11 causes of short-term or chronic constipation

Constipation is a condition in which you have fewer than three bowel movements a week, straining to go to the toilet, and passing small, hard stools. It may feel like not all the stool is being passed.

Constipation can have many causes, including diet, dehydration, diabetes, pregnancy, travel, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), stress, and other medical conditions.

This article explains common causes of constipation and what to do if simple home remedies don’t relieve your constipation.

11 reasons why you can’t poop

There are so many causes of constipation that it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause. Depending on the person, there may be multiple causes.

Constipation can occur occasionally or chronically. Here are some common causes of stool incontinence.

Diabetes

Constipation is a common problem for people with diabetes. Diabetes can reduce the ability of the intestinal muscles to pass stool. It can also affect the amount of water and electrolytes (charged minerals and compounds) absorbed, which can affect your stool.

Taking care of constipation is important for diabetic patients. Understanding the cause is important in developing a treatment plan.

endometriosis

In endometriosis, tissue similar to the endometrium grows in other parts of the body. This can cause a variety of symptoms. If this tissue is found in or near the intestines, it can cause constipation. This is because the tissue growth can compress or partially block part of the intestine. However, complete occlusion is rare.

trip

Some people become constipated while traveling. Changes in daily routine can lead to digestive upset. Even the most experienced and conscientious traveler can use temporary assistance.

Constipation while traveling can occur for a variety of reasons, including:

• Changes in activity level
• Defecation is delayed due to not being able to go to the toilet
• drink less water
• eat new/different food
• jet lag
• stress

what you ate

Eating new or unusual foods can cause constipation. Foods that are low in fiber, such as dairy products, fatty meats, eggs, and foods high in sugar, can cause or worsen constipation.

A high-fiber diet with 22 to 34 grams (g) of fiber per day is recommended for most people. This may help avoid constipation, as dietary fiber softens stools, making them easier to pass and pass through the digestive system.

It is also important to drink enough water. Eating lots of fiber without drinking enough water can make constipation worse.

pregnancy

Pregnancy causes many physical changes that can cause constipation.

Pregnant people don’t get enough fiber and are at risk of becoming dehydrated. Pregnant women are advised to eat foods high in fiber and drink plenty of fluids (especially water) to avoid constipation.

It is also thought that hormonal changes may impair digestive system function. This may be more common in the first and second trimester of pregnancy.

Reduced activity during pregnancy can also cause constipation. In addition, the pressure of the fetus on the digestive tract can also cause constipation, especially in the third trimester.

dehydration

Water is important to keep stool moving through the colon. Without enough water, stool becomes too hard and difficult to pass.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional gastrointestinal disorder thought to be related to miscommunication between the brain and the gut. IBS-C is a type of IBS that is associated with constipation. It can also cause symptoms such as bloating, discomfort, and a feeling that the rectum is not empty, even after defecating.

Treatment may begin with laxatives and increased fiber. There are also prescription medications that you can try under the guidance of your health care provider.

stress

Stress can be caused by a variety of things, from changes in your daily routine to worries you hear while using the bathroom. Stress can come from positive events, such as a new job or a date with a new partner.

Whatever the reason, stress can affect your digestive system. For some people, this can mean constipation. Returning to your daily routine and making sure your diet includes enough water and fiber may be helpful.

Some people may want to consider stress relief techniques such as yoga or meditation. In cases of extreme stress, or if depression or anxiety are also a concern, seeking care from a mental health professional may also be helpful.

medicine

Medications can cause constipation. Opioids are probably the most well-known cause of drug-induced constipation, but there are many other causes.

Medications that can cause constipation include:

diverticulitis

Diverticular disease is the presence of sacs called diverticula in the lining of the large intestine. These weakened areas look like a bulge or protrusion of the intestine. Usually they do not cause problems. However, when it becomes inflamed, it is called diverticulitis.

It is thought that about half of people with diverticulitis also experience constipation. Diverticulitis can be painful and may cause other gastrointestinal symptoms. If you suspect you have developed diverticulitis, it is important to see your doctor.

Other health conditions

Several other health conditions can cause constipation. This may be due to the effect the condition has on the body or a side effect of treatment.

Health conditions that can cause constipation include:

Even after taking laxatives, I still can’t poop.

Relieving and preventing constipation requires several steps. You may want to start with less invasive home remedies before moving on to other methods.

Many people start with over-the-counter (OTC) treatments such as laxatives and stool softeners. Most laxatives and stool softeners can be used for long periods of time. They tend to work fairly quickly. Several different forms are available to treat hard stools.

But laxatives don’t always work. In this case, you may be suffering from chronic constipation. Or maybe your constipation is so severe that you need more intensive methods to resolve it. If your lifestyle changes and laxatives don’t work, you should seek help from your health care provider.

Pain due to chronic constipation

Constipation can cause pain. The pain may be due to abdominal distension. They can also form in the rectum or buttocks due to straining during defecation. There is also the possibility of lower back pain.

If your pain becomes severe or your symptoms do not improve after constipation resolves, contact your health care provider. Constipation may be associated with the development of hemorrhoids or fissures (fissures) in the anal canal. These may require further treatment, and your health care provider can help.

What to do if you have problems with defecation

Drinking more water, eating foods that contain fiber, and taking walks or other light exercise can help manage constipation. If you’re taking medications that cause constipation, talking to your health care provider about ways to minimize the effects of constipation is also a first step.

Fiber supplements (also called bulk-forming laxatives) could be your next step. These products contain various forms of fiber and can be used daily to soften stools and make them easier to pass. They work by getting more water into your stool.

Some people may need to try several different forms to find the one that works for them. Carefully read the instructions on how to get started, as it can initially cause symptoms such as bloating. The work may take him more than a day.

There are several types of bulk-forming laxatives:

• FiberCon (polycarbophil calcium)
• Benefiber (dextrin)
• Citrucell (methylcellulose)
• Metamucil (Psyllium)

Next, you may want to try lubricants such as stool softeners (osmotic agents) and mineral oil. These products draw water into your stool, making it easier to pass.

Stool softener laxatives come in the following brands:

• Kolace, Koletor, Pericolace, Surfac (Docusart)
• Lubricant (mineral oil)
• MiraLAX or generic (polyethylene glycol)

The next step may be a stimulant laxative. However, they can become a habit. In other words, your intestinal muscles get used to it and it becomes difficult to defecate if you don’t take it.

Therefore, you should use stimulant laxatives with caution, use them for short periods of time, and consult your health care provider if you need them long-term.

Common brands include:

• Bisacodyl (Coletol, Dulcolax, Ex-Lax Ultra)
• Casantranol (Gialose Plus, Pericolace)
• Cascara (Naturax)
• castor oil
• Senna (formerly Lux, Fletchers Castria, Senokot)

Your health care provider may also recommend using tap water enemas. When it comes to enemas, it is important to follow the instructions on the product. Enemas can become habit-forming, so they cannot be used for a long time to relieve constipation.

Prescription medications are available to relieve constipation. Your health care professional can help sort out the cause of your constipation and decide on treatment. Treatment may look like dietary or lifestyle changes. However, if your condition is causing chronic constipation, this may include changing medications or treatments for other conditions.

When to notify your health care provider about your symptoms

Constipation is common. It may resolve itself or with some changes you can make at home. Some people may find temporary relief from symptoms with various types of laxatives.

Some signs and symptoms associated with constipation require immediate treatment. These include:

• Blood in or on the stool
• heat
• No stool or gas
• severe abdominal pain
• severe back pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• vomiting

summary

Constipation is a common problem. It is usually short-lived and improves with dietary and lifestyle changes. For some people, using bulk-forming laxatives or stool softeners may help resolve the problem.

Preventing constipation is important for people who tend to experience it frequently. Severe pain and bloody stools are some of the symptoms that require immediate treatment if you are constipated.