Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsThe LinkTreatment OptionsWhen to Seek Care
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Table of Contents
The Link
Treatment Options
When to Seek Care
Finding ulcerative colitis (UC) constipation relief can involve dietary strategies, increasing your fluid intake, biofeedback, medication, and even bowel training. You may find that you need to try several methods to manage the condition.
Ulcerative colitis is a form ofinflammatory bowel disease(IBD) that causes the lining of thecolonto become inflamed.Symptomscan vary among people but may include bloody stools, abdominal pain, loose or urgent bowel movements, and persistentdiarrhea.Constipation(infrequent or difficult-to-pass bowel movements) may also occur in people living with ulcerative colitis.
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The Link Between Ulcerative Colitis and Constipation
Symptoms ofulcerative colitiscan differ for everyone but may includeurgent bowel movements, loose bowel movements, blood in stools, abdominal pain or cramping, and persistent diarrhea.
UC can also cause the lining of the colon to become inflamed. This can lead to constipation.Generally speaking, constipation refers to having three or fewer bowel movements a week.
Some people with ulcerative colitis whose active disease is on the left side of their colon will experience constipation on the right side of the colon. This is referred to as proximal constipation.
Proximal constipation may cause symptoms like:
Proximal constipation is considered common in people with ulcerative colitis, particularly women with the disease. Women with ulcerative colitis are three times more likely than men to have proximal constipation.
6 Treatments for Constipation
People with UC may find relief through dietary changes, increasing their fluid intake, or taking medication. However, people living with ulcerative colitis should speak with their healthcare provider first before making changes to their diet or trying any medications.
1. Dietary Changes
Increasing fibercan help relieve constipation. In general, a diet that contains 20–35 grams of fiber every day will help form stools that are soft and bulky.
However, people with UC should not increase their fiber intake without first talking to their healthcare provider or dietitian. If your healthcare provider approves increasing your fiber intake, do so slowly to avoid bloating or gas.
Fruits with edible skin have a lot of fiber, so don’t peel off the skin before eating.
Vegetables and grains can also be good sources of fiber. Options to add to your diet include:
Other ways to incorporate fiber into your diet include:
It’s also recommended that you avoid processed foods or fast food when you are constipated. These can include:
Don’t Skip MealsWhen constipated, it’s important to not skip meals. Eating initiates the waste reflex, which is the process in which your body produces and accumulates waste for elimination. If you’re not eating, then your body won’t create a bowel movement.
Don’t Skip Meals
When constipated, it’s important to not skip meals. Eating initiates the waste reflex, which is the process in which your body produces and accumulates waste for elimination. If you’re not eating, then your body won’t create a bowel movement.
2. Fluid Intake
Increasing the amount of fluid you drink may help with constipation, because it helps form softer stools that are easier to pass in a bowel movement. Aim to drink 8 to 10 cups (64-80 ounces) of water every day.
When constipated, try to increase your fluid intake. Aim to drink at least 8 cups of water (1.5–2 liters) a day.
As well as increasing fluids like water, cutting down or avoiding caffeine and alcohol may help.
3. Exercise
Those who exercise often are less likely to develop constipation. This is because the muscles in the abdominal wall and thediaphragm(muscle at the base of the chest) have an important role in bowel movements. If the muscles in the abdomen and diaphragm are weak, regular bowel movements can be more challenging.
If you can, try to move your body at least three to four times a week.
4. Bowel Training
Plan ahead and schedule time in the bathroom 20 to 40 minutes after the meal when you are likely to feel the urge to go.
Having a bowel movement at the same time each day may help you to “train” your body to find constipation relief.
During your scheduled bathroom break, you may encourage a bowel movement with activities such as putting your feet on a footstool or reading. Plan to spend at least 20 minutes in the bathroom.
5. Biofeedback
Biofeedback usually involves working with a trained therapist in a private setting. The therapist coaches you through the mechanics of a bowel movement using special tools that detect muscle and bowel movement.
You may also incorporate breathing exercises, relaxation exercises, and muscle strengthening to stimulate your bowels. Your therapist can also counsel you on dietary and other lifestyle changes. Generally, three to six sessions are needed to promote constipation relief.
6. Medication
In addition to diet changes and exercise, there are a number of medications that may treat constipation. It’s important that people with UC do not start or change a medication without first consulting with their healthcare provider.
Over-the-counter optionsto treat constipation includestool softenersandlaxatives. Your provider will be able to advise you on which options are best for you. It’s important to follow their instructions carefully, as overusing medications like laxatives may make constipation worse.
There are alsoprescription medicationsthat may help constipation. Possible options include:
When to See a Healthcare Provider
The time to seek medical attention varies among people. If you are regularly constipated, you may try some home remedies before seeing a healthcare provider. However, if you are someone who rarely gets constipated and suddenly becomes constipated, you should speak with your provider.
In some cases, constipation can be a medical emergency. Warnings signs to watch for include:
It is important that people with UC monitor their symptoms and seek medical attention when necessary. If you experience any new, changing, or worsening symptoms or symptoms that may indicate aflare-up, speak with your provider.
Symptoms that may require medical attention include:
Summary
Constipation is a common symptom of ulcerative colitis. Treatments include dietary changes (like eating high-fiber foods), increased fluid intake, and exercise, which can speed up the movement of stool through the colon.
Experiencing constipation on top of a chronic health condition like ulcerative colitis can feel daunting. Fortunately, there are treatment options to help resolve constipation and provide relief. Talk to your healthcare provider about your constipation and be sure to consult with them before making any dietary changes.
14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.Overview of ulcerative colitis.Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.Signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitisJames SL, van Langenberg DR, Taylor KM, Gibson PR.Characterization of ulcerative colitis-associated constipation syndrome (proximal constipation).JGH Open. 2018;2(5):217-222. doi:10.1002/jgh3.12076Mount Sinai.Ulcerative colitis.Johns Hopkins.Constipation.American Gastroenterological Association.Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): role of fiber.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Constipation—self-care.GI Society.Inflammatory bowel disease.Mayo Clinic.Ulcerative colitis flare-ups: 5 tips to manage them.Harvard Medical School.Common causes of constipation.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Bowel retraining.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for constipation.Parker CH, Henry S, Liu LWC.Efficacy of biofeedback therapy in clinical practice for the management of chronic constipation and fecal incontinence.J Can Assoc Gastroenterol. 2019;2(3):126-131. doi:10.1093/jcag/gwy036Cleveland Clinic.How to know when constipation is an emergency.
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.Overview of ulcerative colitis.Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.Signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitisJames SL, van Langenberg DR, Taylor KM, Gibson PR.Characterization of ulcerative colitis-associated constipation syndrome (proximal constipation).JGH Open. 2018;2(5):217-222. doi:10.1002/jgh3.12076Mount Sinai.Ulcerative colitis.Johns Hopkins.Constipation.American Gastroenterological Association.Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): role of fiber.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Constipation—self-care.GI Society.Inflammatory bowel disease.Mayo Clinic.Ulcerative colitis flare-ups: 5 tips to manage them.Harvard Medical School.Common causes of constipation.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Bowel retraining.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for constipation.Parker CH, Henry S, Liu LWC.Efficacy of biofeedback therapy in clinical practice for the management of chronic constipation and fecal incontinence.J Can Assoc Gastroenterol. 2019;2(3):126-131. doi:10.1093/jcag/gwy036Cleveland Clinic.How to know when constipation is an emergency.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.Overview of ulcerative colitis.Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.Signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitisJames SL, van Langenberg DR, Taylor KM, Gibson PR.Characterization of ulcerative colitis-associated constipation syndrome (proximal constipation).JGH Open. 2018;2(5):217-222. doi:10.1002/jgh3.12076Mount Sinai.Ulcerative colitis.Johns Hopkins.Constipation.American Gastroenterological Association.Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): role of fiber.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Constipation—self-care.GI Society.Inflammatory bowel disease.Mayo Clinic.Ulcerative colitis flare-ups: 5 tips to manage them.Harvard Medical School.Common causes of constipation.National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Bowel retraining.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for constipation.Parker CH, Henry S, Liu LWC.Efficacy of biofeedback therapy in clinical practice for the management of chronic constipation and fecal incontinence.J Can Assoc Gastroenterol. 2019;2(3):126-131. doi:10.1093/jcag/gwy036Cleveland Clinic.How to know when constipation is an emergency.
Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.Overview of ulcerative colitis.
Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.Signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitis
James SL, van Langenberg DR, Taylor KM, Gibson PR.Characterization of ulcerative colitis-associated constipation syndrome (proximal constipation).JGH Open. 2018;2(5):217-222. doi:10.1002/jgh3.12076
Mount Sinai.Ulcerative colitis.
Johns Hopkins.Constipation.
American Gastroenterological Association.Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): role of fiber.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Constipation—self-care.
GI Society.Inflammatory bowel disease.
Mayo Clinic.Ulcerative colitis flare-ups: 5 tips to manage them.
Harvard Medical School.Common causes of constipation.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Bowel retraining.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for constipation.
Parker CH, Henry S, Liu LWC.Efficacy of biofeedback therapy in clinical practice for the management of chronic constipation and fecal incontinence.J Can Assoc Gastroenterol. 2019;2(3):126-131. doi:10.1093/jcag/gwy036
Cleveland Clinic.How to know when constipation is an emergency.
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