Reduce the dosage of the supplement if symptoms occur and stop using it altogether if symptoms become severe. Many medications contribute to constipation. If symptoms occur, people should talk with a doctor about changing the dosage or trying alternative medications.
Types of laxative include fiber supplements FiberCon, Metamucil , lubricants Fleet , stimulants Dulcolax, Correctol , osmotic agents such as milk of magnesia, and stool softeners Colace, Docusate.
A doctor or pharmacist can help a person determine the laxative that is best for them. In many cases, stimulants are only necessary as a last resort.
This is because they can lead to electrolyte imbalances and dehydration , especially among pregnant women. Many laxatives are available to buy online. Some foods, especially those with little or no fiber, can contribute to constipation.
Foods to avoid include prepared and processed foods, red meat, fast food, most snack foods, candies, and sweets. More research is needed, but it seems that a variety of herbal remedies may reduce constipation by acting as a bulking agent or laxative. These include Ficus carica , senna, aloe, cascara, and rheum officinale. Many herbal laxatives are available to buy online. Doctors may prescribe medications to treat severe or ongoing cases of constipation.
These medications may include lubiprostone, linaclotide, plecanatide, and prucalopride. Doctors may also advise that people with constipation due to muscle control issues undergo biofeedback therapy to retrain their muscles.
People with an anorectal blockage and those whose colons do not work properly may require surgery. However, certain risk factors , including some supplements and medical conditions, may cause a person to poop less often.
Pregnant women may poop less often than normal or have a hard time pooping, especially during the last months of pregnancy. Women may also have a harder time pooping for a few months after giving birth. This is because pregnancy causes changes in the gastrointestinal tract that predispose constipation. These changes include:. Pregnant women are also prone to constipation because they tend to get less physical activity and usually take supplements that have links to constipation, such as calcium and iron.
Lifestyle and dietary changes are common first-line remedies for constipation during pregnancy. However, if symptoms do not resolve with at-home care, pregnant women should talk with their doctor. Pregnant women should also talk with their doctor if they have been pooping less than three times weekly for a few weeks or are experiencing severe symptoms.
Newborns with constipation always require medical attention. However, occasional, moderate constipation is not usually a cause for concern in children with otherwise normal bowel habits. It is important to note that constipation has a different definition for children: fewer than two bowel movements per week.
It may take some time to notices the effects, however. Read more about natural remedies for constipation and good foods for constipation here.
Constipation can be a sign of a medical emergency. People should seek medical attention if they are concerned about their bowel movements. If a person struggles with chronic constipation, consulting a general practitioner can help ensure that they receive the right care and prevent the issue from becoming more serious. Eating foods such as yogurt, pulses, wheat bran, and…. Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed and fills with pus.
It can cause a range of symptoms, including pain that worsens gradually, an…. A fecal impaction, or impacted bowel, is a serious bowel condition that will require medical treatment. It occurs when a hard, immobile mass of stool…. The length of time a person can go without pooping depends on factors such as diet and certain medical conditions.
A healthful frequency is difficult…. When is constipation an emergency? Warning signs Toddlers What to do Summary Mild constipation is common. Warning signs and what they mean. Share on Pinterest People with constipation may pass fewer than three bowel movements in a week. What to do. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals.
Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. Which foods are good for constipation? Medically reviewed by Natalie Olsen, R. Everything you need to know about appendicitis. Medically reviewed by University of Illinois.
How do you treat a fecal impaction? Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. Otherwise, stool can back up in the intestinal system, making it harder to poop and causing you to feel sick. This is because everyone is different; people have different diets, different states of gastrointestinal health, and a host of different lifestyle factors that contribute to their regularity.
This requires medical attention before it becomes a medical emergency. Also, some people withhold stool or physically refuse to poop due to anxiety over using the restroom. One extreme example is that of a young woman from the United Kingdom who passed away after eight weeks of not going to the restroom, according to The Independent. The stool caused her intestines to enlarge so significantly that they pressed on her organs and led to a heart attack.
These include:. Researchers have discovered that not pooping affects not only the digestive system, but also the body as a whole. Some of the complications associated with going too long without pooping include:. Things that contribute to constipation can include stress, diet, and lack of physical activity.
There are many treatments available to help relieve constipation and promote regular bowel movements. In addition to making lifestyle changes, you may wish to temporarily take stool softeners, such as docusate sodium Colace.
This can make stool easier to pass. Doctors can prescribe other treatments as well. An example is the medication linaclotide Linzess , which can help speed up the intestines so a person has more bowel movements.
Pooping is a natural function of the body. Constipation is a common problem after surgery, but there are ways to manage or prevent it. Get some tips here on precautions and treatment. Castor oil has long been used to relieve constipation. At-home microbiome testing kits can be a first step.
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