Why am i severely constipated

Some past studies have found that physically fit people, including marathon runners, are less likely to experience constipation than other people, although the exact reasons for this remain unclear. A study from notes that increasing mobility might help improve constipation among older adults.

People who spend several days or weeks in bed or sitting in a chair may have a higher risk of constipation. Some medications can also increase the risk of constipation. These include:. Opioid pain relief drugs : These include codeine present with acetaminophen in Tylenol 3 , oxycodone OxyContin , and hydromorphone Dilaudid. Tricyclic antidepressants : These include amitriptyline Elavil and imipramine Tofranil. Certain anticonvulsants : Examples include phenytoin Dilantin and carbamazepine Tegretol.

Calcium channel blockers : These lower blood pressure , and certain types lower heart rate. They include diltiazem Cardizem and nifedipine Procardia. Diuretics : These remove excess fluid from the body. They include hydrochlorothiazide Hydrodiuril and furosemide Lasix. Iron supplements : Doctors prescribe these to treat iron deficiency anemia. People with functional intestinal difficulty, such as irritable bowel syndrome IBS , have a higher risk of constipation than people without the condition.

With IBS, constipation can fluctuate over time. When constipation is not present, there may instead be loose stools with diarrhea. As people age, the prevalence of constipation tends to increase. The exact cause of this remains unclear. It may be that as people age, food takes longer to pass through the digestive tract.

Many people also become less mobile, which may also contribute to constipation. Medical conditions, medications, and a low intake of fiber or water may be other factors that lead to constipation with age. When a person travels, for example, their usual routine changes.

This can affect the digestive system. In an article from , scientists asked 83 people about the digestive changes they experienced while traveling outside of the United States. Eating meals, going to bed, and using the bathroom at different times than usual could increase the risk of constipation. Some people worry that they do not use the bathroom often enough, and they take laxatives to try to solve this problem.

Laxatives can help with bowel movements, but regular use of certain laxatives allows the body to get used to their action. This may cause a person to continue taking laxatives when they no longer need them.

The person may also need higher doses to get the same effect. In other words, laxatives can be habit forming — especially stimulant laxatives. This means that the more a person depends on laxatives, the greater their risk of constipation when they stop using them. Some of these complications can become life threatening.

For this reason, people should talk to a healthcare professional before they start using laxatives. If a person ignores the urge to have a bowel movement, the urge may gradually go away until they no longer feel the need to go. However, the longer they delay, the drier and harder the stool will become.

This one's an easy fix: Discontinuing meds like Motrin and Aleve and making the switch to acetaminophen should help unclog your pipes.

But again, always consult with your doctor before making any big decisions—especially if you're on a strict course of medication prescribed by your doctor for a preexisting condition. Pharmacy shelves are packed to the gills with different types of laxatives. At first glance, they might seem like the magic wand you need to make your poop-less bathroom visits disappear. But not all of these meds are created equal, and depending on them too much for relief can do more harm than good.

This is just one of a host of side effects associated with prolonged laxative use, which include electrolyte imbalances, seizures, heart arrhythmias, muscle aches, and more. To be on the safe side, follow the dosing instructions on the box, and don't use any type of laxative for more than a week or two without telling your doctor first. They might recommend that you take a different type of laxative like an osmotic laxative, such as Miralax or fiber-bulking agents like Metamucil or Citrucel instead.

According to James-Stevenson, these are "considered safe for short- and long-term treatment of constipation symptoms. Here are the best probiotics for your health. If altering your diet or activity isn't solving your poop problems at the end of the day, don't wave it off: "A change in your bowel habits can sometimes be a sign of something more ominous occurring with your health, such as colorectal cancer," says Chen.

This setting allows you to view available services and providers associated with your preferred location. You can change this setting at any time. Search MemorialCare. There's separate information on constipation in babies and children. You may also have a stomach ache and feel bloated or sick. If you're caring for someone with dementia, constipation may be easily missed.

It's important to be aware of any changes in their behaviour that might mean they are in pain or discomfort, although it's not always easy. Read more about dementia behaviour changes. Constipation in adults has many possible causes. Sometimes there's no obvious reason. Constipation is also common during pregnancy and for 6 weeks after giving birth. Making simple changes to your diet and lifestyle can help treat constipation. Exercising most days of the week is another good way to relieve your constipation.

Exercise to ease constipation doesn't have to be drastic — it could be as simple as walking each day. Set aside time each day so you can take your time in the bathroom. Allow yourself enough time to have a bowel movement without distractions or feeling rushed. Plus, establishing a routine may help. Putting some focus on the position of your body during a bowel movement can make a difference, too.

If none of these changes help unblock you, adding processed or synthetic fiber to your daily diet, or taking a stool softener, a rectal glycerin suppository or laxatives can help. Colon cleanse: What is it and do you need one?