Skip to main content
How to treat constipation in adults

How to treat constipation in adults

Dr Sarah Jarvis MBE

Constipation is a common problem. It means either going to the toilet less often than usual to empty the bowels, or passing hard or painful stools (faeces). Constipation may be caused by not eating enough fibre, or not drinking enough fluids. It can also be a side-effect of certain medicines, or related to an underlying medical condition. In many cases, the cause is not clear. Laxatives are a group of medicines that can treat constipation. Ideally, laxatives should only be used for short periods of time until symptoms ease.

https://patient.info/health/constipation

Watch next

Patient picks

Laxatives

Patient information leaflet

Laxatives

Laxatives are medicines that are used to treat constipation. They can... What is constipation. Constipation is the name for the condition where stools (faeces) become hard and difficult or painful to pass. Some people normally go to the toilet to pass faeces 2-3 times per day. Sometimes crampy pains occur in the lower part of your tummy (abdomen)..

6 natural remedies for constipation

Feature

6 natural remedies for constipation

Constipation is common and you can usually manage it by making basic adjustments to your diet and daily routine. Feeling like your tummy hasn't f... Tummy ache, bloating or feeling sick. What might cause constipation. Avery Zenker, a registered dietitian based in Ontario, Canada, explains certain foods can lead to constipation such as: Dairy.

Constipation

Patient information leaflet

Constipation

Key points Constipation is a common digestive problem that can affect people of any age. This information leaflet discusses constipation in adults. ....com/patient) Twitter: [https://twitter.com/patient](https://twitter.com/patient) Pinterest: [https://uk.pinterest.com/patient/](https://uk.pinterest.com/patient/) Instagram:.

How to treat constipation and hard-to-pass stools

Feature

How to treat constipation and hard-to-pass stools

It's amazing how stuck up (if you'll pardon the expression) we are in the UK about constipation. Patient 1's difficulties with passing a large stool, needing to go less than three times a week and a feeling of incomplete emptying would certainly come into the medical definition of constipation Constipation. Patient 4 recommends senna Senna for.

Indigestion medicine

Patient information leaflet

Indigestion medicine

Antacids that contain aluminium have the opposite effect and may cause constipationMany antacids contain both aluminium and magnesium compounds so that there is a neutral effect on your bowels. Antacids that contain magnesium carbonate may release carbon dioxide gas in your gut (bowel) and this can cause belching. H2 blockers The most common.

Heartburn at night: how to improve sleep quality with heartburn

Feature

Heartburn at night: how to improve sleep quality with heartburn

PLoS One. 2016 Feb 4;11(2):e0147860. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147860. eCollection 2016. Both antacids Antacids ... As with all medications, there's a small chance of side effects, which includes digestive disturbances such as diarrhoea Diarrhoea , constipation Constipation , and stomach pain Abdominal pain , and other symptoms such as nausea.

Join the conversation

Share your thoughts or experiences with others in our patient communities.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the community do not represent medical advice. For any health concerns, consult your GP or healthcare provider.