Constipation

Constipation is having fewer than three bowel movements a week, difficulty passing stools, or passing hard, dry stools. It can cause abdominal discomfort, bloating, and the feeling of incomplete evacuation.

• Dietary/lifestyle factors: Low fiber intake, inadequate hydration, lack of exercise.
• Medications: Opioids, antacids with aluminum, iron supplements, some antidepressants.
• Medical conditions: Irritable bowel syndrome, hypothyroidism, diabetes, neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis.
• Risk factors: Older age, female sex, pregnancy, prolonged bed rest, ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement.

See a doctor if constipation is severe, lasts longer than three weeks, or is accompanied by:

• Blood in stool or rectal bleeding
• Severe abdominal pain or vomiting
• Unexplained weight loss
• New constipation in older age without a clear cause