Constipation is a very common condition that affects people of all ages. It can mean that you are not passing stools (faeces) as often as you normally do, you have to strain more than usual or you are unable to completely empty your bowels.
Constipation can also cause your stools to be unusually hard, lumpy, large or small.
The severity of constipation can vary greatly. Many people only experience constipation for a short period of time with no lasting effects on their health.
For others, constipation can be a chronic (long-term) condition that causes significant pain and discomfort and affects quality of life.
Read more information about the symptoms of constipation.
What causes constipation?
Constipation is rarely caused by a specific condition. This means it can be difficult to identify the exact cause.
However, certain factors increase the risk of constipation, including:
- not eating enough fibre, such as fruit, vegetables and cereals
- a change in your routine or lifestyle, such as a change in your eating habits
- ignoring the urge to pass stools
- side effects of certain medication
- not drinking enough fluids
- anxiety or depression
In children, poor diet, fear about using the toilet and poor toilet training can all be responsible.
Read more information about the causes of constipation.
Diagnosing constipation
As constipation is a common condition, it is often possible for your GP to diagnose it by asking you some questions about your bowel habits.
Your GP may also ask questions about your diet, level of exercise and whether there have been any recent changes in your routines.
If your GP suspects you have faecal impaction (where dry, hard stools collect in your rectum), they may need to carry out a physical examination. If you are experiencing severe symptoms of constipation, they may request further tests to diagnose or rule out other conditions.
Read more information about how constipation is diagnosed.
Who is affected?
Constipation can occur in babies, children and adults, and affects twice as many women than men.
Older people are five times more likely than younger adults to have constipation, usually because of dietary factors, lack of exercise, use of medication and poor bowel habits.
Approximately 40% of pregnant women experience constipation during their pregnancy.
What treatment is available?
You may be able to help treat constipation yourself by making simple changes to your diet and lifestyle. If these changes do not help, your GP may prescribe an oral laxative (medication to help you empty your bowels).
Making changes to your diet and lifestyle may also help to prevent constipation from reoccurring.
Treatment for constipation is usually effective, although in some cases it can take several months before a regular bowel pattern is re-established.
Read more information about treating constipation.
Complications of constipation
For most people constipation rarely causes any complications or long-term health problems. But people with chronic constipation can develop complications such as:
- haemorrhoids (piles)
- faecal impaction (where dry, hard stools collect in the rectum)
- faecal incontinence (the leakage of liquid stools)
There is also a risk that children experiencing faecal incontinence may be upset and embarrassed, particularly at school. It is important to encourage them to talk to you about the problem to avoid any psychological effects.
Read more information about complications of constipation.
