Constipation

Constipation is a <a href="/facts/Bowel/nK2zwqBS">bowel</a> dysfunction that makes <a href="/facts/Bowel_movement/EBv8o15S">bowel movements</a> infrequent or hard to pass. The <a href="/facts/Human_feces/E55Ym1Cl">stool</a> is often hard and dry. Other symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, and feeling as if one has not completely passed the bowel movement. Complications from constipation may include <a href="/facts/Hemorrhoids/wlInkR8T">hemorrhoids</a>, <a href="/facts/Anal_fissure/4rHBxJWw">anal fissure</a> or <a href="/facts/Fecal_impaction/w5ltQFkm">fecal impaction</a>. The normal frequency of bowel movements in adults is between three per day and three per week. Babies often have three to four bowel movements per day while young children typically have two to three per day.
Constipation has many causes. Common causes include slow movement of stool within the colon, <a href="/facts/Irritable_bowel_syndrome/FW24EYbP">irritable bowel syndrome</a>, and <a href="/facts/Pelvic_floor/PRXFuM1U">pelvic floor</a> disorders. Underlying associated diseases include <a href="/facts/Hypothyroidism/oqtQDu2F">hypothyroidism</a>, <a href="/facts/Diabetes/2xeHXbsI">diabetes</a>, <a href="/facts/Parkinson%2527s_disease/xpekKj6x">Parkinson's disease</a>, <a href="/facts/Celiac_disease/AKd5PkTc">celiac disease</a>, <a href="/facts/Non-celiac_gluten_sensitivity/EHktaDPW">non-celiac gluten sensitivity</a>, <a href="/facts/Vitamin_B12_deficiency/WeChf6H3">vitamin B12 deficiency</a>, <a href="/facts/Colon_cancer/nV592sW7">colon cancer</a>, <a href="/facts/Diverticulitis/4aDHfubU">diverticulitis</a>, and <a href="/facts/Inflammatory_bowel_disease/RuxcPW5A">inflammatory bowel disease</a>. Medications associated with constipation include <a href="/facts/Opioids/EGnE2x99">opioids</a>, certain <a href="/facts/Antacids/CP9PeyQ8">antacids</a>, <a href="/facts/Calcium_channel_blockers/st91pD2K">calcium channel blockers</a>, and <a href="/facts/Anticholinergics/9mDjo23r">anticholinergics</a>. Of those taking <a href="/facts/Opioids/EGnE2x99">opioids</a> about 90% develop constipation. Constipation is more concerning when there is weight loss or <a href="/facts/Anemia/AgEPPmg8">anemia</a>, <a href="/facts/Hematochezia/rjCKVo2b">blood is present in the stool</a>, there is a history of inflammatory bowel disease or colon cancer in a person's family, or it is of new onset in someone who is older.
Treatment of constipation depends on the underlying cause and the duration that it has been present. Measures that may help include drinking enough fluids, eating more <a href="/facts/Dietary_fiber/Q9DXanDv">fiber</a>, consumption of <a href="/facts/Honey/jnRSlNEF">honey</a> and <a href="/facts/Exercise/egYQjt8A">exercise</a>. If this is not effective, <a href="/facts/Laxative/Sd8bddoF">laxatives</a> of the <a href="/facts/Bulk-forming_agent/Sd8bddoF">bulk-forming agent</a>, <a href="/facts/Laxative/Sd8bddoF">osmotic agent</a>, <a href="/facts/Stool_softener/Sd8bddoF">stool softener</a>, or <a href="/facts/Laxative/Sd8bddoF">lubricant type</a> may be recommended. <a href="/facts/Stimulant_laxatives/Sd8bddoF">Stimulant laxatives</a> are generally reserved for when other types are not effective. Other treatments may include <a href="/facts/Biofeedback/TjHHoUNT">biofeedback</a> or in rare cases surgery.
In the general population rates of constipation are 2–30 percent. Among elderly people living in a care home the rate of constipation is 50–75 percent. People in the United States spend more than <a href="/facts/United_States_dollar/naEEDUhC">US$</a>250 million on medications for constipation a year.

Constipation open-in-new

Constipation