5 min readWhat is constipation?
In simple terms, digestion is the process that turns the tasty food you eat into energy and nutrients to keep your body running 24/7.
The digestive system uses what it needs from your ingested food and eliminates waste through pooing. The process is automatic, or at least, it certainly should be if things are working correctly. But like all well-oiled machines, sometimes digestion can fail. If you’re having trouble passing stools, and those trips to the bathroom are leaving you unfulfilled, which in this case quite literally means ‘filled’, you may be constipated.1
Constipation is commonly defined as having fewer than three bowel movements a week. However, since digestion is unique to each person, you can still feel like you haven't completely emptied your bowels, regardless of if you poop more or less frequently than thrice a week.1
Constipation can be really frustrating, impacting your ability to enjoy life to its fullest.1 The good news, however, is that there are several things you can do to manage it.
How common is constipation?
When constipation lasts for several weeks, it’s considered chronic. Chronic constipation is more likely to develop as you age. Up to one-third of people over 65 struggle with it.1
What causes constipation?
Medical experts divide constipation into two categories: primary and secondary. Primary constipation manifests when the muscle and nerves in the colon and rectum malfunction, or the brain and digestive system do not communicate properly.
Dietary habits, medications, behavioural issues, hormonal imbalances, and metabolic and neurological disorders can cause secondary constipation.
Medical Conditions
Multiple medical factors can cause constipation.1
One is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common disorder affecting the large intestine. People with IBS often experience constipation as one of the symptoms.
Another condition that can lead to constipation is pelvic floor dysfunction, in which the muscles in the pelvic floor are not working together properly. This can also cause difficulty in going to the bathroom.
In rare cases, blockages or structural problems in the colon or rectum may cause constipation as well.
Other medical conditions, such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis, can also contribute to constipation.
Medicines and Dietary Supplements
Medications can have unwanted side effects.
The following medications and supplements can cause constipation:1
antihistamines
antidepressants
some pain medicines (opioids)
medication to manage blood pressure
Parkinson's disease treatments
calcium and iron supplements
Speak to your GP to understand your medication's side effects so that you can take measures to avoid the complications of constipation.
Nutrition, Activity, and Routine
Fruits and vegetables are particularly rich in fibre. Fibre is essential for digestion, as it helps bind water in your digestive system, and acts as a bulking agent, making pooping a more effortless experience.3
Physical activity can also positively impact how well your colon moves things along. Not everyone likes exercise, but even a short, brisk walk can give your digestive system the boost it needs to clear out your gut.4
Your daily habits may also be the root cause of your constipation. For example, skipping meals, in particular breakfast, can increase your constipation risk. Eating stimulates your colon and helps move waste through your system more efficiently. So, get on that breakfast train, even if it’s just something small like a piece of fruit, and make sure you are eating at regular times daily.3
Symptoms of constipation
Symptoms of constipation include hard stools, straining while you poop, infrequent bowel movements, feelings of incomplete evacuations, bloating, and abdominal pain.
That said, constipation can affect more than just your ability to digest food. It can also disrupt daily life. According to research, 12% of constipated individuals miss work or school, and 60% experience difficulties in being at the top of their game.2,5
Here are some symptoms:
- Intermittent or occasional symptomatic changes(s) in bowel habit.
- Reduction in the frequency of loo visits and/or difficulty with passage of stools but without alarming features.
- Gut symptoms may last for a few days or a few weeks, and during these episodes you may need to modify your lifestyle, dietary habits and/or use over-the-counter laxatives or bulking agents to go back to your satisfactory gut habits.6
How is constipation diagnosed?
If you take just one lesson from this guide, let it be that constipation need not be a burden. If you are concerned that constipation is impacting on your ability to live a normal life, make an appointment with your doctor who can both diagnose and help you make the changes you need, so that constipation can become a thing of the past.
To determine what may be causing your constipation, a doctor will ask questions about your symptoms, medical history, medications, and habits. They may also examine your body to detect any physical problems or blockages, and may need to perform diagnostic tests, like x-rays or other procedures, in order to eliminate the potential of there being more serious root causes to your constipation.1
Prevention & treatment options for constipation
There are several things you can do to treat and prevent constipation.
If simple diet and lifestyle changes don't provide relief, the following over-the-counter medications may help:
MAT-XU-2304712 (v1.0) November 2023
The Dulco Range
A full range of Dulcolax products is available here, including tablets and suppositories.
-
DulcoEase® Capsules
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.
Dulcolax® Adult Tablets
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.
Dulcolax® Adult Pico Liquid oral solution
Dulcolax® Adult Pico Liquid is a fruit flavoured liquid solution that provides predictable, overnight relief from constipation in 6-12 hours.
Dulcolax® Twelve Plus suppositories
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.
-
Dulcolax® Adult Tablets
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.
Dulcolax® Adult Pico Liquid oral solution
Dulcolax® Adult Pico Liquid is a fruit flavoured liquid solution that provides predictable, overnight relief from constipation in 6-12 hours.
-
DulcoEase® Capsules
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.
-
Dulcolax® Twelve Plus suppositories
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 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.
How does the digestive system work?
Constipation is characterised by uncomfortable or infrequent bowel movements. Whatever your symptoms and complaints of constipation, it can be very uncomfortable and annoying when it's hard to poo.
Constipation And Diarrhoea: What is the connection?
Constipation is characterised by uncomfortable or infrequent bowel movements. Whatever your symptoms and complaints of constipation, it can be very uncomfortable and annoying when it's hard to poo.
What is occasional constipation?
Constipation is characterised by uncomfortable or infrequent bowel movements. Whatever your symptoms and complaints of constipation, it can be very uncomfortable and annoying when it's hard to poo.
Constipation and Bowel Movement
Constipation is characterised by uncomfortable or infrequent bowel movements. Whatever your symptoms and complaints of constipation, it can be very uncomfortable and annoying when it's hard to poo.
Bloating and Constipation
Constipation is characterised by uncomfortable or infrequent bowel movements. Whatever your symptoms and complaints of constipation, it can be very uncomfortable and annoying when it's hard to poo.
How to manage occasional constipation in adults
Occasional constipation can happen to anyone from time to time. Because we know how frustrating and stressful it can be, we can help you identify the causes of your constipation. And, best of all, how to prevent it.
How to deal with constipation during pregnancy
Constipation is a common problem in pregnancy. Its symptoms can include infrequent bowel movements, hard and dry poo, or excessive straining. Most people respond to dietary changes or simple laxatives.
How to deal with constipation in children
Constipation is a very common problem for children. It usually isn't a cause for concern, but it can make your little ones feel very uncomfortable.
1. Khanna, S. (2020) Mayo Clinic on Digestive Health: How to prevent and treat common stomach and gut problems. Mayo Clinic Press. (Last Accessed September 2023)
2. Wang, T.C., Camilleri, M., Lebwohl, B., Wang, K.K., Lok, A.S., Wu, G.D. and Sandborn, W.J. eds., 2022. Yamada's Textbook of Gastroenterology. John Wiley & Sons.
3. Bellini M, Tonarelli S, Barracca F, Rettura F, Pancetti A, Ceccarelli L, Ricchiuti A, Costa F, de Bortoli N, Marchi S, Rossi A. Chronic Constipation: Is a Nutritional Approach Reasonable? Nutrients. 2021 Sep 26;13(10):3386. doi: 10.3390/nu13103386. PMID: 34684388; PMCID: PMC8538724.
4.Müller-Lissner, S.A., Kamm, M.A., Scarpignato, C. and Wald, A., 2005. Myths and misconceptions about chronic constipation. Official journal of the American College of Gastroenterology| ACG, 100(1), pp.232-242.
5. Camilleri, M., Ford, A.C., Mawe, G.M., Dinning, P.G., Rao, S.S., Chey, W.D., Simrén, M., Lembo, A., Young-Fadok, T.M. and Chang, L., 2017. Chronic constipation. Nature reviews Disease primers, 3(1), pp.1-19.
7. Bharucha, A. (2021) Constipation, American Gastroenterological Association. American Gastroenterological Association. Available at: https://patient.gastro.org/constipation/ (Last Accessed: January 9, 2023).