Summary
Constipation is no fun, and we all get it from time to time. In this video, Dr. Richard Honaker explains what it is, what causes it and how to treat it.
Common causes include painkillers, a poor diet, not enough activity and stress.
Dr. Honaker explains that constipation isn’t only about how often you go: even if you have a bowel movement every day or every other day, difficulty, pain or discomfort passing stool also counts as constipation.
It’s important to rule out problems that can cause constipation, such as certain medicines or diseases, especially a possible blockage, where the abdomen becomes very swollen.
In general, Dr. Honaker says, you can treat constipation by drinking more fluids (patients are told never to walk past a water fountain without taking a drink), prune juice, and over-the-counter fiber supplements such as Metamucil or fiber tablets twice a day. If constipation doesn’t go away with these steps, get checked for a medical cause.
Key takeaways
- Causes include painkillers, diet, inactivity and stress.
- Constipation can mean infrequent bowel movements, or difficult or painful ones even if they’re regular.
- Rule out medicines and diseases that cause constipation, especially a possible blockage.
- Relief: more fluids, prune juice and fiber supplements.
- If it doesn’t go away, get checked by a doctor.
Questions Dr. Honaker answers
What causes constipation?
Painkillers, a bad diet, not enough activity and stress, among others.
How do I know if I’m constipated?
Going too long between bowel movements is one sign, but Dr. Honaker explains that difficulty, pain or discomfort passing stool counts too, even if you go every day.
How can I relieve constipation?
Drink more fluids, try prune juice and use fiber supplements such as Metamucil or fiber tablets. If it doesn’t go away, see your doctor.
