Diseases
constipation
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Constipation most commonly occurs when waste or stool moves too slowly through the digestive tract or cannot be eliminated effectively from the rectum, which may cause the stool to become hard and dry. Chronic constipation has many possible causes.
Symptoms
- passing fewer than three stools a week
- having lumpy or hard stools
- straining to have bowel movements
- feeling as though there's a blockage in your rectum that prevents bowel movement
- feeling as though you can't completely empty the stool from your rectum
Causes
- blockages in the colon or rectum
- problems with the nerves around the colon and rectum
- difficulty with the muscles involved in elimination
Risk factors
- being an older adult, being a woman, or being dehydrated.
- eating a diet that's low in fiber, getting little or no physical activity.
- taking certain medications, including sedatives, opioid pain medications, etc.
Diagnosis
- blood tests.
- an x-ray
- examination of the rectum and lower, or sigmoid, colon (sigmoidoscopy).
- examination of the rectum and entire colon (colonoscopy)
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is constipation?
Constipation most commonly occurs when waste or stool moves too slowly through the digestive tract or cannot be eliminated effectively from the rectum, which may cause the stool to become hard and dry. Chronic constipation has many possible causes.
What are the symptoms of constipation?
passing fewer than three stools a week, having lumpy or hard stools, straining to have bowel movements, feeling as though there's a blockage in your rectum that prevents bowel movement, feeling as though you can't completely empty the stool from your rectum
What causes constipation?
blockages in the colon or rectum; problems with the nerves around the colon and rectum; difficulty with the muscles involved in elimination
Which medicines are used for constipation?
bisacodyl, castor oil, docusate, glycerin, inulin, lactulose, lubiprostone, magnesium citrate, magnesium hydroxide, mineral oil, polycarbophil, polyethylene glycol, prucalopride, psyllium husk, senna, sorbitol, sterculia
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