In this guide
6 min readIntestine Care
Constipation becomes chronic when it persists for weeks or months, causes strain, hard stool, bloating or incomplete evacuation. Treatment depends on diet, medicines, lifestyle, age and warning symptoms.
Key Takeaways
- Low fiber or low water intake
- Low physical activity
- Diabetes or thyroid disease
- Iron, calcium, pain medicines or other drugs
- IBS-related constipation
Common causes
Constipation may be related to diet and lifestyle, but medical causes and medicines should also be reviewed.
- Low fiber or low water intake
- Low physical activity
- Diabetes or thyroid disease
- Iron, calcium, pain medicines or other drugs
- IBS-related constipation
- Colon narrowing, polyp or tumor in selected cases
Warning signs
Constipation with warning signs needs medical evaluation instead of long-term self-medication.
- Blood in stool
- Unexplained weight loss
- Anemia
- New constipation in older age
- Severe pain, vomiting or abdominal distension
- Family history of colon cancer
Treatment approach
Treatment may include fiber correction, fluids, activity, toilet routine, medicines and evaluation of underlying causes. Long-term laxative use should be reviewed.
When colonoscopy may be needed
Colonoscopy may be advised for warning symptoms, unexplained anemia, bleeding, age-related screening or persistent bowel habit change.