What is constipation? Constipation (kon-sti-PAY-shun) is a condition that happens when your BM (bowel movement) is hard and dry, or when you go a longer time than usual without having a BM. For some people it is normal to have two or three BMs daily. For others, it is normal to have a BM every three to five days. It may be painful and hard for you to push out the BM. You may also feel you need to have a BM, but cannot. Constipation is a problem for many people.
What causes constipation?
You may not be eating enough high fiber foods (roughage), such as fruits, vegetables, bran, or whole-grain cereals.
You may not be drinking enough water or other liquids each day.
You may not be exercising enough.
You may be taking a certain medicine or have an illness, such as depression, that could cause constipation.
You may have weakened muscles or a loss of feeling of the anus (where BMs come out of).
What are the signs and symptoms of constipation? You may have a very hard time pushing out your BM. Other signs may be pain or bleeding during or after a BM. You may feel like you did not finish having your BM. You may also have nausea (upset stomach), feel full, or not feel hungry. You may also have a headache.
What can be done to treat and prevent constipation?
Constipation is usually improved by drinking more water or other liquids. You should drink at least six to eight (8-ounce) cups of water each day, unless your caregiver tells you not to. Other healthy liquids should be drank in addition to this amount. Certain juices, such as prune juice may also decrease constipation.
A high fiber diet usually helps decrease constipation. It can also help decrease a high blood cholesterol level, and help manage diabetes. This diet contains foods that have a lot of fiber. Fiber is the part of fruits, vegetables, and grains that is not broken down by your body. A high fiber diet will add bulk and softness to your BMs. Your diet should include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain bread products, cereals with fiber, and beans. Fiber should be added into your diet slowly over time. Ask your caregiver for more information about a diet high in fiber.
Exercising three times or more each week can also help. Walking fast, jogging, swimming, and riding a bicycle are all good exercises to do. When you exercise, you will also need to increase how much fluid you drink.
You may need to take fiber supplements (pills). Ask your caregiver which fiber supplement is best for you. These pills may be bought at a grocery or drug store.
Laxative medicine may be suggested by your caregiver. This medicine may make it easier to push out a BM.
You may also need medicine to soften your BMs, called stool softeners. Ask your caregiver before taking any medicine used to treat constipation.
If you have loss of feeling or other problems with your body, your caregiver may want you to have other tests and treatments.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
