Advancing age – constipation is more common in the elderly.

Pregnancy – the action of hormones, reduced activity and the pressure of the growing uterus against the intestines mean that constipation is common during pregnancy.

Some medications – such as narcotics (particularly codeine), antidepressants, iron supplements, calcium-channel blockers (antihypertensives, particularly verapamil) and non-magnesium antacids are known to slow bowel movements.

Regularly ignoring this urge may make the body less sensitive to normal signals to go to the toilet.

A tendency to ‘put off’ going to the toilet – ignoring the urge to go means that more water will be extracted from the stools, making them difficult to pass.

Lack of regular exercise – living a sedentary lifestyle or being restricted in movement due to a disability are common causes of constipation.

Constipation can occur from a high-fibre diet if insufficient water is consumed.

Insufficient water – the fibre in faeces will only plump up with water.

Good sources of insoluble fibre are in wheat bran, wholegrain breads and cereals. Insoluble fibre adds bulk to the faeces, helping it to move more quickly through the bowel. Good sources of soluble fibre include legumes, fruits and vegetables. Soluble fibre helps to soften the faeces. There are two broad types of fibre soluble and insoluble.

Low-fibre diet – as fibre is indigestible, it adds bulk to the faeces, making it more easily pushed along the digestive tract.

This type of constipation is often seen in shift workers and travellers. This is part of the body’s internal ‘clock’ and is often upset with changes in routine.

A change in routine – normal bowel motions depend on the regular and rhythmic contraction of the bowels.

Lifestyle-related causes of constipationĬonstipation can be caused by many different lifestyle factors that often work in combination, including: In some cases, constipation is caused by more serious illnesses and events, including tumours and systemic diseases.

the sensation afterwards that the bowel hasn’t fully emptied.

having to sit on the toilet for much longer than usual.

hard, dry stools that may be painful to pass.

needing to open the bowels less often than usual.

Water makes up about three quarters of faecal content, while the rest is composed of solids, including undigested fibre, intestinal bacteria and dietary fats. The anus is a muscular ring (sphincter) that can be opened at will to allow the removal of faeces. Once the excess water is removed, the waste is temporarily stored in the rectum. Waste is massaged down the length of the large intestine by waves of muscular contractions (peristalsis). Stools explainedįood nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine.

It is important not to over-treat constipation with laxatives in place of seeking medical advice.

See your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The most common causes of constipation include a change in routine, not enough fibre in the daily diet, not enough fluids and lack of exercise.

Constipation is the passing of hard, dry bowel motions (stools) that may be infrequent or difficult to pass.

Severe constipation after colonoscopy