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Constipation in Serious Illness

Senior Health; Caregiving

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Constipation refers to infrequent bowel movements (less than your usual habit) or passing small, hard stools. In most cases, it is temporary and not serious. Occasionally, it can be a sign of more serious underlying diseases and will warrant further investigations.​


Common causes of constipation
  • Lack of physical activity

  • Excessive fibre and/ or inadequate liquids in the diet

  • Certain medications (e.g. supplements like iron and calcium, painkillers like tramadol and morphine)


What to look out for? ​

​Non-pharmacological

  • Distended tummy, stomach-aches or cramps

  • Frequent passing gas or belching

  • No bowel movement, passing small hard or liquid stools (similar to diarrhoea-like stools)

​ ​​ ​
What do to? ​

​Dietary and lifestyle modifications

  • ​Encourage light exercise

  • Increase liquids in the diet

  • Avoid foods and drinks that cause gas (e.g. carbonated drinks, cabbage)

  • Encourage toileting as soon as there is an urge to move bowels

Laxatives
  • Stool softeners (e.g. lactulose)


When to seek medical attention?​
  • No or minimal bowel movement despite laxative use

  • Blood at the anus or in stools

  • Severe stomachaches or cramps, and vomiting

  • Not passing gas

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​- Article contributed by Palliative & Supportive Care​, Department of Integrated Care -

Articles
2/2/2024

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