Constipation is when your stools become hard and also you find it difficult as well as painful to pass through them when going to the toilet. Being constipated once in a while is common and usually completely harmless. Often, a very good reason exists to get 'bunged up'. Check if any of the following possible reasons for constipation apply to you:
Lack of fibre in your diet: To combat what's probably the most common reason behind constipation, make sure that you take plenty of fibre in your diet. Foods high in fibre include cereals, bran, wholemeal bread, fruit and veggies.
Postponing going to the toilet: Resisting the phone call of nature when you have a busy lifestyle is easy, but try to avoid doing so. Ignoring the need to poo, or defecate, means that your stool stays longer in your bowel, where it might be drier and harder.
Drugs: Some painkillers, specially the stronger ones that contain codeine or similar substances, can reduce your bowel activity and cause constipation. Other drugs that may be responsible include antidepressants, iron tablets, supplements, water tablets (also called diuretics), medicines for treating epilepsy and acid-reducing medication. See your pharmacist or doctor for advice if you think any of these items might be responsible for you living with 'slow motion'.
Lack of exercise: Not moving about much (for example, through illness) may bring on constipation. Exercising can be quite effective in improving bowel function, but if you can't be active make sure that you drink plenty of water and have lots of fibre in your diet.
Overuse of laxatives: Regularly using laxatives can lead to your bowel becoming lazy. See your pharmacist for advice on safe levels of laxative use and alternatives you can try. Some slimming diets can also cause constipation.
Conditions affecting the anus: Anal disorders, like a tear in the lining from the back passage or haemorrhoids, may make opening your bowels difficult or uncomfortable. Don't delay going to the toilet because of this discomfort: doing this may only make things worse. See your pharmacist or doctor for suggestions about how to deal with this issue.
Irritable bowel syndrome: Changes in your bowel habits may indicate a common condition called irritable bowel syndrome, particularly if you also pass mucus and suffer from abdominal bloating and discomfort. See your doctor for advice.
Pregnancy: Constipation is typical in pregnancy and usually improves following childbirth.
Drinking too much alcohol or caffeine-containing drinks: These drinks can cause dehydration, and thus ensure that you don't overdo it and stay well hydrated as well.
Other causes: On rare occasions, other conditions can cause constipation. See your doctor for further assessment if no preceding causes appear to apply to you, so she can rule out these more unusual possibilities.
In most cases, constipation is short-lived and settles by itself. Increasing the quantity of exercise you do and eating lots of fruit and vegetables - a minimum of five portions a day - often helps to keep things moving. See your pharmacist or doctor if your symptoms persist for more than fourteen days or you're worried for some other reasons.
Do visit your doctor, however, if your constipation doesn't improve after 10-14 days or if you notice any of the following symptoms - particularly if you're over the age of 50, have never suffered from constipation before or if these symptoms persist for six weeks or more:
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