Constipation help.

What Is Constipation?
In this Article

What Are the Symptoms?
Why Does It Happen?
What Should I Do If I Am Constipated?
When Should I Call My Doctor?
Can I Prevent Constipation?

Being constipated means your bowel movements are tough or happen less often than normal. Almost everyone goes through it sooner or later.

Although it’s not usually serious, you'll feel much better when your body is back on track.

The normal length of time between bowel movements varies widely from person to person. Some people have them three times a day. Others have them only once or twice a week.

Going longer than 3 or more days without one, though, is usually too long. After 3 days, the stool or feces become harder and more difficult to pass.

What Are the Symptoms?

Few bowel movements
Trouble having a bowel movement (straining to go)
Hard or small stools
A sense that everything didn’t come out
Swollen belly or belly pain, bloated
Throwing up

Why Does It Happen?

Antacid medicines containing calcium or aluminum
Changes in your usual diet or activities
Colon cancer
Eating a lot of dairy products
Eating disorders
Irritable bowel syndrome
Neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis
Not being active
Not enough water or fiber in your diet
Overuse of laxatives
Pregnancy
Problems with the nerves and muscles in the digestive system
Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement, which some people do because of hemorrhoids
Some medications (especially strong pain drugs such as narcotics, antidepressants, or iron pills)
Stress
Underactive thyroid (called hypothyroidism)
What Should I Do If I Am Constipated?

Drink two to four extra glasses of water a day, unless your doctor told you to limit fluids for another reason.
Try warm liquids, especially in the morning.
Add fruits and vegetables to your diet.
Eat prunes and bran cereal.

If needed, use a very mild over-the-counter stool softener like docusate or a laxative like magnesium hydroxide. Don’t use laxatives for more than 2 weeks without calling your doctor. If you overdo it, your symptoms may get worse.
When Should I Call My Doctor?

Call your doctor right away if you have sudden constipation with belly pain or cramping and you aren’t able to pass any gas or stool.