Constipation can affect up to a quarter of the population. Here is some background information.

All about constipation

What is constipation?
Constipation is defined as 'a change in toilet habit from usual, with hard faeces which are difficult to pass causing you to strain'. However, it is generally accepted that you are probably constipated if you go to the toilet less than three times a week. The word constipation is derived from the Latin term constipatus which translates to 'pack in', 'crowd together' or 'to cram'.

There are two types of constipation; primary constipation, which is associated with lifestyle, such as poor diet (inadequate intake of fruit, vegetables and fluids), lack of exercise and old age. Secondary constipation can develop as a result of conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and Multiple Sclerosis. Secondary constipation is also common in people with spinal lesions, during pregnancy, or it can be a side effect of certain medications such as codeine, morphine, some sedatives, antidepressants and antacids.

What are the symptoms of constipation?
Physical symptoms of constipation can include bloating, stomach pains, nausea, and pain when going to the toilet. Constipation can also lead to tiredness, headaches, irritability and lack of concentration.

How common is constipation?
Constipation is thought to affect a quarter of the population at some time and is more common in women than men, and particularly prevalent in the elderly. It can become a constant problem for some people (chronic constipation), which can negatively affect quality of life.

Other causes of constipation
As well as some medications and pre-existing health conditions, there are many other causes of constipation:
  • Lifestyle
  • Work and life-related stress
  • Changes in routine and the types of food eaten
  • Unfamiliar surroundings and toilet facilities (such as on holiday)
  • Hormonal changes
  • Changes in levels of hormones associated with menstrual periods and pregnancy
  • Ignoring the call of nature


How serious is constipation?
If left untreated constipation can develop into faecal impaction (stools compacted in the bowel) where the faeces have to be broken down and sometimes manually removed by a doctor. Severe constipation can also lead to haemorrhoids, hernias or prolapse of the rectum.

Constipation can sometimes be a symptom of bowel cancer or another bowel disorder, although this is often accompanied with blood in the faeces and severe abdominal pain. If you have these symptoms it is important that professional medical diagnosis and advice is sought immediately from a doctor.

What can I do to prevent constipation?
A diet rich in fruit, vegetables, wholegrain cereals, wholemeal bread, past and rice is recommended to increase the amount of fibre in the diet. The recommended daily intake of fibre is 30g, although the average intake is only 20g. Up to two litres of fluid should also be consumed per day to help avoid constipation. As a rule, white bread, pasta and rice should be swapped to their brown counterparts to ensure optimal fibre intake. Physical activity is also a key factor in preventing constipation, so walking, swimming and other forms of exercise are recommended.

Getting Help
You may feel embarrassed to speak to your GP, but there is really no need as they will have dealt with this problem countless times before. There are many effective treatments available for constipation such as Movicol, which your GP can prescribe, which is also available without prescription from your pharmacist.
This content was created on Tue 19 December 2006

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