Ways to help constipation

Constipation can mean hard or dry stools, straining, fewer bowel movements than is normal for you, or a feeling that the bowel has not emptied. Dehydration, a low-fibre diet, reduced activity and some medicines can contribute. Ongoing symptoms may also occur with irritable bowel syndrome, diverticular disease or an underactive thyroid, so the pattern matters more than a single difficult bowel movement.

Drink fluids regularly unless a clinician has told you to restrict them. Add fibre gradually through vegetables, fruit, beans, oats or whole-grain foods, and increase fluids as fibre rises. Walk or move most days if you can. Sit on the toilet when your body signals the urge, allow time, and place your feet on a low step so your knees are above your hips. A pharmacist can advise on a short-term laxative; follow the label and seek advice if you need it repeatedly. Nutrition counselling can help tailor changes to your diet and symptoms.

Arrange a review if constipation lasts, keeps returning, began after a new medicine, or comes with bloating that is affecting daily life. Seek urgent care for severe or worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, a swollen abdomen, inability to pass gas, or blood in the stool. A clinician should assess unexplained weight loss or a marked change in bowel habit.

Ask whether a medicine, thyroid problem or bowel condition could be contributing, which laxative is appropriate, and when to stop self-treatment. Describe stool appearance, frequency, pain, bleeding, diet, fluid intake and any previous bowel diagnosis.