Constipation And Diarrhoea: What is the connection?

Constipation

Constipation can leave you feeling very bunged up, causing severe levels of discomfort that you might be embarrassed to talk about. But there's nothing shameful about it. It’s estimated that 15% of the global population experiences constipation, and the medical community is always searching for new ways to help you manage it.¹

Normal pooping patterns are challenging to define. The frequency of bowel movements in most people ranges from one stool every three days, to three stools per day ², which is a pretty wide range! As a general rule, if you go less than three times per week, you could be constipated, but bowel movements vary widely between individuals, as well as the subjective perception of what constitutes “normal”.

Symptoms of constipation include abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, nausea, and even headaches and fatigue.² Health professionals use standardised diagnostic criteria to diagnose all types of illnesses and conditions.1 Rome’s IV is the diagnostic tool that defines constipation. Two of six signs and symptoms must be present for a doctor to diagnose constipation. The six signs and symptoms are:¹

straining
hard stools
incomplete evacuation
manual manoeuvres to assist or support defecation
blockage sensations
less than three bowel movements per week

What Causes Constipation?

Getting to the root cause of your constipation isn't always easy. That's because there are so many things that have the potential to lead to a blockage or slowing down of your bowel movements.

Several factors can trigger constipation, including:

an unbalanced diet
a lack of fibre
dehydration
a sedentary lifestyle
medical conditions
fasting
stress
medication side effects

With its increasingly hectic pace, modern life may also increase our risk of adopting these unhealthy habits, which can in turn negatively affect our digestive systems as well.⁴

So, this leads us to the important question; is constipation manageable? The answer, thankfully, is yes.

Let’s explore a few options.

Managing Constipation

The following are some ways in which people can manage their constipation:

People should know that "normal" bowel movements vary from person to person. The key is monitoring yourself, and adjusting your habits accordingly so that you are comfortable.³

It is essential to be aware that lifestyle changes are likely to be necessary. Monitoring your progress and establishing a regular bowel routine is important.

Make sure you exercise regularly, as research shows exercise can get your bowels moving as well. ⁴

Most constipation treatments begin with dietary changes. Increase your fibre intake, drink water, for starters.⁵

If these do not provide relief, there are alternatives, such as laxatives.

See our full range of Dulcolax products here, including tablets, suppositories and liquid.

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea refers to a condition in which stool weighs more than 7 ounces per day. A patient with diarrhoea will generally describe stool that is too abundant, too frequent, too soft, urgent, and challenging to retain^.6

Acute diarrhoea is diarrhoea that lasts less than two weeks. A persistent diarrhoeal illness usually lasts between two and four weeks. It is considered chronic diarrhoea when it persists for more than four weeks.⁷

What Causes Diarrhoea?

Multiple factors can lead to acute diarrhoea, so determining the cause is crucial. Here are the more common ones:

Viruses: In most cases, acute, watery diarrhoea is caused by viruses (viral gastroenteritis). In children, rotavirus is the most common one, followed by norovirus in adults.

Lactose, sorbitol and fructose intolerance: People who are intolerant may experience watery diarrhoea if they consume soft drinks, juices, dried fruits, or gums containing these ingredients.

Some medications: Antibiotics commonly cause Diarrhoea as a side effect. In addition, some other medications have side effects that can cause diarrhoea, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antacids, antihypertensives, antibiotics, and antiarrhythmics.

Chronic diarrhoea also has multiple causes, which includes coeliac and Crohn’s disease, parasitic intestinal infections, irritable bowel syndrome. If you're experiencing chronic diarrhoea, it's important to speak to your doctor^.7

Managing Diarrhoea

Acute diarrhoea usually resolves with simple dietary changes. You should consult a doctor if you feel ill, have bloody diarrhoea, intense abdominal pain, or have diarrhoea that persists for more than 48 hours.

You may need blood tests if you have severe diarrhoea to determine if you need to replace fluids, electrolytes, and minerals, such as magnesium, potassium, and zinc.
Your doctor will order several tests if you have chronic diarrhoea to determine the cause and possible complications.⁷

How Constipation Can Cause Diarrhoea

What does it mean to be constipated and then have diarrhoea? While it may seem counterintuitive, it’s possible to have diarrhoea after constipation. If you’re suffering from constipation then diarrhoea, here are some possible causes.

Overflow diarrhoea can be triggered by severe constipation because the internal anal sphincter relaxes, allowing the stool contents to pass through. Patients often describe their symptoms as diarrhoeal due to the appearance of liquid stool.⁸

Overflow diarrhoea, also known as paradoxical diarrhoea, occurs when stool seeps from around an intestinal impaction. Chronic constipation is typically associated with this condition.⁹

Several conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), can manifest with alternating diarrhoea and constipation, making it critical to see your GP for a complete diagnosis^.10

How to Prevent Overflow Diarrhoea

If laxatives, enemas, suppositories, fibre supplements, or hydration do not work, manual disimpaction of stool may be required to prevent overflow diarrhoea.8 Disimpaction is where a doctor or healthcare worker inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to break up the hardened stool. ¹⁴

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist About Constipation and Diarrhoea

First off, remember that you’re not alone. Diarrhoea and constipation are conditions that can affect anyone and you should not feel embarrassed to discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist. Several safe and effective protocols exist for the management of both diarrhoea and constipation.

See a full range of Dulcolax products here, including tablets, suppositories and liquid.

Monitor your bowel movements for any unusual changes and take a proactive approach to caring for your digestive system, so that you can participate in all life has to offer with greater energy and enthusiasm.

MAT-XU-2304557 (v1.0) November 2023

The Dulco Range

A full range of Dulcolax products is available here, including tablets and suppositories.

DulcoEase^® Capsules

Constipation

Gradual relief in 1-2 days

Soft gel capsules

Contains docusate sodium

12+ years old

DulcoEase^® Capsules are a gentle and effective laxative that gradually relieve constipation. The dual effect action softens poo and stimulates the bowel, resulting in an increase in bowel movements and softer poo that's easier to pass.

Learn more

Dulcolax^® Adult Tablets

Targeted relief

Overnight relief in 6-12 hours

Small, coated gastro-resistant tablets

Reliable action

Contains bisacodyl

18+ years old

Dulcolax^® Tablets provide targeted relief that works away whilst you sleep, stimulating your natural bowel movement in harmony with your body. Take at night in the comfort of your own home to make it easier to pass poo when you wake up (between 6-12 hours later). So, you can expect to feel good inside and out.

Learn more

Dulcolax^® Adult Pico Liquid oral solution

Overnight relief in 6-12 hours

Sugar-free

Oral solution

Contains sodium picosulfate

18+ years old

Dulcolax^® Adult Pico Liquid is a fruit flavoured liquid solution that provides predictable, overnight relief from constipation in 6-12 hours.

Learn more

Dulcolax^® Twelve Plus suppositories

Constipation

Suppositories

Fast relief

Contains bisacodyl

12+ years old

Get fast relief in 10-30 minutes with this quick-acting stimulant laxative. Dulcolax^® Twelve Plus 10mg suppositories work quickly to stimulate bowel muscles and soften poo, making it easier to pass.

Learn more
Dulcolax^® Adult Tablets

Targeted relief

Overnight relief in 6-12 hours

Small, coated gastro-resistant tablets

Reliable action

Contains bisacodyl

18+ years old

Dulcolax^® Tablets provide targeted relief that works away whilst you sleep, stimulating your natural bowel movement in harmony with your body. Take at night in the comfort of your own home to make it easier to pass poo when you wake up (between 6-12 hours later). So, you can expect to feel good inside and out.

Learn more

Dulcolax^® Adult Pico Liquid oral solution

Overnight relief in 6-12 hours

Sugar-free

Oral solution

Contains sodium picosulfate

18+ years old

Dulcolax^® Adult Pico Liquid is a fruit flavoured liquid solution that provides predictable, overnight relief from constipation in 6-12 hours.

Learn more
DulcoEase^® Capsules

Constipation

Gradual relief in 1-2 days

Soft gel capsules

Contains docusate sodium

12+ years old

DulcoEase^® Capsules are a gentle and effective laxative that gradually relieve constipation. The dual effect action softens poo and stimulates the bowel, resulting in an increase in bowel movements and softer poo that's easier to pass.

Learn more
Dulcolax^® Twelve Plus suppositories

Constipation

Suppositories

Fast relief

Contains bisacodyl

12+ years old

Get fast relief in 10-30 minutes with this quick-acting stimulant laxative. Dulcolax^® Twelve Plus 10mg suppositories work quickly to stimulate bowel muscles and soften poo, making it easier to pass.

Learn more

View all products

Learn more about constipation

Here, you'll find answers to some of the most common questions about constipation. We offer guidance on how to get rid of constipation and how to stay regular.