Constipation: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Constipation, a common digestive issue, affects people of all ages. Symptoms include infrequent bowel movements, hard stools, and abdominal discomfort. Poor diet, dehydration, and sedentary lifestyles are common causes, while medical conditions like IBS and hypothyroidism may also contribute. Treatment options range from dietary adjustments and lifestyle changes to medication and medical interventions.

What is constipation?

Constipation is a condition where bowel movements become difficult or infrequent, often resulting in discomfort or bloating. Medically, constipation is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week. It can be acute, lasting a short time, or chronic, persisting for weeks or longer and often indicating an underlying issue.

While occasional constipation is common and manageable, chronic constipation can lead to complications such as haemorrhoids, anal fissures, or even bowel obstructions.

Symptoms of Constipation

Constipation symptoms vary depending on severity but typically include:

• Infrequent bowel movements: Having fewer than three bowel movements per week is one of the most telling signs of constipation. This infrequency is often accompanied by discomfort and a sense of sluggish digestion.
• Hard or lumpy stools: Stools may become hard and dry, making them difficult to pass. This symptom often arises from dehydration, as insufficient fluid intake leads to a lack of moisture in the stool, slowing its movement through the digestive tract.

• Straining during bowel movements: Constipation frequently requires excessive effort to pass stools. Straining can lead to additional complications, such as haemorrhoids or anal fissures, exacerbating discomfort.
• Abdominal discomfort: Many individuals experience bloating, cramping, or a persistent feeling of fullness. This discomfort stems from the slow movement of stool through the intestines, causing a buildup of gas and pressure.
• Incomplete evacuation: A common yet frustrating symptom of constipation is the sensation that the bowel has not been completely emptied after a movement. This feeling often results in repeated attempts to use the bathroom without achieving relief.

These symptoms may range from mild discomfort to significant pain, depending on the cause and duration.

What Causes Constipation?

Constipation is often a result of multiple factors, including dietary habits, lifestyle choices, and medical conditions:

1. Dietary Factors

A poor diet is a leading contributor to constipation.

• Low fibre intake: A diet lacking in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains often results in slow digestion. Fibre adds bulk to the stool and helps it move smoothly through the intestines. Without it, stools become hard and difficult to pass.
• Dehydration: Water is essential for softening stools. Insufficient hydration causes stools to dry out, leading to constipation.
• Excessive dairy consumption: Foods like milk and cheese are low in fibre and can slow digestion, making constipation more likely.

2. Lifestyle Factors

Your daily habits and activities can significantly impact bowel health.

• Sedentary lifestyle: Physical inactivity slows intestinal motility, making it harder for food to pass through the digestive system.
• Ignoring the urge to go: Delaying bowel movements desensitises the rectum over time, leading to chronic constipation.

3. Medical Conditions

Certain health issues directly affect bowel function.

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This condition causes irregular bowel habits, alternating between diarrhoea and constipation.
• Hypothyroidism: A sluggish thyroid gland slows down metabolic processes, including digestion.
• Diabetes: Long-term diabetes can damage nerves responsible for bowel regulation, leading to reduced motility.
• Neurological disorders: Conditions like Parkinson’s disease or spinal cord injuries can impair the muscles needed for bowel movements.

4. Medications

Several medications can interfere with normal bowel movements:

• Opioid pain relievers slow intestinal function.
• Iron supplements can harden stools, making them difficult to pass.
• Certain antidepressants and antacids are also known to contribute to constipation.

Treatment for Constipation

Constipation treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms. Here are the most common approaches:

1. Dietary Changes

• Increase fibre intake: Aim for 25–30 grams of fibre daily from sources like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
• Stay hydrated: Drink at least 8–10 glasses of water per day to soften stools.
• Limit processed foods: Reduce consumption of low-fibre, processed foods.

2. Lifestyle Adjustments

• Regular exercise: Activities like walking, jogging, or yoga stimulate bowel movements.
• Routine bowel habits: Try to establish a consistent bathroom schedule, preferably after meals.
• Stress management: Chronic stress can affect gut health. Practise mindfulness or relaxation techniques.

3. Over-the-Counter Remedies

• Fibre supplements: Psyllium husk and other fibre supplements add bulk to stools.
• Laxatives: Stimulant or osmotic laxatives can provide short-term relief but should not be overused.
• Stool softeners: Useful for easing stool passage in cases of mild constipation.

4. Medical Treatment

For severe or chronic constipation, medical intervention may be required:

• Prescription medications: Drugs like lubiprostone or linaclotide can improve bowel function.
• Biofeedback therapy: Helps retrain pelvic floor muscles for more effective bowel movements.
• Surgical options: Rarely needed, but may be considered for obstructions or structural issues.

When to See a Doctor

Occasional constipation is usually manageable, but certain signs indicate the need for medical attention:

• Severe abdominal pain or persistent bloating that disrupts daily activities.
• Blood in the stool, which may signal a more serious condition like haemorrhoids or gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Sudden, unexplained weight loss, potentially linked to underlying medical issues.
• Constipation persisting despite consistent dietary and lifestyle changes or accompanied by vomiting or nausea.

Consult a gastroenterologist in Bangalore at SPRASH to help diagnose the cause and determine the most effective treatment plan.

Conclusion

Constipation, though common, can significantly impact quality of life if left unaddressed. By adopting a fibre-rich diet, staying hydrated, and maintaining an active lifestyle, most cases can be managed effectively. Persistent or severe symptoms require professional evaluation to rule out underlying conditions. Early intervention is the key to preventing complications and maintaining digestive health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main cause of constipation?

The most common causes are low fibre intake, dehydration, and a sedentary lifestyle, all of which slow digestion and stool movement.

What are the symptoms of constipation?

Symptoms include infrequent bowel movements, hard stools, bloating, and straining during bowel movements, often accompanied by discomfort.

How can constipation be stopped?

Increasing fibre intake, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and establishing consistent bathroom habits can help relieve constipation.

What relieves constipation immediately?

Quick remedies include laxatives, stool softeners, and natural options like warm water with lemon or prune juice.