Constipation - Endoscopy Center

Constipation

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse

National What is constipation? Large intestine Stomach
Institute of (colon)
Diabetes and Constipation is passage of small amounts of
Digestive hard, dry bowel movements, usually fewer Small
and Kidney than three times a week. People who are intestine
Diseases constipated may find it difficult and painful
NATIONAL to have a bowel movement. Other symp- Illeum
INSTITUTES toms of constipation include feeling bloat-
OF HEALTH ed, uncomfortable, and sluggish. Rectum Sigmoid
Anus colon
U.S. Department Many people think they are constipated
of Health and when, in fact, their bowel movements are Lower digestive system
Human Services regular. For example, some people believe
they are constipated, or irregular, if they visits annually. However, most people treat
do not have a bowel movement every day. themselves without seeking medical help,
However, there is no right number of daily as is evident from the millions of dollars
or weekly bowel movements. Normal may Americans spend on laxatives each year.
be three times a day or three times a week
depending on the person. Also, some peo- What causes constipation?
ple naturally have firmer stools than others.
To understand constipation, it helps to know
At one time or another, almost everyone how the colon (large intestine) works. As
gets constipated. Poor diet and lack of exer- food moves through the colon, it absorbs
cise are usually the causes. In most cases, water while forming waste products, or
constipation is temporary and not serious. stool. Muscle contractions in the colon
Understanding its causes, prevention, and push the stool toward the rectum. By the
treatment will help most people find relief. time stool reaches the rectum, it is solid
because most of the water has been
Who gets constipated? absorbed.

According to the 1996 National Health The hard and dry stools of constipation
Interview Survey, about 3 million people in occur when the colon absorbs too much
the United States have frequent constipa- water or if the colon’s muscle contractions
tion. Those reporting constipation most are slow or sluggish, causing the stool to
often are women and adults age 65 and
over. Pregnant women may also have
constipation, and it is a common problem
following childbirth or surgery.

Constipation is one of the most common
gastrointestinal complaints in the United
States, resulting in about 2 million doctor

move through the colon too slowly. Com- A low-fiber diet also plays a key role in con-
mon causes of constipation are stipation among older adults, who may lose
interest in eating and choose convenience
• not enough fiber in the diet foods low in fiber. In addition, difficulties
• not enough liquids with chewing or swallowing may force older
• lack of exercise people to eat soft foods that are processed
• medications and low in fiber.
• irritable bowel syndrome
• changes in life or routine such as Not Enough Liquids

pregnancy, older age, and travel Liquids like water and juice add fluid to the
• abuse of laxatives colon and bulk to stools, making bowel
• ignoring the urge to have a bowel movements softer and easier to pass. Peo-
ple who have problems with constipation
movement should drink enough of these liquids every
• specific diseases such as stroke (by far day, about eight 8-ounce glasses. Liquids
that contain caffeine, like coffee and cola
the most common) drinks, and alcohol have a dehydrating
• problems with the colon and rectum effect.
• problems with intestinal function
Lack of Exercise
(chronic idiopathic constipation)
Lack of exercise can lead to constipation,
Not Enough Fiber in the Diet although doctors do not know precisely why.
For example, constipation often occurs after
The most common cause of constipation is a an accident or during an illness when one
diet low in fiber found in vegetables, fruits, must stay in bed and cannot exercise or
and whole grains and high in fats found in move around.
cheese, eggs, and meats. People who eat
plenty of high-fiber foods are less likely to Medications
become constipated.
Some medications can cause constipation.
Fiber—both soluble and insoluble—is the They include
part of fruits, vegetables, and grains that the
body cannot digest. Soluble fiber dissolves • pain medications (especially narcotics)
easily in water and takes on a soft, gel-like • antacids that contain aluminum and
texture in the intestines. Insoluble fiber
passes through the intestines almost calcium
unchanged. The bulk and soft texture of • blood pressure medications (calcium
fiber help prevent hard, dry stools that are
difficult to pass. channel blockers)
• antiparkinson drugs
According to the National Center for • antispasmodics
Health Statistics, Americans eat an average • antidepressants
of 5 to 14 grams of fiber daily,* short of the • iron supplements
20 to 35 grams recommended by the Ameri- • diuretics
can Dietetic Association. Both children and • anticonvulsants
adults eat too many refined and processed
foods from which the natural fiber has been Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
removed.
Some people with IBS, also known as spastic
*National Center for Health Statistics. Dietary Intake colon, have spasms in the colon that affect
of Macronutrients, Micronutrients, and Other Dietary bowel movements. Constipation and diar-
Constituents: United States, 1988–94. Vital and
Health Statistics, Series 11, number 245. July 2002.

2 Constipation

rhea often alternate, and abdominal cramp- Specific Diseases
ing, gassiness, and bloating are other com-
mon complaints. Although IBS can produce Diseases that cause constipation include
lifelong symptoms, it is not a life-threaten- neurological disorders, metabolic and
ing condition. It often worsens with stress, endocrine disorders, and systemic con-
but there is no specific cause or anything ditions that affect organ systems. These
unusual that the doctor can see in the colon. disorders can slow the movement of stool
through the colon, rectum, or anus.
Changes in Life or Routine
Several kinds of diseases can cause
During pregnancy, women may be consti- constipation:
pated because of hormonal changes or
because the heavy uterus compresses the • neurological disorders
intestine. Aging may also affect bowel regu- – multiple sclerosis
larity because a slower metabolism results in – Parkinson’s disease
less intestinal activity and muscle tone. In – chronic idiopathic intestinal
addition, people often become constipated pseudo-obstruction
when traveling because their normal diet – stroke
and daily routines are disrupted. – spinal cord injuries

Abuse of Laxatives • metabolic and endocrine conditions
– diabetes
Myths about constipation have led to a – underactive or overactive thyroid
serious abuse of laxatives. This is common gland
among people who are preoccupied with – uremia
having a daily bowel movement. – hypercalcemia

Laxatives usually are not necessary and can • systemic disorders
be habit-forming. The colon begins to rely – amyloidosis
on laxatives to bring on bowel movements. – lupus
Over time, laxatives can damage nerve cells – scleroderma
in the colon and interfere with the colon’s
natural ability to contract. For the same Problems With the Colon
reason, regular use of enemas can also lead and Rectum
to a loss of normal bowel function.
Intestinal obstruction, scar tissue (adhe-
Ignoring the Urge to Have a sions), diverticulosis, tumors, colorectal
Bowel Movement stricture, Hirschsprung’s disease, or cancer
can compress, squeeze, or narrow the intes-
People who ignore the urge to have a bowel tine and rectum and cause constipation.
movement may eventually stop feeling the
urge, which can lead to constipation. Some Problems With Intestinal
people delay having a bowel movement Function (Chronic Idiopathic
because they do not want to use toilets out- Constipation)
side the home. Others ignore the urge
because of emotional stress or because they Some people have chronic constipation that
are too busy. Children may postpone having does not respond to standard treatment.
a bowel movement because of stressful toilet This rare condition, known as idiopathic
training or because they do not want to (of unknown origin) chronic constipation,
interrupt their play.

3 Constipation

may be related to problems with intestinal The clinical definition of constipation is any
function such as problems with hormonal two of the following symptoms for at least
control or with nerves and muscles in the 12 weeks (not necessarily consecutive) in
colon, rectum, or anus. Functional consti- the previous 12 months:
pation occurs in both children and adults
and is most common in women. • straining during bowel movements

Colonic inertia and delayed transit are two • lumpy or hard stool
types of functional constipation caused by
decreased muscle activity in the colon. • sensation of incomplete evacuation
These syndromes may affect the entire
colon or may be confined to the lower or • sensation of anorectal blockage or
sigmoid colon. obstruction

Functional constipation that stems from • fewer than three bowel movements
abnormalities in the structure of the anus per week
and rectum is known as anorectal dysfunc-
tion, or anismus. These abnormalities result Physical Examination
in an inability to relax the rectal and anal
muscles that allow stool to exit. A physical exam may include a rectal exam
with a gloved, lubricated finger to evaluate
What diagnostic tests the tone of the muscle that closes off the
are used? anus (anal sphincter) and to detect tender-
ness, obstruction, or blood. In some cases,
Most people with constipation do not need blood and thyroid tests may be necessary to
extensive testing and can be treated with look for thyroid disease and serum calcium
changes in diet and exercise. For example, or to rule out inflammatory, neoplastic,
in young people with mild symptoms, a metabolic, and other systemic disorders.
medical history and physical examination
may be all the doctor needs to suggest suc- Extensive testing usually is reserved for peo-
cessful treatment. The tests the doctor per- ple with severe symptoms, for those with
forms depend on the duration and severity sudden changes in number and consistency
of the constipation, the person’s age, and of bowel movements or blood in the stool,
whether blood in stools, recent changes in and for older adults. Additional tests that
bowel movements, or weight loss have may be used to evaluate constipation
occurred. include

Medical History • colorectal transit study

The doctor may ask a patient to describe his • anorectal function tests
or her constipation, including duration of
symptoms, frequency of bowel movements, Because of an increased risk of colorectal
consistency of stools, presence of blood in cancer in older adults, the doctor may use
the stool, and toilet habits (how often and tests to rule out a diagnosis of cancer,
where one has bowel movements). A including
record of eating habits, medication, and
level of physical activity or exercise will • barium enema x ray
also help the doctor determine the cause
of constipation. • sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy

4 Constipation Colorectal transit study. This test, reserved
for those with chronic constipation, shows
how well food moves through the colon.
The patient swallows capsules containing
small markers that are visible on an x ray.
The movement of the markers through the
colon is monitored with abdominal x rays
taken several times 3 to 7 days after the

capsule is swallowed. The patient follows a Sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. An exami-
high-fiber diet during the course of this test. nation of the rectum and lower (sigmoid)
colon is called a sigmoidoscopy. An exami-
Anorectal function tests. These tests diag- nation of the rectum and entire colon is
nose constipation caused by abnormal func- called a colonoscopy.
tioning of the anus or rectum (anorectal
function). Anorectal manometry evaluates The patient usually has a liquid dinner the
anal sphincter muscle function. For this night before a sigmoidoscopy and takes an
test, a catheter or air-filled balloon inserted enema early the next morning. A light
into the anus is slowly pulled back through breakfast and a cleansing enema an hour
the sphincter muscle to measure muscle before the test may also be necessary.
tone and contractions.
To perform a sigmoidoscopy, the doctor uses
Defecography is an x ray of the anorectal a long, flexible tube with a light on the end
area that evaluates completeness of stool called a sigmoidoscope to view the rectum
elimination, identifies anorectal abnormali- and lower colon. First, the doctor examines
ties, and evaluates rectal muscle contractions the rectum with a gloved, lubricated finger.
and relaxation. During the exam, the doctor Then, the sigmoidoscope is inserted through
fills the rectum with a soft paste that is the the anus into the rectum and lower colon.
same consistency as stool. The patient The procedure may cause a mild sensation
sits on a toilet positioned inside an x ray of wanting to move the bowels and abdomi-
machine and then relaxes and squeezes the nal pressure. Sometimes the doctor fills the
anus to expel the paste. The doctor studies colon with air to get a better view. The air
the x rays for anorectal problems that may cause mild cramping.
occurred as the paste was expelled.
To perform a colonoscopy, the doctor uses a
Barium enema x ray. This exam involves flexible tube with a light on the end called a
viewing the rectum, colon, and lower part of colonoscope to view the entire colon. This
the small intestine to locate any problems. tube is longer than a sigmoidoscope. The
This part of the digestive tract is known as same bowel cleansing used for the barium
the bowel. This test may show intestinal x ray is needed to clear the bowel of waste.
obstruction and Hirschsprung’s disease, The patient is lightly sedated before the
a lack of nerves within the colon. exam. During the exam, the patient lies on
his or her side and the doctor inserts the
The night before the test, bowel cleansing, tube through the anus and rectum into the
also called bowel prep, is necessary to clear colon. If an abnormality is seen, the doctor
the lower digestive tract. The patient drinks can use the colonoscope to remove a small
a special liquid to flush out the bowel. A piece of tissue for examination (biopsy).
clean bowel is important, because even a The patient may feel gassy and bloated
small amount of stool in the colon can hide after the procedure.
details and result in an incomplete exam.
How is constipation treated?
Because the colon does not show up well
on x rays, the doctor fills it with barium, a Although treatment depends on the cause,
chalky liquid that makes the area visible. severity, and duration, in most cases dietary
Once the mixture coats the inside of the and lifestyle changes will help relieve symp-
colon and rectum, x rays are taken that toms of constipation and help prevent it.
reveal their shape and condition. The
patient may feel some abdominal cramping
when the barium fills the colon, but usually
feels little discomfort after the procedure.
Stools may be a whitish color for a few days
after the exam.

5 Constipation

Diet include Metamucil, Citrucel, Konsyl,
and Serutan.
A diet with enough fiber (20 to 35 grams
each day) helps form soft, bulky stool. A • Stimulants cause rhythmic muscle
doctor or dietitian can help plan an appro- contractions in the intestines. Brand
priate diet. High-fiber foods include beans, names include Correctol, Dulcolax,
whole grains and bran cereals, fresh fruits, Purge, and Senokot. Studies suggest
and vegetables such as asparagus, brussels that phenolphthalein, an ingredient
sprouts, cabbage, and carrots. For people in some stimulant laxatives, might
prone to constipation, limiting foods that increase a person’s risk for cancer. The
have little or no fiber, such as ice cream, Food and Drug Administration has
cheese, meat, and processed foods, is also proposed a ban on all over-the-counter
important. products containing phenolphthalein.
Most laxative makers have replaced or
Lifestyle Changes plan to replace phenolphthalein with a
safer ingredient.
Other changes that can help treat and pre-
vent constipation include drinking enough • Stool softeners provide moisture to the
water and other liquids such as fruit and stool and prevent dehydration. These
vegetable juices and clear soups, engaging laxatives are often recommended after
in daily exercise, and reserving enough time childbirth or surgery. Products include
to have a bowel movement. In addition, the Colace and Surfak.
urge to have a bowel movement should not
be ignored. • Lubricants grease the stool, enabling
it to move through the intestine more
Laxatives easily. Mineral oil is the most common
example.
Most people who are mildly constipated do
not need laxatives. However, for those who • Saline laxatives act like a sponge to
have made diet and lifestyle changes and are draw water into the colon for easier
still constipated, doctors may recommend passage of stool. Laxatives in this
laxatives or enemas for a limited time. group include Milk of Magnesia and
These treatments can help retrain a chroni- Haley’s M-O.
cally sluggish bowel. For children, short-
term treatment with laxatives, along with People who are dependent on laxatives
retraining to establish regular bowel habits, need to slowly stop using them. A doctor
also helps prevent constipation. can assist in this process. In most people,
this restores the colon’s natural ability to
A doctor should determine when a patient contract.
needs a laxative and which form is best.
Laxatives taken by mouth are available in Other Treatments
liquid, tablet, gum, powder, and granule
forms. They work in various ways: Treatment may be directed at a specific
cause. For example, the doctor may recom-
• Bulk-forming laxatives generally are mend discontinuing medication or perform-
considered the safest but can interfere ing surgery to correct an anorectal problem
with absorption of some medicines. such as rectal prolapse.
These laxatives, also known as fiber
supplements, are taken with water. People with chronic constipation caused by
They absorb water in the intestine and anorectal dysfunction can use biofeedback to
make the stool softer. Brand names retrain the muscles that control release of
bowel movements. Biofeedback involves
using a sensor to monitor muscle activity that

6 Constipation

at the same time can be displayed on a impaction, the doctor may break up and
computer screen, allowing for an accurate remove part of the hardened stool by insert-
assessment of body functions. A health care ing one or two fingers into the anus.
professional uses this information to help the
patient learn how to use these muscles. Hope Through Research

Surgical removal of the colon may be an NIDDK’s Division of Digestive Diseases
option for people with severe symptoms and Nutrition supports basic and clinical
caused by colonic inertia. However, the research into gastrointestinal conditions,
benefits of this surgery must be weighed including constipation. Among other areas,
against possible complications, which researchers are studying the anatomical and
include abdominal pain and diarrhea. physiological characteristics of rectoanal
motility and the use of new medications and
Can constipation be serious? behavioral techniques, such as biofeedback,
to treat constipation.
Sometimes constipation can lead to compli-
cations. These complications include hem- Points to Remember
orrhoids caused by straining to have a bowel
movement or anal fissures (tears in the skin • Constipation affects almost everyone at
around the anus) caused when hard stool one time or another.
stretches the sphincter muscle. As a result,
rectal bleeding may occur, appearing as • Many people think they are constipated
bright red streaks on the surface of the when, in fact, their bowel movements
stool. Treatment for hemorrhoids may are regular.
include warm tub baths, ice packs, and
application of a special cream to the affect- • The most common causes of constipa-
ed area. Treatment for anal fissure may tion are poor diet and lack of exercise.
include stretching the sphincter muscle or
surgical removal of tissue or skin in the • Additional causes of constipation
affected area. include medications, irritable bowel
syndrome, abuse of laxatives, and
Sometimes straining causes a small amount specific diseases.
of intestinal lining to push out from the anal
opening. This condition, known as rectal • A medical history and physical exami-
prolapse, may lead to secretion of mucus nation may be the only diagnostic tests
from the anus. Usually eliminating the cause needed before the doctor suggests
of the prolapse, such as straining or cough- treatment.
ing, is the only treatment necessary. Severe
or chronic prolapse requires surgery to • In most cases, following these simple
strengthen and tighten the anal sphincter tips will help relieve symptoms and
muscle or to repair the prolapsed lining. prevent recurrence of constipation:

Constipation may also cause hard stool to – Eat a well-balanced, high-fiber diet
pack the intestine and rectum so tightly that that includes beans, bran, whole
the normal pushing action of the colon is not grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
enough to expel the stool. This condition,
called fecal impaction, occurs most often in – Drink plenty of liquids.
children and older adults. An impaction can
be softened with mineral oil taken by mouth – Exercise regularly.
and by an enema. After softening the
– Set aside time after breakfast or
7 Constipation dinner for undisturbed visits to
the toilet.

– Do not ignore the urge to have a
bowel movement.

– Understand that normal bowel National Digestive Diseases
habits vary. Information Clearinghouse

– Whenever a significant or prolonged 2 Information Way
change in bowel habits occurs, check Bethesda, MD 20892–3570
with a doctor. Phone: 1–800–891–5389
Fax: 703–738–4929
• Most people with mild constipation Email: [email protected]
do not need laxatives. However, Internet: www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov
doctors may recommend laxatives for
a limited time for people with chronic The National Digestive Diseases Information
constipation. Clearinghouse (NDDIC) is a service of the
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
AND HUMAN SERVICES
National Institutes of Health

NIH Publication No. 04–2754
October 2003