without trying

👩‍⚕ How is it Diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, diet, and habits. Tests may include:

• • Physical exam
• • Blood tests (thyroid, sugar levels)
• • Colonoscopy (in chronic or severe cases)
• • Anorectal manometry or imaging if outlet problems are suspected

🛠️ How Can You Manage or Prevent It?

🥗 Diet Tips:

• • Add fiber: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds
• • Avoid processed foods, red meat, and excessive dairy
• • Stay hydrated – drink at least 6–8 glasses of water daily

🚶 Lifestyle Tips:

• • Exercise regularly – walking, yoga, or light movement helps
• • Use the toilet at a regular time every day
• • Don’t ignore the urge to go

Medications (if needed):

• • Lactulose – softens stool by drawing water into the intestine
• • PEG 3350 (Polyethylene Glycol) – increases water in stools
• • Stimulant laxatives – used in short-term or resistant cases
• • Always use under medical supervision

🧘‍♀️ Other Therapies

• Biofeedback therapy (for pelvic floor issues)
• • Anorectal manometry (to evaluate muscle problems)
• • Lifestyle counseling (for long-term control)

✅ Good to Know

Constipation is common and often manageable with small changes. But if it's persistent or causes bleeding or pain, it should be evaluated professionally.