What Are the Main Causes of Constipation?

One of the most common causes of constipation is a low-fiber diet. Fiber is found in vegetables, fruits, and grains that our bodies don't fully digest. There are two terms used to describe fiber—soluble and insoluble—and both types are carbs that are found in plants.

Insoluble fiber is particularly helpful in preventing constipation, as it helps draw water into the stool as it passes through the intestines, hydrating and softening stool and making it easier to pass. Foods that are high in insoluble fiber include whole grains, wheat bran, non-sugary cereals, seeds, legumes, and many fruits and vegetables.

Common Cause of Constipation: Health Conditions

Certain health conditions that can increase the risk of constipation include spinal cord injury or illness, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, hypothyroidism, celiac disease, and irritable bowel syndrome. Pregnancy, surgery, hormonal changes, and conditions that affect metabolism can also increase the risk of constipation.

Over-the-counter medications like diuretics, iron supplements, antihistamines, ibuprofen, naproxen, and antacids can cause constipation as well.

Prescription medications known to increase the risk of constipation include narcotic pain medications such as opioids, blood pressure medications, antispasmodics, anti-nauseants, some anti-depressants, and anticholinergics used to treat urinary incontinence.
In addition, overuse of laxatives can cause the bowel to become reliant upon them to pass stool, increasing the risk of constipation.

Treatment for constipation usually begins with lifestyle and diet changes, such as maintaining a regular bowel routine, a fitness regime, a high-fiber, balanced diet, and proper hydration. If diet and lifestyle changes don’t relieve constipation, a physician may recommend a laxative.

There are many types of laxatives and stool softeners, and while all are designed to promote bowel movements, they each act differently.

It’s important to talk to a physician to understand which laxative is best for your particular situation.

Stool softeners, such as docusate sodium, are typically the first course of action as they are considered safe and have few side effects.

Osmotic laxatives can also help relieve constipation through the absorption of fluid from the intestines into stool, bulking it up and helping to stimulate a bowel movement.

Lubricants, like mineral oil, help stool to move through the colon more easily.

Enemas can be used to treat impacted stool and relieve constipation. Each enema addresses different conditions and works differently in the body, so it’s important to consult a physician to know which one is right for your situation.

Stimulant laxatives, such as bisacodyl or sennosides, cause the intestines to contract and stimulate a bowel movement. Despite quicker results, stimulant laxatives come with many unpleasant side effects and should not be used on a regular basis as they can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.

How is Severe Constipation Treated?

For more severe, chronic constipation that doesn’t respond to any other treatment, your physician may recommend surgery. Surgery may also be needed with anorectal blockage caused by rectal prolapse.

Surgery can involve removing part, or all, of the colon. Surgery to remove the entire colon is rarely necessary.