Constipation in Adults: Here are 8 Ways to Treat It at Home

(CNN) -- Constipation is defined as a condition in which bowel movement frequency decreases from normal; stool may become hard and dry, making it difficult for the person to pass.

What are the symptoms of constipation?

Symptoms of constipation include:

Needing to have bowel movements less frequently than usual

Hard, dry stool that may be painful to pass

Straining or applying excessive pressure during bowel movements

Having to sit on the toilet for much longer than usual

Feeling that the bowels are not completely empty after a bowel movement

Bloating

Abdominal cramps.

The Australian health website Better Health noted that in some cases, constipation may result from more serious diseases or health conditions, including tumors and systemic diseases that affect the body.

Constipation causes related to lifestyle

Constipation may result from multiple lifestyle factors, often combining together, including:

Change in routine: Normal bowel movement depends on regular, rhythmic contractions of the intestines. This process is part of the body's internal 'clock' and its balance is often disrupted when there are changes in daily routine.

Diet low in fiber: Because fiber is not digested, it increases the bulk and volume of stool, making it easier to pass through the digestive tract.

Not drinking enough water: The fiber in stool gains its appropriate bulk and consistency only in the presence of water; hence, constipation may occur even with a high-fiber diet if not enough water is consumed.

Lack of exercise: A sedentary lifestyle is a common cause of constipation.

Tendency to delay going to the toilet: This leads to more water being absorbed from the stool, making it hard and difficult to pass. Repeatedly ignoring this urge may reduce the body's response to natural signals that alert it to the need to use the toilet.

Taking certain medications, such as narcotic painkillers, antidepressants, iron supplements, calcium channel blockers, and antacids that do not contain magnesium, known for their ability to slow bowel movements.

Pregnancy: Constipation is common during pregnancy due to hormonal effects, reduced physical activity, and pressure from the growing uterus on the intestines.

Advanced age: Constipation becomes more common in older adults due to several factors, including weakened intestinal muscle contractions and reliance on regularly taken medications.

Illness often leads to constipation. Contributing factors include: change in daily routine, reduced food intake, pain, and use of painkillers such as morphine. It often requires the use of laxatives for a short period.

Medical causes of constipation

Sometimes constipation may be due to underlying health problems, such as:

Disorder of the defecation process: This is a major cause of chronic constipation, resulting from insufficient propulsive contractions in the lower intestine or increased resistance in that part.

Slow bowel movements: Due to some people's tendency to have bowel movements less frequently than normal; their intestinal 'pacemaker' appears to be less active.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): This leads to abdominal pain and bloating, accompanied by constipation, diarrhea, or alternating between both.

Anal fissure: A tear in the lining of the anus, which may cause a person to avoid going to the toilet for fear of pain.

Obstruction: Partial blockage in the rectum or anus, due to hemorrhoids or rectal prolapse.

Rectocele: Where the rectum protrudes through the weak posterior wall of the vagina when a woman strains or pushes.

Hernia: Can lead to reduced intra-abdominal pressure, making bowel movements more difficult.

Abdominal or gynecological surgeries: Factors such as change in routine, being in an unfamiliar environment, post-surgical pain, and use of painkillers containing codeine strongly cause constipation, often requiring preventive care.

Endocrine problems such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, or hypopituitarism.

Tumors: Pain associated with attempting to defecate may be a cause of rectal cancer.

Central nervous system diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and stroke, as these conditions are associated with an increased likelihood of constipation.

Treatment of constipation

Treatment of constipation depends on its cause, but may include the following:

Stopping or changing medications that cause constipation.

Removing accumulated stool, which may involve the use of enemas, stool softeners, and a short-term course of laxatives.

Making dietary changes, such as increasing the amount of fiber in the daily diet, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes. Limit intake of foods such as milk, cheese, white rice, white flour, and red meat, as they often contribute to constipation.

Increasing fluid intake, as it helps increase stool bulk and softness.

Fiber supplements may be beneficial if a person is unable to consume more whole grains, fresh fruits, or vegetables in their daily diet. Since fiber supplements may cause or worsen constipation, always consult a doctor or nutritionist when using them.

Regular exercise to improve bowel motility; exercise should be done daily for about 30 minutes.

Treating the disorder causing constipation, such as surgery to repair an abdominal hernia, hormone replacement therapy for hypothyroidism, or use of anesthetic creams for anal fissures.

Taking laxatives, which are divided into two main categories: bulk-forming laxatives that increase stool volume, and osmotic laxatives that increase water content in stool. Chronic constipation can be safely treated long-term with laxatives, eliminating the need for other medical interventions.

Cases of defecation disorders that do not respond quickly to fiber supplements and laxative use may require suppositories or enemas, and pelvic floor muscle retraining using biofeedback therapy.

As for constipation caused by slow bowel movement that has not responded to simple laxatives, it can be treated with medications that increase the speed of stool movement.