PP
1
1
Mild severity
· Gastroenterology
Constipation
Hard or infrequent stools
Fewer than 3 bowel movements a week, or hard stools needing straining. Usually diet and lifestyle; sometimes signals a problem.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- 10–15% of adults
- Typical age
- Any age
- Outlook
- Easily treated
- System
- Gut
Reviewed by a verified Gastroenterology doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Low-fibre diet
- Dehydration
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Pregnancy
- Some drugs (iron, opioids)
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Less than 3 stools a week
- Hard, lumpy stools
- Straining
- Feeling of incomplete evacuation
- Bloating, lower abdominal pain
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- High-fibre diet (25–35 g/day)
- 2–3 L water/day
- Daily walking
- Osmotic laxatives (PEG, lactulose)
- Investigate if alarm features
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains
- Hydrate well
- Move daily
- Don't postpone the urge
Do’s
- Eat oats, dal, fruit, salad
- Drink water through the day
- Toilet routine after breakfast
- Use a footstool on the toilet
Don’ts
- Strain hard regularly
- Take stimulant laxatives daily
- Hold stool
- Ignore blood in stool
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
Top specialists
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.