5 kinds of constipation, and how to find relief

Constipation can happen for any number of reasons, and may last for a little while or become an ongoing issue. You can use the information here to help you decide how urgently you need to see a doctor.

• Occasional constipation may be accompanied by bloating, a feeling of fullness and the need to strain to have a bowel movement.
• A poor diet that's low in fibre and fluids and high in fat is often a cause, along with not enough exercise or too much alcohol or caffeine.
• Symptoms usually clear up once you resume a healthy diet with plenty of fibre and fluids.
• Natural fibre supplements can also ease symptoms; be sure to drink plenty of water if you take them.

• Constipation can be a side effect of many medications, including painkillers, antacids, calcium channel blockers, antispasmodics, antidepressants and iron supplements.
• For relief, talk with your doctor about whether a different drug should be substituted.
• Side effects sometimes disappear after a few days or weeks of taking a medication.

• Constipation that occurs regularly, and is accompanied by abdominal pain and bloating, may occur during periods of stress.
• See your doctor, who may prescribe medication, fibre supplements, physical activity or stress reduction techniques like meditation to help reduce symptoms.
• Constipation can also be a temporary reaction to change, like pregnancy and travel. Symptoms should clear up on their own.

• This could be caused by a disease or condition of the colon or rectum, such as diverticular disease, tumours or scar tissue in the intestines.
• See your doctor, who will order diagnostic tests.

• Constipation can sometimes be accompanied by excessive thirst, increased urination, fatigue, depression, weight gain or headache.
• A metabolic or endocrine disorder, such as diabetes, hypothyroidism or hypercalcemia, could be the cause.
• See your doctor, who will order diagnostic tests.

When your body speaks, you should listen. Most people aren't very good at it, though, and it's tempting to ignore a problem that could signal something bad. Even if you do pay attention to your symptoms, it's not easy to know what they mean. That's why diagnosis is a job for a doctor.