Constipation

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Constipation (kon-sti-PAY-shun) is a condition that happens when your BM (bowel movement) is hard and dry, or when you go a longer time than usual without having a BM. (For some people it is normal to have two or three BMs daily. For others, it is normal to have a BM every three to five days.) It may be painful and hard for you to push out the BM. You may also feel you need to have a BM, but cannot. Common causes of constipation are not drinking enough fluids, or not having enough fiber in your diet . Poor bowel habits, not getting enough exercise, and certain medicines and diseases also may cause constipation. Constipation can be treated with lifestyle changes, diet changes, and certain medicines.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a current list of your medicines: Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists. Use vitamins, herbs, or food supplements only as directed.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him about any medicine allergies, and if you want to quit taking or change your medicine.
  
  
• The following are medicines for constipation that you can buy without a prescription (doctor's order):
  
  
  • Stool softeners make the BM softer and easier to pass.
    
    
  • Laxatives help empty the bowel. Follow the directions on the label. Ask your caregiver before using laxatives or enemas. Do not use laxatives or enemas regularly.
    
    
  • You may need to take fiber supplements (pills). Ask your caregiver which fiber supplement is best for you. These pills may be bought at a grocery or drug store.

What else may be done to treat and prevent constipation?

• Constipation is usually improved by drinking more water and other liquids. You should drink at least six to eight (8-ounce) cups of water each day, unless your caregiver tells you not to. Other healthy liquids should be drank in addition to this amount. Certain juices, such as prune juice may also decrease constipation.
  
  
• A high fiber diet usually helps decrease constipation. It can also help decrease a high blood cholesterol level, and help manage diabetes. This diet contains foods that have a lot of fiber. Fiber is the part of fruits, vegetables, and grains that is not broken down by your body. A high fiber diet will add bulk and softness to your BMs. Your diet should include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain bread products, cereals with fiber, and beans. Fiber should be added into your diet slowly over time. Ask your caregiver for more information about a diet high in fiber.
  
  
• Exercising three times or more each week can also help. Fast walking, jogging, swimming, and riding a bicycle are all good exercises to do. When you exercise, you will also need to increase how much fluid you drink.
  
  
• Schedule a regular time each day for having a BM. This may be as soon as you wake up in the morning, or before you go to bed at night. Bending forward so your chest touches your thighs may help move the BM out. Sit on the toilet at least 10 minutes, even if you do not have a BM.
  
  
• Tell your caregiver about any other problems. If you have loss of feeling or other problems with your body, your caregiver may want you to have other tests and treatments.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• Your constipation is getting worse
  
  
• You have fever and abdominal (belly) pain with the constipation.
  
  
• You have bright red blood in your BMs.
  
  
• You start throwing up.

Copyright © 2011. Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Constipation (Aftercare Instructions)