The basics of constipation

DUBAI - Constipation occurs when bowel movements become difficult or less frequent. The normal length of time between bowel movements ranges widely from person to person.

By Dr Ali Jasim, Specialist Gastroenterologist, Zulekha Hospital, Sharjah (Staff Reporter)

Published: Sat 25 Feb 2012, 11:25 PM

Last updated: Tue 31 Oct 2023, 2:10 PM

Some people have bowel movements three times a day; others, only one or two times a week, explains Dr Ali Jasim, Specialist Gastroenterologist, Zulekha Hospital, Sharjah.

“Going longer than three days without a bowel movement is too long. After three days, the stool or feces become harder and more difficult to pass,” he adds.

Common causes of constipation include:

· Inadequate water intake.

· Inadequate fiber in the diet.

· A disruption of regular diet or routine; travelling.

· Inadequate activity or exercise or immobility.

· Eating large amounts of dairy products.

· Stress.

· Overuse of laxatives (stool softeners) which, over time, weaken the bowel muscles.

· Hypothyroidism.

· Antacid medicines containing calcium or aluminum.

· Medicines (especially strong pain medicines, such as narcotics, antidepressants, or iron pills).

· Depression.

· Eating disorders.

· Irritable bowel syndrome.

· Pregnancy.

· Colon cancer.

The vast majority of patients with constipation do not have any obvious illness to explain their symptoms and suffer from one of two problems:

· Colonic inertia. A condition in which the colon contracts poorly and retains stool

· Obstructed defecation. A condition in which the person excessively strains to expel stool from the rectum.

There are several things you can do to prevent constipation. Among them:

· Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fiber. Good sources of fiber are fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole-grain bread and cereal (especially bran). Fiber and water help the colon pass stool.

· Drink 1 ½ to 2 quarts of water and other fluids a day (unless fluid restricted for another medical condition). Liquids such as coffee and soft drinks seem to have a dehydrating effect and may need to be avoided until your bowel habits return to normal. Some people may need to avoid milk, as dairy products may be constipating for them.

· Exercise regularly.

· Move your bowels when you feel the urge.

If you are constipated, try the following:

· Drink two to four extra glasses of water a day (unless fluid restricted).

· Try warm liquids, especially in the morning.

· Add fruits and vegetables to your diet.

· Eat prunes and/or bran cereal.

· If needed, use a very mild stool softener or laxative - Do not use laxatives for more than two weeks without calling your doctor, as laxative overuse can aggravate your symptoms.

Call your doctor if:

· Constipation is a new problem for you.

· You have blood in your stool.

· You are losing weight even though you are not dieting.

· You have severe pain with bowel movements.

· Your constipation has lasted more than two weeks