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
