Why do get constipated

Making simple changes to your diet and lifestyle can help treat constipation. You may notice a difference within a few days. Sometimes it takes a few weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep to a regular time and place and give yourself plenty of time to use the toilet. To make it easier to poo, try resting your feet on a low stool while going to the toilet. If possible, raise your knees above your hips.

They can suggest a suitable laxative. These are medicines that help you poo more regularly. Most laxatives work within 3 days. Lubricants : These help the stool move smoothly through the colon. One example is mineral oil Fleet.

Osmotics : These draw water into the colon to hydrate the stool and ease movement. Saline laxatives are a type of osmotic. Neuromuscular agents : These include opioid antagonists and 5-HT4 agonists. They work at specific receptors to regulate movement through the gut.

How do stool softeners compare with other laxatives? If constipation does not respond to treatment or if there are other symptoms, a doctor may suggest an abdominal imaging study — such as a CT scan , MRI scan , or X-ray — to see if there is a blockage due to an underlying disease process in the gut. If there is, a person may need specific prescription medications or surgery to resolve it. Find out more about the causes and treatments of hard stool here. Adults should eat 25—31 grams of fiber every day.

Fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as fortified cereals, have a high fiber content. Adding fiber-containing bulking agents to meals can help soften stools and make them easier to pass. One option is to sprinkle a tablespoon of wheat bran onto breakfast cereals or add it to a yogurt or smoothie. Some people find it easier to pass stools during a bowel movement if they place their feet on a low platform, such as a step, with their knees above hip level. Other possible therapies include acupuncture , massage, herbal remedies, and moxibustion, which involves stimulating acupuncture points with the herb mugwort.

One study concluded that acupuncture and herbal remedies may help, but that more evidence is needed to confirm the usefulness of these methods. That being said, the use of herbal remedies is complex, and people should always speak to a doctor before trying anything new, as they can have adverse effects.

People should seek medical attention for constipation if the following symptoms also develop:. What are the signs of colorectal cancer? Constipation is a common occurrence that can result from dietary habits, medical conditions, and a range of other factors.

If possible, it is best to resolve it using home remedies, such as eating more fiber, drinking more water, and getting regular exercise. If a person has severe symptoms or discomfort, if constipation comes on suddenly, or if symptoms get worse, they should speak to their doctor.

Read the article in Spanish. Supplements, dietary changes, and some home remedies may help ease hemorrhoid symptoms and make it easier to pass waste from the body.

Constipation is a common side effect of chemotherapy. Learn about the link between chemo and constipation, as well as the treatment options and when…. There are many possible causes of large, painful, hard-to-pass bowel movements. Learn more about some of these causes, the treatments, and when to…. Some people may have anxiety about pooping, especially in public restrooms or other people's homes. Learn more about the causes and treatments here. This article looks at the various causes, symptoms, treatments, risks, and prevention of chronic constipation, as well as when to seek medical help.

What to know about constipation. Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D. Symptoms Causes In childen and babies In pregnancy Treatment Natural remedies When to see a doctor Summary Constipation occurs when a person has difficulty emptying the large bowel. Email address. First Name let us know your preferred name. Last Name. Thank you for subscribing Your in-depth digestive health guide will be in your inbox shortly. Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Constipation. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Accessed June 4, Chumpitazi CE, et al. Soap suds enemas are efficacious and safe for treating fecal impaction in children with abdominal pain.

Bharucha AE, et al. Chronic constipation. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. In press. Accessed June 6, Kellerman RD, et al. Symptoms of constipation may include fewer than three bowel movements a week stools that are hard, dry, or lumpy stools that are difficult or painful to pass a feeling that not all stool has passed When should I see a doctor? You should see a doctor right away if you have constipation and any of the following symptoms bleeding from your rectum blood in your stool constant pain in your abdomen inability to pass gas vomiting fever lower back pain losing weight without trying You should see a doctor right away if you have constipation and constant pain in your abdomen.