Constipation is when a person has fewer than three bowel movements a week, has difficulty having a bowel movement, or has stools that are dry, hard, or larger than normal. As people grow older, constipation is more common. If you try to fix constipation with medicines that make you have a bowl movement (laxatives), the problem may get worse. Long-term laxative use may cause the muscles of the colon to become weak. A low-fiber diet, not taking in enough fluids, and taking certain medicines may make constipation worse.
Contact your medical provider if:
- Your constipation lasts for more than 4 days
- You have abdominal or rectal pain
- You have thin, pencil-like stools
- You have unexplained weight loss
References:
Definition & Facts for Constipation. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease. Available at https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/constipation/definition-facts#whatis. Accessed May 31, 2021.