Symptoms & Causes of Constipation

What are the symptoms of constipation?

Symptoms of constipation may include

• fewer than three bowel movements a week
• stools that are hard, dry, or lumpy
• stools that are difficult or painful to pass
• a feeling that not all stool has passed

When should I see a doctor?

You should see a doctor if your symptoms do not go away with self-care or you have a family history of colon or rectal cancer.

You should see a doctor right away if you have constipation and any of the following symptoms

• bleeding from your rectum
• blood in your stool
• constant pain in your abdomen
• inability to pass gas
• vomiting
• fever
• lower back pain
• losing weight without trying

What causes constipation?

You may be constipated for many reasons, and constipation may have more than one cause at a time. Causes of constipation may include

• slow movement of stool through your colon
• delayed emptying of the colon from pelvic floor disorders, especially in women, and colon surgery
• functional gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome

Certain medicines and dietary supplements

Medicines and dietary supplements that can make constipation worse include

• antacids that contain aluminum and calcium
• anticholinergics and antispasmodics
• anticonvulsants—used to prevent seizures
• calcium channel blockers
• diuretics
• iron supplements
• medicines used to treat Parkinson’s disease
• narcotic pain medicines
• some medicines used to treat depression

Life changes or daily routine changes

Constipation can happen when your life or daily routine changes. For example, your bowel movements can change

• if you become pregnant
• as you get older
• when you travel
• when you ignore the urge to have a bowel movement
• if you change your medicines
• if you change how much and what you eat

Certain health and nutrition problems

Certain health and nutrition problems can cause constipation

• not eating enough fiber
• not drinking enough liquids, or dehydration
• not getting enough physical activity
• celiac disease
• disorders that affect your brain and spine, such as Parkinson’s disease
• spinal cord or brain injuries
• conditions that affect your metabolism, such as diabetes
• conditions that affect your hormones, such as hypothyroidism
• inflammation linked to diverticular disease or proctitis
• intestinal obstructions, including anorectal blockage and tumors
• anatomic problems of your digestive tract