Chronic Constipation
Constipation means passing stool less often than usual, or passing hard stools that are difficult or painful to push out. It becomes chronic when it lasts for months. Common causes are too little fibre and water, not moving enough, ignoring the urge to go, pregnancy, and medicines such as some painkillers, iron tablets and antacids. In Nigeria many people rely on herbal purges, bitters and repeated enemas, which can irritate the bowel and upset the body's salts without fixing the cause. Most constipation improves with diet, fluids and gentle laxatives. A new change to constipation in an adult, especially with bleeding or weight loss, needs a colonoscopy to rule out a blockage such as a tumour.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Opening the bowels fewer than three times a week
- Hard, dry or lumpy stools
- Straining or pain when passing stool
- A feeling of not emptying the bowel fully
- Bloating and abdominal discomfort
- Bleeding or a tear at the anus from hard stools
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if constipation lasts more than a few weeks despite more fibre and water, or if you need laxatives most days. See a doctor promptly, as a colonoscopy may be needed, if constipation is new for you and you are over about forty-five, or if it comes with blood in the stool, weight loss, anaemia, or a family history of bowel cancer. Go to an emergency department if you cannot pass stool or wind and have a swollen, painful abdomen or vomiting, which can mean the bowel is blocked.
Treatment options
- More fibre from vegetables, fruit, beans and whole grains, added gradually
- Drinking enough water and staying active
- Going when you feel the urge, and using a footstool to raise the knees
- Gentle laxatives such as bulk-forming agents, lactulose or macrogol, used as advised
- Reviewing medicines that cause constipation
- Colonoscopy for warning signs or new constipation later in life
What it costs on Mezo
Published cash prices for the operations used to treat this condition. Your own quote follows an examination.
Common Questions
Is it safe to use herbal purges or enemas for constipation?
Regular herbal purges and repeated enemas are not a safe long-term answer. They can cause cramps, dehydration and loss of body salts, and can hide a cause that needs finding. Diet changes and gentle laxatives chosen with a doctor are safer.
How many times a day should I stool?
There is no single normal. Anything from three times a day to three times a week can be normal for a given person. What matters is a change from your usual pattern, or stools that are hard and painful to pass.
When is constipation a sign of something serious?
When it is new in an adult over about forty-five, or comes with blood in the stool, weight loss, anaemia or a family history of bowel cancer. These need a colonoscopy rather than more laxatives.
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