Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsConstipation DurationSymptomsHow to Find ReliefWhen to Seek Medical Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Constipation Duration
Symptoms
How to Find Relief
When to Seek Medical Care
Constipationis a condition in which a person has fewer than three bowel movements per week. Most people experience constipation from time to time. The stools may be hard, dry, and lumpy. They may also be painful or difficult to pass.
Constipation can come and go and may last days to weeks. Fortunately, the condition is treatable with home remedies and medical treatments.
This article discusses constipation, including its symptoms, treatment options, and when to contact a healthcare provider.
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How Long Does Constipation Typically Last?
Constipation makes it difficult to have a bowel movement. This happens when the stool moves too slowly through the colon, or there is delayed emptying. Most cases of constipation last from a few days to weeks. People with chronic gastrointestinal disorders likeirritable bowel syndrome(IBS) may experience constipation on and off for years.
What Are the Symptoms of Constipation?
People with constipation experience fewer than three bowel movements per week. The stool may appear very dry, hard, and lumpy.
Common symptoms of constipation include:
Severe Symptoms
Mild cases of constipation may resolve on their own without treatment. When constipation continues to worsen, it can lead to serious symptoms including:
Most people experience constipation from time to time. Causes can vary. Possible causes include:Medication side effects:Antacids, seizure medications, calcium channel blockers,diuretics(remove excess fluid from the body), iron supplements, narcotics, and depression medications may slow down movement in the digestive tract and increase the risk of constipation.Lifestyle factors:People who are pregnant, older, or travel often are more at risk of constipation. The risk also increases if you ignore the urge to have a bowel movement.Diet:Not consuming enoughfiberand water may cause constipation. Physical activity is an important way to prevent constipation.Health conditions:People with celiac disease,Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord or brain injuries, metabolic conditions likediabetes, thyroid conditions, and inflammatory conditions are at an increased risk of constipation.
Most people experience constipation from time to time. Causes can vary. Possible causes include:
How to Find Relief From Constipation
You can try several strategies to relieve mild to moderate constipation at home. For severe constipation, consider working with a healthcare provider to find the right mix of medications and lifestyle changes.
Home Remedies for Constipation
The home remedies for constipation include diet and lifestyle changes. To promote healthy digestion and reduce the risk of constipation, try the following dietary changes:
Lifestyle changes that may improve constipation include:
Medical Treatments for Constipation
Call your healthcare provider if you have not had a bowel movement for three days. Your provider may recommend medication to help you, includinglaxatives.It is essential to take laxatives only as directed. They usually begin working within two to five days.
Your healthcare provider may recommend one of the followinglaxatives:
Possible side effects of laxatives include a rash, nausea, and sore throat. Talk with your provider if you are experiencing side effects.
A Word From VerywellA healthy diet, exercise, and staying hydrated can help maintain our bowels, but laxatives are sometimes necessary if these things don’t work. Just note that laxative use should not be long-term, as problems can arise.—AVIV JOSHUA, MS, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
A healthy diet, exercise, and staying hydrated can help maintain our bowels, but laxatives are sometimes necessary if these things don’t work. Just note that laxative use should not be long-term, as problems can arise.—AVIV JOSHUA, MS, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A healthy diet, exercise, and staying hydrated can help maintain our bowels, but laxatives are sometimes necessary if these things don’t work. Just note that laxative use should not be long-term, as problems can arise.
—AVIV JOSHUA, MS, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
How Quickly Do Laxatives Work?
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
Contact your healthcare provider if your constipation does not improve with home remedies or if you have gone three days without having a bowel movement.
Also see your provider if you develop severe symptoms of constipation, such as abdominal pain, vomiting, or blood in the stool. They will perform a physical exam and ask several questions about your health history, recent symptoms, eating habits, and family history.
When Is Constipation Considered an Emergency?
Summary
Constipation is a common condition that affects most people from time to time. It happens when a person has fewer than three bowel movements per week. The stool may appear hard, dry, and lumpy. People experiencing constipation often have pain when trying to pass a bowel movement.
Fortunately, several treatment options exist at home and with your healthcare provider. Focus on eating a nutritious diet rich in fiber-rich foods and water. Engage in daily physical activity and go to the bathroom when you feel the urge to have a bowel movement. If your symptoms do not improve with lifestyle changes, talk with your healthcare provider about trying a laxative.
9 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.MedlinePlus.Constipation. July 28, 2016.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of constipation. May 2018.MedlinePlus.Constipation - self-care. July 25, 2022.Thompson J.Understanding the role of diet in adult constipation.Nurs Stand. 2020;35(8):39-44. doi:10.7748/ns.2020.e11553Cornell Health.Laxative use: What to know. October 2019.Lucak S, Lunsford TN, Harris LA.Evaluation and treatment of constipation in the geriatric population.Clin Geriatr Med. 2021;37(1):85-102. doi:10.1016/j.cger.2020.08.007Phamacology Education Project.Laxative drugs.MedlinePlus.Stool softeners. August 15, 2018.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Constipation. May 2018.
9 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.MedlinePlus.Constipation. July 28, 2016.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of constipation. May 2018.MedlinePlus.Constipation - self-care. July 25, 2022.Thompson J.Understanding the role of diet in adult constipation.Nurs Stand. 2020;35(8):39-44. doi:10.7748/ns.2020.e11553Cornell Health.Laxative use: What to know. October 2019.Lucak S, Lunsford TN, Harris LA.Evaluation and treatment of constipation in the geriatric population.Clin Geriatr Med. 2021;37(1):85-102. doi:10.1016/j.cger.2020.08.007Phamacology Education Project.Laxative drugs.MedlinePlus.Stool softeners. August 15, 2018.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Constipation. May 2018.
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.
MedlinePlus.Constipation. July 28, 2016.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of constipation. May 2018.MedlinePlus.Constipation - self-care. July 25, 2022.Thompson J.Understanding the role of diet in adult constipation.Nurs Stand. 2020;35(8):39-44. doi:10.7748/ns.2020.e11553Cornell Health.Laxative use: What to know. October 2019.Lucak S, Lunsford TN, Harris LA.Evaluation and treatment of constipation in the geriatric population.Clin Geriatr Med. 2021;37(1):85-102. doi:10.1016/j.cger.2020.08.007Phamacology Education Project.Laxative drugs.MedlinePlus.Stool softeners. August 15, 2018.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Constipation. May 2018.
MedlinePlus.Constipation. July 28, 2016.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of constipation. May 2018.
MedlinePlus.Constipation - self-care. July 25, 2022.
Thompson J.Understanding the role of diet in adult constipation.Nurs Stand. 2020;35(8):39-44. doi:10.7748/ns.2020.e11553
Cornell Health.Laxative use: What to know. October 2019.
Lucak S, Lunsford TN, Harris LA.Evaluation and treatment of constipation in the geriatric population.Clin Geriatr Med. 2021;37(1):85-102. doi:10.1016/j.cger.2020.08.007
Phamacology Education Project.Laxative drugs.
MedlinePlus.Stool softeners. August 15, 2018.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Constipation. May 2018.
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