Complications of constipation

For most people constipation rarely causes any complications, but people with long-term constipation can develop:

• haemorrhoids (piles)
• fecal impaction (where dry, hard stools collect in the rectum)
• fecal incontinence (the leakage of liquid stools)

How to prevent constipation

Although constipation is common, you can take several steps to prevent it, including making diet and lifestyle changes.

Fiber

Make sure you have enough fiber in your diet. Most adults do not eat enough fiber  You should have approximately 18g of fiber a day. You can increase your fiber intake by eating more:

• fruit
• vegetables
• wholegrain rice
• wholewheat pasta
• wholemeal bread
• seeds
• nuts 
• oats

Eating more fiber will keep your bowel movements regular because it helps food pass through your digestive system more easily. Foods high in fiber also make you feel fuller for longer.

If you are increasing your fiber intake, it is important to increase it gradually. A sudden increase may make you feel bloated. You may also produce more flatulence (wind) and have stomach cramps.

Read more information about eating a healthy, balanced diet.

Fluids

Make sure that you drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration and steadily increase your intake when you are exercising or when it is hot. Try to cut back on the amount of caffeine, alcohol and fizzy drinks that you consume.

Toilet habits

Never ignore the urge to go to the toilet. Ignoring the urge can significantly increase your chances of having constipation. The best time for you to pass stools is first thing in the morning, or about 30 minutes after a meal.

When you use the toilet, make sure you have enough time and privacy to pass stools comfortably.

Exercise

Keeping mobile and active will greatly reduce your risk of getting constipation. Ideally, do at least 150 minutes of physical activity every week.

Not only will regular exercise reduce your risk of becoming constipated, but it will also leave you feeling healthier and improve your mood, energy levels and general fitness.

Causes for Constipation

Most cases of constipation are not caused by a specific condition and it may be difficult to identify the exact cause.

However, several factors can increase your chances of having constipation, including:

• not eating enough fibre, such as fruit, vegetables and cereals
• a change in your routine or lifestyle, such as a change in your eating habits
• having limited privacy when using the toilet
• ignoring the urge to pass stools
• immobility or lack of exercise
• not drinking enough fluids
• being underweight or overweight
• anxiety or depression
• psychiatric problems, such as those brought on by sexual abuse, violence or trauma

Medication

Sometimes, constipation may be a side effect of a medicine that you are taking. Common types of medication that can cause constipation include:

• aluminium antacids (medicine to treat indigestion)
• antidepressants 
• antiepileptics (medicine to treat epilepsy)
• antipsychotics (medicine to treat schizophrenia and other mental health conditions)
• calcium supplements
• codeine, found in some types of painkiller
• diuretics (water tablets)
• iron supplements

If your constipation is caused by medication, the condition usually eases once you stop taking the medicine. However, under no circumstances should you stop taking your medication unless your GP advises you to.

Speak to your GP if you experience constipation due to a medicine. They may be able to prescribe an alternative.

Pregnancy

About 40% of women experience some form of constipation during their pregnancy, mostly during the early stages of their pregnancy.

Constipation occurs during pregnancy because your body produces more of the female hormone progesterone which acts as a muscle relaxant.

Your bowel normally moves stools and waste products along to the anus by a process known as peristalsis. This is when the muscles that line the bowel contract and relax in a rippling, wave-like motion. An increase in progesterone makes it more difficult for the bowel muscles to contract, making it harder to move waste products along.

If you are pregnant, there are ways that you can safely treat constipation without harming you or your baby. Read more information about treating constipation.

Other conditions

In rare cases, constipation can be a sign of an underlying condition, such as:

• colon or rectal cancer 
• diabetes
• hypercalcaemia, when there is too much calcium in the bloodstream
• underactive thyroid 
• muscular dystrophy, a genetic condition that causes muscle wasting
• multiple sclerosis, a condition that affects the nervous system
• Parkinson's disease, a brain condition that affects the co-ordination of body movements
• spinal cord injury
• anal fissure, a small tear of the skin just inside the anus
• inflammatory bowel disease, a condition that causes the intestines to become inflamed (irritated and swollen)
• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Babies and children

Constipation in babies and children is quite common. About one in three British parents report constipation at some time in their child's life. Poor diet, fear about using the toilet and poor toilet training can all be responsible.

Poor diet

Children who are over-fed are more likely to have constipation, as are those who do not get enough fluids. Babies who have too much milk are also more likely to get constipation. As with adults, it is very important that your child has enough fiber in their diet.

Toilet training

Make sure that you do not make your child feel stressed or pressured about using the toilet. It is also important to let your children try things by themselves (when appropriate). Constantly intervening when they are using the toilet may make them feel anxious.

Toilet habits

Some children can feel stressed or anxious about using the toilet. They may have a phobia about using the toilet, or feel that they are unable to use the toilets at school.

This fear or phobia may be the result of your child experiencing pain when passing stools. This can lead to poor bowel habits, where children ignore the urge to pass stools and instead withhold them for fear of experiencing pain and discomfort. However, this will mean that their condition only worsens.

Other conditions

In rare cases, constipation in babies and children can be a sign of an underlying condition such as:

• Hirschsprung's disease, which affects the bowel, making it difficult to pass stools
• anorectal malformation, where the baby's anus and rectum do not form properly
• spinal cord abnormalities, including rare conditions such as spina bifida and cerebral palsy
• cystic fibrosis, a genetic condition that causes the body to produce thick and sticky mucus, which can lead to constipation