Constipation
Constipation means bowel movements are less frequent or harder to pass than usual.
About constipation
Constipation means bowel movements are less frequent or harder to pass than usual.
What can cause it?
Constipation may result from low fiber or fluid intake, inactivity, routine changes, medicines, pelvic-floor problems, endocrine disease, or bowel obstruction.
A new persistent change deserves evaluation, especially with bleeding or weight loss.
What a patient may notice
Symptoms vary from person to person. Possible signs may include:
- Hard or dry stool
- Straining or feeling incompletely emptied
- Bloating or mild abdominal discomfort
How clinicians find the cause
A clinician reviews stool pattern, diet, medicines, bleeding, pain, prior surgery, and examination. Blood tests, imaging, colon evaluation, or pelvic-floor testing may be needed.
Treatment and next steps
- 1
Treatment may include gradual fiber, fluids, activity, bowel routine, and clinician-selected laxative or stool-softening therapy.
- 2
Impaction or obstruction requires a different plan.
- 3
Long-term laxative use should be individualized.
Supporting recovery
- Track bowel movements and increase fiber gradually with adequate fluid if medically appropriate.
- Respond to the urge to go and use a footstool for positioning if helpful.
What to expect
Most constipation improves when the cause is addressed and a consistent bowel plan is followed. Long-standing symptoms may take time to resolve and can return if medicine, diet, mobility, or pelvic-floor factors remain. New persistent constipation, bleeding, weight loss, or a major change in bowel habits needs evaluation.
Possible complications
- Fecal impaction with pain, leakage, or urinary difficulty
- Hemorrhoids, anal fissures, rectal prolapse, or bleeding from repeated straining
- Bowel obstruction or perforation in severe or untreated cases
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Arrange an evaluation when symptoms are new, worsening, interfering with normal activities, or not improving as expected.
Emergency care is needed for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, a swollen rigid abdomen, inability to pass gas, fainting, or significant bleeding.Get emergency help for severe trouble breathing, new chest pressure, fainting, seizure, sudden weakness on one side, uncontrolled bleeding, blue or gray lips, or a person who is difficult to wake.
Ways to lower risk
- Regular activity, balanced fiber, fluids, and medication review can reduce recurrence.
- Do not ignore chronic symptoms.
Trusted health information
This CHS patient-education page uses original wording and links to MedlinePlus for additional information.