Overview

Causes

Causes may be:

  • Not drinking enough fluids
  • Overuse of laxatives
  • Lack of activity
  • Being on bed rest
  • Certain medicines, such as:
    • Pain relievers
    • Opioids
    • Aluminum-containing antacids
    • Antidepressant and antipsychotic medicines
    • Medications for epilepsy and Parkinson disease
    • Antiseizure medicines
    • Iron supplements
    • Calcium channel blockers
  • Frequently delaying the need to pass stool
  • Pregnancy
  • Diabetes
  • Spasm of the anal sphincter due to painful anal fissures or hemorrhoids
  • An underactive thyroid
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Neurological diseases such as:
    • Parkinson disease
    • Multiple sclerosis
    • Stroke
    • Spinal cord injuries or tumors
  • Intestinal disorders, including:
    • Scarring
    • Tumors
    • Cancer
    • Inflammation
  • Travel due to schedule changes, stress, and poor diet

Risk Factors

This problem is more common in older adults.

Other things that may raise the risk are:

  • An inactive lifestyle
  • Lengthy bed rest due to surgery or an accident
  • A diet that is high in fat and sugar and low in fiber

SymptomsandDiagnosis

Symptoms

Problems may be:

  • Problems passing stool, despite straining
  • Belly pain
  • A feeling of fullness in the belly
  • Rectal pain and pressure
  • Passing stool that is hard, dry, and small
  • Feeling of incomplete emptying after a bowel movement

When Should I Call My Doctor?

Call your doctor if you have:

  • Constipation that lasts longer than 2 to 3 weeks
  • A painful or swollen belly
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Signs of an infection, such as fever or chills
  • Pain or burning in the anal area with or without a bowel movement
  • Bloody or black stool
  • Been losing weight

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. You will also be asked about your bowel movements. A physical exam will be done. The doctor may insert a gloved finger into the rectum to examine it. This is called a digital rectal exam.

Blood tests may be done.

Images may be taken of the colon. This can be done with:

  • Abdominal x-ray
  • Barium enema
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy
Barium Enema
Radiology colon
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Treatments

Treatment

Any underlying causes will be treated.

The goal of treatment is to promote bowel movements. Choices are:

  • Dietary changes, such as drinking plenty of water and eating foods that are high in fiber
  • Lifestyle changes, such as exercising regularly
  • Stopping or changing medicines that are causing symptoms
  • Over the counter and prescription medicines to promote bowel movements, such as:
    • Stool softeners
    • Laxatives
    • Glycerine suppositories
  • Retraining the bowels to have regular movements at the same time each day
  • Biofeedback to learn how to control the muscles that are needed to pass stool

People with severe symptoms may need surgery.

Prevention

The risk of this problem can be lowered by:

  • Eating a healthful, balanced diet that is high in fiber
  • Exercising regularly
  • Drinking plenty of water
  • Passing stool as soon as the urge is felt

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Edits to original content made by Denver Health.