Constipation (Adults)

The problem is constipation if 1 or more of the following are true:

• Fewer than 3 bowel movements (poops) per week.
• Stool (poop) is hard, dry and bigger than normal.
• Have a hard time having a bowel movement (poop).

Causes:

• You do not drink enough milk, water, or fruit juice.
• You do not eat enough food that has fibre in it. Foods high in fibre include: cereal, grains, fruits, and vegetables. Your diet is high in meat, fatty foods or refined sugar (candy & desserts)
• Not going to the bathroom when you feel like you have to go.
• Don't like to use bathrooms other than those in your own home because of lack of privacy, dirty bathroom, or no toilet paper available.
• After being sick or taking certain medications.

Prevention:

• Try not to eat too many foods that have a lot of sugar or fat.
• Drink lots of water and juice.
• Get exercise every day.
• Make sure you try to go to the bathroom as soon as you feel like you have to go.

Home Treatment:

• Try to sit on the toilet every day about the same time, like after breakfast. Sit there for at least 10 minutes. You could look at a book.
• Try to drink at least 2 extra glasses of water every day.
• Add fruit, vegetables, and food high in fibre like whole wheat bread, bran cereal, beans, or prunes to what you eat every day.
• You can ask the pharmacist about a stool softener or mild laxative. Do not use mineral oil or any other laxative for more than 1 week without seeing your doctor.

Return to the Emergency Department or see your Family Doctor IF:

• If you are still having problems going to the bathroom after 1 week of following the above suggestions.
• If you see a lot of blood (you might see a small amount of bright red blood), if you see dark red or blackish, or if the blood is mixed in the poop.
• If you see blood in your poop more than 2-3 days after you are having an easier time to go or if bleeding happens more than 1 time.
• If you have sharp or really bad pains in your belly.
• If your constipation or change in how you usually go to the bathroom lasts longer than 2  weeks and you do not know why.
• If you can not get to the bathroom in time and get some in your underwear (fecal incontinence).
• If you can not have a poop without taking a laxative (medication to make you go).