Overview

If you're experiencing the following issues, it's essential to reach out to your healthcare provider:

• Severe symptoms lasting over 3 weeks
• Recent and noticeable changes in bowel habits, such as alternating constipation and diarrhea
• Intense anal pain during bowel movements
• Other health concerns alongside constipation, like fatigue or sensitivity to cold (which may indicate the need to check your thyroid function for hypothyroidism)
• Constipation persisting for 2 weeks or more, accompanied by abdominal pain (a potential sign of lead poisoning)

If you experience any of the following, seek immediate medical attention:

• Rectal bleeding
• Anal pain and hemorrhoids
• Anal fissures or mucous lining cracks (resulting in severe anal pain during defecation)
• Fecal impaction (inability to pass stool) in very young children or older adults
• Rectal prolapse (when part of the intestinal lining protrudes from the rectum, causing mucus secretion)
• Recurrent vomiting with constipation and abdominal pain (suggesting possible intestinal obstruction, requiring urgent hospital treatment)

Self-Care Tips

• Incorporate more fiber or bulk into your diet.
• Regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining bowel health.
• Stay well-hydrated, particularly with water and fruit juices. Aim for 6-8 glasses of water daily, in addition to other beverages with meals.
• Establish a consistent daily toilet routine, preferably after meals, and take your time.
• Consider using nondigestible sugar (lactulose) or specialized solutions.
• Avoid over-the-counter laxatives, especially those with senna (Senokot) or buckthorn (Rhamnus purshiana), as long-term use may harm the bowel lining and nerves.
• Try a daily exercise like the knee-to-chest position, which can help stimulate bowel movements. Spend 10-15 minutes in this position and practice deep breathing.

Follow-up Care

If you have specific conditions like hypothyroidism, scleroderma, or lupus, regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider may be necessary.

Elderly individuals with a history of fecal impaction and fecal incontinence should receive regular monitoring to prevent further episodes.

For young people with anorexia nervosa, a multidisciplinary team is crucial for assessing and addressing the underlying condition and providing support and education.

Preventive Measures

• Develop regular bowel habits, setting aside time after breakfast for a visit to the toilet.
• Respond promptly to the urge to defecate; don't delay bowel movements.
• Adopt a balanced diet, including whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Increasing dietary fiber intake may benefit some people with hard stools but might not be suitable for everyone with constipation.
• Stay hydrated with water and fruit juice.
• Engage in regular exercise, with walking being especially important.
• Avoid medications that may lead to constipation; consult your doctor for guidance.
• Refrain from using laxatives, as they can exacerbate constipation in the long run.

Outlook

Most cases of constipation are not caused by underlying diseases of the digestive system or other widespread conditions associated with constipation. Typically, it results from poor dietary habits, inadequate fluid intake, and lack of physical activity.

Recovery will depend on the cause of constipation. For constipation related to hemorrhoids or anal fissures, recovery is usually favorable.