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What Is Chronic Constipation?

Chronic constipation is a condition when a person has consistently infrequent bowel movements. Chronic constipation is a symptom, not a disease itself. Several conditions, lifestyle choices or diseases may contribute to chronic constipation.

  1. Causes

    • People become chronically constipated for a variety of reasons. Often a poor diet lacking in fiber or water is the cause of chronic constipation, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, which is part of the National Institutes of Health. Other causes include lack of physical activity, abuse of laxatives or ignoring the urge to use the restroom. Pregnant women may experience chronic constipation symptoms because of hormonal changes. Older adults can experience it because their metabolisms are slowing down. Some medications, like narcotics, antidepressants and blood pressure medications may contribute to chronic constipation. Some diseases and disorders also cause it, including hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, lupus and intestinal dysfunctions.

    Treatment

    • Some people with chronic constipation can treat it with lifestyle or diet changes, such as adding fiber or water to their diets. For others, a doctor may determine that laxatives are necessary. In extremely severe cases, surgery is required, according to information from the Mayo Clinic.

    Complications

    • Chronic constipation can cause complications. These may include hemorrhoids from straining or anal fissures (tears in the skin or muscle around the anus) when the hard bowel movement passes. Occasionally, extreme straining causes the lining of the rectum to come out through the anus, which is called a rectal prolapse; severe cases may require surgery. Sometimes, the stool becomes so hard that it cannot pass at all; this is called fecal impaction. An impaction is treated by drinking mineral oil, and a doctor may have to manually break up the impaction with a finger.

    Prevalence

    • More than 4 million Americans have frequent constipation, according to information from the NIH. Women and adults older than 65 report it most often. It is also associated with pregnancy, childbirth and post-operative recovery.

    Research

    • Researchers are studying the physical causes of constipation and are developing new treatments. Among the treatments are new medications and behavioral approaches, such as biofeedback.

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