General Health

Can Constipation Cause Complications?

Over time, persistent constipation may put you at risk for health complications.

Medically Inspected by: Loreta D. Dayco, MD, Edilberto B. Garcia, Jr., MD, and Maria Christina H. Ventura, MD

Constipation is a common gastrointestinal condition for both adults and children. According to research, chronic constipation can affect 2 to 27% of the population, but only a fraction seek medical attention.

How will you know if you are constipated, and what are the possible complications of this condition? Read on to learn more.

What are the signs of constipation?

Constipation is a condition characterized by difficulty in passing stool and less frequent bowel movements. Bowel movement varies for each person, but generally, if you have not had bowel movement in three days or more, it is likely that you are already constipated. When you are constipated, your stools are usually hard and dry, and passing stools may cause you pain.

What causes constipation?

There are several factors that may lead to constipation. A change in one’s daily routine or lifestyle, not getting enough fiber, insufficient fluid intake, and inadequate exercise are just a few. Stress, anxiety, and depression may also affect your bowel movement and trigger constipation.

Can constipation cause complications in the body?

Over time, persistent constipation may put you at risk for health complications. When constipation becomes chronic, the constant experience of hard and dry bowels may lead to the development of hemorrhoids or swollen and inflamed veins around the anus or lower rectum, rectal bleeding, or anal fissures.

How do I relieve constipation?

Symptomatic relief of constipation constitutes various aspects. A change in diet—such as switching to a high-fiber diet and limiting the intake of food like ice cream, cheese, and processed food—is one way to address constipation. Increased fluid intake and regular exercise may also help improve bowel movement. If such changes do not make any significant improvement, your doctor may recommend taking laxatives, whether in oral form or as suppositories, to help induce bowel movement. When constipation becomes habitual or chronic, medications containing lactulose may also be prescribed by your doctor to help with treatment.

If none of these treatments are helping you relieve your constipation, it is best to see a doctor immediately to reassess your condition and determine whether your constipation may be caused by or is a sign of a more serious condition.

General disclaimer

Your doctor will always be in the best position to give the appropriate medical advice for your condition. For suspected undesirable drug reaction, seek medical attention immediately and report to the FDA at www.fda.gov.ph and UNILAB, Inc. at 8-UNILAB-1 or productsafety@unilab.com.ph. Always buy your medicine from your trusted drugstores and retailers.

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