Constipation is common. It affects people of all ages. You can usually treat it at home with changes to your diet and lifestyle.
Read separate advice on how to manage:
Check if it’s constipation
It may be constipation if:
- you have not had a poo at least 3 times in a week
- the poo is often difficult to pass and larger than usual
- the poo is often dry, hard or lumpy
You may also have a stomach ache and feel bloated or sick.
How to treat constipation in adults
Changes to your diet and lifestyle can help relieve constipation.
You may notice a difference within a few days. Sometimes it takes a few weeks before your symptoms improve.
Make changes to your diet
To make your poo softer and easier to pass:
- drink plenty of fluids
- do not drink alcohol
- increase the fibre in your diet
- add some wheat bran, oats or linseed to your diet
Increase your activity
A daily walk or run can help you to poo more regularly.
Improve your toilet routine
Keep to a regular time and place and give yourself plenty of time to use the toilet. Do not delay if you feel the urge to poo.
To make it easier to poo, try putting your feet on a low stool while using the toilet. If possible, raise your knees above your hips.
Talk to a pharmacist
Talk to a pharmacist if diet and lifestyle changes are not helping. They can suggest a suitable laxative. These are medicines that help you poo more regularly.
Most laxatives work within 3 days. They should only be used for a short time.
Laxatives are not recommended for children unless your GP prescribes them.
When to see a GP
Talk to a GP if you:
- are not improving with treatment
- are regularly constipated and it lasts a long time
- are bloated and it lasts a long time
- have blood in your poo
- notice your poo has changed colour (has become very dark or pale)
- have unexpected weight loss (or a child has not grown or gained weight)
- feel very tired all the time
Constipation during pregnancy
Constipation is common during pregnancy and for 6 weeks after giving birth. Pregnancy hormones can cause your poo to move more slowly through your intestine.
Iron supplements can cause constipation. Only take them if your GP or midwife says that you need them.
Causes of constipation in adults
Constipation has many possible causes. Sometimes there is no obvious reason.
The most common causes include:
- not eating enough fibre, such as fruit, vegetables and cereals
- not drinking enough fluids
- not exercising or being less active
- often ignoring the urge to go to the toilet
- changing your diet or daily routine
- stress, anxiety or depression
- a side effect of medicine
In much rarer cases, constipation may be caused by a medical condition.
Complications of long-term constipation
Long-term constipation can lead to faecal impaction. This is where poo has built up in your rectum. The main symptom is having a long bout of constipation followed by overflow diarrhoea (where water poo leaks around the hard poo).
Faecal impaction may be treated with:
- stronger laxatives - prescribed by your GP
- a suppository - medicine you place in your bottom
- a mini enema - where a small amount of fluid is passed through your bottom into your bowel
- a doctor or nurse removing some of the poo
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
