Constipation

Constipation is a condition in which you may have fewer than three bowel movements a week; stools that are hard, dry, or lumpy; stools that are difficult or painful to pass; or a feeling that not all stool has passed. You usually can take steps to prevent or relieve constipation.

If your constipation does not go away with self-care or if you have long-term constipation, speak with a doctor. You should see a doctor if you have constipation and either bleeding from your rectum, blood in your stool, continual pain in your abdomen, or another sign of a medical problem.

Your doctor may use information from your medical and family history, a physical exam, or tests to find the cause of your constipation. If you’ve had constipation for a long time, your doctor may ask whether anyone in your family has a history of conditions that cause long-lasting constipation.

Your health care professional may tell you that you may be able to treat your constipation or prevent it by making changes to what you eat and drink, being more active, or taking over-the-counter medicines. If these treatments don’t work, he or she may prescribe a medicine or suggest biofeedback or surgery.

Get enough fiber in your diet to help prevent and treat constipation. Talk with your health care professional to plan a diet with the right amount of fiber for you. Be sure to add fiber to your diet a little at a time so your body gets used to the change.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and other components of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) conduct and support research into many diseases and conditions.