What Is Constipation? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, And Prevention

For example, trying to have a bowel movement 15 to 45 minutes after breakfast may help, because eating helps your colon move stool. Dehydration is one of the most common reasons for constipation. When you are dehydrated, there's less water available to help soften your stool and as a result, it becomes hard and difficult to pass. On the other hand, when your body is properly hydrated, water will be absorbed into the colon, which keeps your stools soft and easy to pass.

Aim for at least eight 8-ounce glasses of clear liquids per day. We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission.

Stimulant laxative that helps the digestive tract to contract. Often drunk as a tea, senna can be very effective and work within several hours after consumption. Approved by the FDA, Senna is available as a tablet or powder supplement. It can also help with irritable bowel syndrome and hemorrhoids. Constipation can be uncomfortable, especially if you are bloated or cramping, making exercise difficult at times.

Fiber is beneficial in the treatment of childhood constipation. Alteration of gut microbiota and efficacy of probiotics in functional constipation. Epidemiology and risk factors of functional constipation in pregnant women. Management of faecal incontinence and constipation in adults with central neurological diseases.

Most cases of mild to moderate constipation can be managed by you at home. Self-care starts by taking an inventory of what you eat and drink and then making changes. It is intended for general informational purposes and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

These include lubiprostone (Amitiza®), prucalopride (Prudac®, Motegrity®), plecanatide (Trulance®), lactulose (Cephulac®, Kristalose®) and linaclotide (Linzess®). Your doctor will pick the drug that might work best for you based on the results of your tests. If needed, take a very mild over-the-counter stool softener or laxative (such as docusate [Colace®] or Milk of 便秘解消 Magnesia®). Mineral oil enemas, like Fleet®, and stimulant laxatives, like bisacodyl (Dulcolax®) or senna (Senokot®), are other options.

’s blog and digital publications tell the stories of thriving patients, dedicated caregivers, and brilliant clinician-scientists. Plus, we offer tips on how to live healthfully and make the most of your doctor’s visits. But sometimes it can be a symptom of a larger health issue, so you should see a gastroenterologist if you experience lasting changes in your bowel habits. Toilet stools that readjust the position of your body in the bathroom can be an effective tool to help with general constipation, Issokson says.

To know the best way to get things moving again, you’ll want to find out what’s behind the problem. FYI, constipation can be the result of dehydration, irritable bowel syndrome , poor diet, and side effects from various medications, says Jean Fox, MD, a gastroenterologist at Mayo Clinic. Pelvic floor dysfunction is also a very important contributor that is often under-recognized, she adds. If you’re wondering how exactly you can tell if you have this issue, know that the benchmark is passing fewer than three stools a week, per Dr. Fox. Having fewer than three bowel movements a week is, technically, the definition of constipation.