Constipation

According to the Rome IV criteria for constipation, a patient must have experienced at least two of the following symptoms over the preceding three months: Fewer than three spontaneous bowel movements per week. Straining for more than 25% of defecation attempts.

Constipation may have a serious impact on mental wellbeing and quality of life. 40% of adults report anxiety and 38% experience depression, alongside physical health problems such as haemorrhoids, anal fissures and rectal prolapse (BIG, 2020).

Cause of constipation (other medication):

• opioid pain relievers
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• antihistamines
• tricyclic antidepressants
• urinary incontinence medications
• iron and calcium supplements
• blood pressure medications
• anti-nausea medications.

It’s estimated that around 1 in every 7 adults and up to 1 in every 3 children in the UK has constipation at any one time (BIG).

Constipation can be treated by:

• eating foods rich in fibre
• doing regular exercise
• practising pelvic floor exercises
• not ignoring the urge to pass stools
• checking the side effects of medications
• discussing any concerns with a health care professional and not stopping medication without seeking advice first (RCN Bladder and bowel learning resource).