What is constipation?
A useful definition of constipation is the passage of hard stools, dry, often small and round;
difficult and painful to pass.
How common is it?
Constipation can affect many people at some point during their lives - between 12% and 19%
of individuals in North America. In one study, 27% of Canadians surveyed, reported experiencing
constipation in the last three months. It can affect people of all ages. However, some people
are more likely to report constipation more than others: including older people, late pregnancy,
travelers, people taking certain medications or for those who
may have had abdominal surgery and taking medication. Constipation tends to be more commonly
reported by women than men, and more likely to occur in the elderly. In most cases constipation
is not serious and is considered temporary. There are many causes of constipation. Some common
causes of constipation include: poor dietary habits, such as low intake
of dietary fibre or an inadequate
fluid intake, lack of exercise and
certain medications. If non-medicinal measures do not help your constipation, over-the-counter
products like Senokot®
or Senokot®•S may be helpful choices.
What are the symptoms of constipation?
- difficulty having a bowel movement
- straining when you need to go
- feeling bloated or gassy
- painful or difficult bowel movements
- hard, dry stools
- a change in your bowel routine (i.e. not having to go as often or at the usual time)
If you are experiencing any, or all, of these symptoms you may be constipated.
If you are constipated, there are many things you can do to help alleviate the discomfort.
Many people suffer from occasional constipation, but it can be
treated with changes in diet and activity and
with the occasional use of laxatives. Ignoring
constipation, or not maintaining bowel habits, may result in chronic constipation.
Chronic constipation should not be ignored and may mean getting advice from a healthcare professional.
Constipation may also be a side effect of taking certain medications which is known as
drug-induced constipation.
There are many steps you can take to relieve constipation, as well as including the
use of an appropriate laxative when needed. But, do not take any type of laxative for
more than one week, unless your physician has ordered a special schedule.
If you are pregnant or nursing a baby, consult your healthcare
professional before using any laxative products.
How does the colon work? What happens during constipation?
Click here to see a diagram of the digestive tract
As food moves through the colon, water is absorbed leaving waste products or stool. The
muscles that line the colon contract in a wave-like motion to push the stool down toward
the rectum. By the time the stool reaches the rectum, it is solid because most of the
water has been absorbed. However, if the muscles of the large intestine are sluggish,
the colon will absorb too much water and the stool will become dry and hard, resulting
in difficult painful bowel movements.
Important Information You Should Know.
When not to use a laxative: Do not use a laxative if you have
intestinal obstructions and/or stenosis, atony, appendicitis, inflammatory colon disease
(e.g. Crohn's Disease, ulcerative colitis), abdominal pain of unknown origin, and/or a
severe dehydration state with water and electrolyte depletion.
CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS: If sharp pains in the bowel (griping) occur,
subsequent dosage should be reduced. If you are pregnant or nursing, seek the advice
of a healthcare practitioner prior to using any laxative. Rectal bleeding or failure
to have a bowel movement after use of a laxative may indicate a serious condition.
Discontinue use and consult a physician. Remember, do not use a laxative in the presence
of abdominal pain, nausea, fever or vomiting unless directed by a physician. Administer
to children as directed. As with all medicine, keep out of children's reach. Overuse or
extended use of laxatives may cause dependence for bowel function. Do not take any
laxative for more than a week - unless your physician has ordered a special schedule.
When taking a laxative, remember that it should not be taken within two hours of another
medicine because the desired effect of the other medicine may be reduced. Consult a
healthcare professional prior to use if you are taking heart medications, diuretics,
adrenocorticosteroids, licorice root or other health products that may aggravate
electrolyte imbalance.
Symptoms and treatment of overdosage:
Prolonged use or overdosage with any stimulant laxative, including those containing
senna, may cause diarrhea, leading to excessive water loss and possible electrolyte
imbalance. In case of accidental overdose, seek professional advice by contacting a
Regional Poison Control Centre and/or your physician and/or your local emergency number
immediately, or go to your local hospital emergency, even if you do not notice any
signs or symptoms.
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