What Are the Symptoms of
Constipation?
If you’re constipated, you may notice some uncomfortable symptoms:
- Fewer bowel movements per week than usual
- Hard stools that are difficult or uncomfortable to pass
- Straining during a bowel movement
- Aches and cramping associated with bowel movements
- Not feeling that you’ve completely emptied your bowels after a bowel movement
Not all symptoms are created equal. Learn more about the common — and less common — symptoms of constipation.
What Are the Symptoms of
Constipation?
If you’re constipated, you may notice some uncomfortable symptoms:
- Fewer bowel movements per week than usual
- Hard stools that are difficult or uncomfortable to pass
- Straining during a bowel movement
- Aches and cramping associated with bowel movements
- Not feeling that you’ve completely emptied your bowels after a bowel movement
Not all symptoms are created equal. Learn more about the common — and less common — symptoms of constipation.
What Causes Constipation?
Do any of the symptoms listed above sound familiar? If so, you could be constipated. Constipation can be caused by several different reasons. These can include:
- Not consuming enough fibre and fluids
- Lack of regular exercise or physical movement
- Ignoring your body’s urges to pass stools
- Taking some medications
- Stress, depression or anxiety
- Pregnancy
What Causes Constipation?
Do any of the symptoms listed above sound familiar? If so, you could be constipated. Constipation can be caused by several different factors. These can include:
- Not consuming enough fibre and fluids
- Lack of regular exercise or physical movement
- Ignoring your body’s urges to pass stools
- Taking some medications
- Stress, depression or anxiety
- Pregnancy
What’s the Difference between Occasional Constipation and Chronic Constipation?
The main differences between occasional and chronic constipation are how long you’ve experienced symptoms and what could be causing them.
Occasional constipation is normal for most people and can be triggered by diet changes (especially a lack of fiber in your diet), stress or taking certain medications. However, if your symptoms last for more than three months, your constipation may be considered chronic and associated with other health conditions.
Occasional Constipation vs. Chronic Constipation
The main differences between occasional and chronic constipation are how long you’ve experienced symptoms and what could be causing them.
Occasional constipation is normal for most people and can be triggered by diet changes (especially a lack of fibre in your diet), stress or taking certain medications. However, if your symptoms last for more than three months, your constipation may be considered chronic and associated with other health conditions.
Occasional Constipation Doesn’t
Have to Slow You Down
While constipation is uncomfortable and can get in the way of your daily activities, switching up your diet, assessing your stress levels and upping your fibre intake can help relieve your symptoms.
Not sure about what to do next? Ask your doctor how these lifestyle changes, as well as an osmotic laxative like RestoraLAX®, could help get things moving again.
Occasional Constipation Doesn’t Have to Slow You Down
While constipation is uncomfortable and can get in the way of your daily activities, switching up your diet, assessing your stress levels and upping your fibre intake can help relieve your symptoms.
Not sure about what to do next? Ask your doctor how these lifestyle changes, as well as an osmotic laxative like RestoraLAX®, could help get things moving again.
Gotfried J, Merck Manual. Constipation in adults. Updated January 2022. Accessed March 3, 2023. https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/digestive-disorders/symptoms-of-digestive-disorders/constipation-in-adults
American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons. Constipation expanded information. Accessed March 3, 2023. https://fascrs.org/patients/diseases-and-conditions/a-z/constipation-expanded-version.
Sparberg M. Chapter 89: Constipation. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, eds. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK415/.
Gotfried J, Merck Manual. Constipation in adults. Updated January 2022. Accessed March 3, 2023. https://www.merckmanuals.com/home
/digestive-disorders/symptoms-of-digestive-disorders/constipation-in-adultsAmerican Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons. Constipation expanded information. Accessed March 3, 2023. https://fascrs.org/patients/diseases-and-conditions/a-z/constipation-expanded-version.
Sparberg M. Chapter 89: Constipation. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, eds. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Available from: https://fascrs.org/patients/diseases-and-conditions/a-z/constipation-expanded-version.
