Constipation

Possible Symptoms:

• hard stools
• pain on passing stools
• cramping
• bloating
• gas
• hemorrhoids
• alternating constipation and diarrhea

Different people have different bowel movement patterns. These patterns vary depending on your level of exercise, your lifestyle, and your overall general health.

Bowel activity is most influenced by how much insoluble fibre (such as wheat bran) you eat and fluids you drink. Some people will move their bowels 3 times daily, while other people may only move their bowels 3 times weekly. There is no rule that all people should move their bowels every day. Constipation usually means there has been a change to bowel movements that occur less often and that may be harder or more difficult to pass.

Constipation can be caused by some of the medication that people take. Some medications which commonly cause constipation include narcotics (codeine, morphine, etc.), aluminum containing antacids and certain high blood pressure medications.

North Americans generally eat low fibre diets. The fibre in your diet comes from the parts of plants that you cannot break down in your digestive system. There are different types of fibre. Wheat bran and coarse grains are the most effective in regulating bowel activity.

Please answer the following questions if you think your constipation may require medical care.

Questions

Are you using laxatives or stool softeners more than twice a week?

or

Have you noticed any bleeding?

or

Do you have ongoing pain?

or

Are you losing weight?