Constipation means a change from your usual bowel pattern: stools may be hard or lumpy, difficult to pass, less frequent than normal, or leave you feeling incompletely emptied. Sweating, a hot day or reduced drinking can matter for some people, but they do not explain every case. A new or ongoing bowel change deserves a careful look at the whole picture.
This illustration explains where constipation can occur in the large bowel. It does not identify the cause of an individual person’s symptoms.
Notice a change
Hard stools, straining, fewer bowel motions or abdominal discomfort can all be signs of constipation.
Support gently
Fluids, regular movement and gradually increasing fibre can help some people, but should be matched to the situation.
Know the warning signs
Bleeding, severe pain, vomiting, marked bloating or unexplained weight loss need prompt medical assessment.
Why constipation can happen
Constipation has many possible contributors. Changes in routine, lower activity, not enough fibre or fluids, some medicines and health conditions can all play a role. Not having a bowel motion every day does not automatically mean you are constipated; what matters is a troublesome change from your usual pattern. A clinician or pharmacist can help review the timing, other symptoms and any medicines you use.
Safe first steps
For a mild, familiar problem without warning signs, it can help to drink regularly, include fibre-containing foods gradually, keep up ordinary movement where comfortable and go to the toilet when you feel the urge. A sudden large increase in fibre may worsen bloating for some people. If you have been told to restrict fluids or fibre because of a medical condition, check with your usual clinician before changing your routine.
Medicines and laxatives
Laxatives are medicines that can make stools easier to pass, but different types work differently and are not right for every situation. They are not automatically harmful, and they are not a substitute for checking a persistent or new problem. Ask a pharmacist or doctor which option is appropriate and how long to use it. Do not repeatedly increase a product, mix several products, or stop a prescribed medicine because you suspect it is contributing without getting professional advice.
When to seek medical care
Arrange a GP review if constipation is severe, keeps returning, is not improving with simple measures, or is a new change that concerns you. Seek urgent medical care for severe or worsening abdominal pain, cramping with a swollen abdomen, repeated vomiting, blood in the stool or rectal bleeding, or unexplained weight loss. These can be signs of a bowel problem that needs assessment rather than more self-treatment. Call 000 for an ambulance if someone is seriously unwell, fainting or has severe symptoms that need emergency help.
Australian health information: healthdirect: constipation and healthdirect: laxatives.