Constipation Treatment

You should see a doctor for constipation if:

• Lasts longer: Persistent constipation may require medical evaluation, especially if it doesn’t improve with dietary changes.
• Severe pain or cramping: Intense abdominal pain or discomfort could indicate a more serious issue.
• Blood in your stool: Blood can signal haemorrhoids, anal fissures, or more serious conditions like colorectal cancer.
• Unexplained weight loss: Significant weight loss with constipation could indicate an underlying health condition.
• Other symptoms: If constipation is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or a feeling of fullness, it may require medical attention.
• Change in bowel habits: Any sudden, unexplained changes in your normal bowel pattern should be checked by a doctor.

Constipation is a common condition in Australia, affecting a significant portion of the adult population. It is estimated that approximately 24% of Australian adults experience chronic constipation. Additionally, about 40% of adults report sub-chronic constipation. The prevalence of constipation can vary based on factors such as age, gender, and lifestyle. For instance, older adults and women are more likely to experience constipation. In aged care settings, studies have found that around 70% of residents are affected by constipation, with women being more frequently impacted.

Constipation can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Dietary factors: A low-fibre diet, insufficient water intake, or inadequate nutrition.
• Lack of physical activity: Sedentary lifestyles can reduce bowel movement frequency.
• Medications: Certain drugs, such as painkillers (especially opioids), antidepressants, antacids containing calcium or aluminium, and iron supplements, can cause constipation.
• Stress and anxiety: Emotional stress can disrupt normal digestion, leading to constipation.
• Medical conditions: Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), hypothyroidism, diabetes, or neurological disorders can affect bowel function.
• Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake can result in harder, drier stools, making bowel movements more difficult.
• Ignoring the urge to go: Regularly ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement can disrupt normal bowel rhythms and lead to constipation.
• Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can slow down the digestive system, leading to constipation.
• Ageing: Older adults may experience slower bowel movements due to reduced muscle tone and other age-related changes.

The symptoms of constipation can vary in severity but typically include:

• Infrequent bowel movements: Having less than three bowel movements per week.
• Straining: Difficulty or pain when trying to pass stools.
• Hard or lumpy stools: Stools that are dry, hard, and difficult to pass.
• Feeling of incomplete evacuation: A sensation that you haven’t fully emptied your bowels.
• Abdominal discomfort or bloating: Feeling of fullness, bloating, or cramps in the abdomen.
• Lower back pain: Some individuals may experience aching or pain in the lower back.
• Nausea: Feeling nauseous, especially if constipation is severe or chronic.

Yes, there are several home remedies that may help alleviate constipation:

• Increase fibre intake: Eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes can help soften stools and promote regular bowel movements. Foods high in fibre, like prunes, apples, and spinach, are especially beneficial.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps soften stools and prevents dehydration, which can worsen constipation.
• Exercise regularly: Physical activity stimulates bowel movements. Even simple activities like walking or yoga can be effective.
• Use natural laxatives: Certain natural remedies like prunes, psyllium husk, or flaxseeds can act as mild laxatives and help relieve constipation.
• Try warm liquids: Drinking warm water, herbal teas (e.g., peppermint or ginger), or warm lemon water in the morning can help stimulate digestion.
• Establish a routine: Setting aside regular time each day to use the bathroom can help train your body to have consistent bowel movements.
• Avoid delaying the urge: When you feel the urge to go, try not to ignore it, as this can worsen constipation over time.

Although constipation is often a manageable condition, if left untreated or chronic, it can lead to several complications, including:

• Haemorrhoids: Prolonged straining during bowel movements can cause swollen blood vessels around the anus, leading to pain, itching, and sometimes bleeding.
• Anal fissures: Hard stools can cause small tears in the skin around the anus, resulting in pain, discomfort, and sometimes bleeding.
• Faecal impaction: Severe constipation can lead to a buildup of hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass.
• Bloating and discomfort: Chronic constipation can cause a feeling of fullness, bloating, and abdominal pain.
• Rectal prolapse: In severe cases of chronic constipation, straining can cause the rectum to protrude from the anus.
• Diverticulosis: Chronic constipation can increase pressure in the colon, leading to the formation of small pouches (diverticula) in the colon wall. If these pouches become infected or inflamed, it can lead to diverticulitis.
• Urinary issues: Severe constipation can put pressure on the bladder and urinary tract, leading to urinary retention or difficulty urinating.

Relieving constipation in babies or children requires gentle and safe methods. Here are some strategies:

• Increase fluid intake: Ensure your child is drinking enough fluids, especially water. For babies over 6 months, offering water or diluted fruit juice can help soften stools.
• Adjust the diet: For older children, increase their intake of high-fibre foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid processed foods, which can worsen constipation.
• Tummy massage: Gently massaging your baby’s tummy in a clockwise direction can help relieve gas and encourage bowel movement.
• Bicycle legs: For infants, gently moving their legs in a bicycle motion while they lie on their back can help relieve gas and stimulate bowel movement.
• Warm bath: A warm bath can relax your baby’s muscles and help with the passage of stools.
• Encourage physical activity: For older children, encourage regular physical activity like walking or playing, which can help stimulate bowel function.
• Consider a gentle laxative: For older children, consult a paediatrician about using a mild over-the-counter stool softener or laxative, such as glycerine suppositories.

Constipation can affect your body in several ways, leading to both physical discomfort and potential complications:

• Abdominal discomfort: One of the most common effects of constipation is bloating, cramping, and general abdominal discomfort.
• Straining during bowel movements: Frequent straining to pass stools can put stress on the body, leading to pain, haemorrhoids, or anal fissures.
• Impaired digestive function: Chronic constipation can slow down the digestive process, leading to an accumulation of waste in the colon.
• Other health issues: If untreated, severe constipation can cause faecal impaction, where hard stool becomes stuck in the colon and may require medical intervention to remove.
• Psychological effects: The discomfort and frustration of dealing with constipation can lead to stress and anxiety, affecting your mental health and overall well-being.
• Urinary problems: In some cases, chronic constipation can put pressure on the bladder, leading to urinary retention or difficulty urinating.

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