How Long Does Constipation Last?

Constipation is a condition during which an individual has fewer than three bowel movements per week. Most people experience constipation on occasion. The stools could also be hard, dry, and lumpy. They may additionally be painful or difficult to pass.

Constipation can come and go and will last days to weeks. Fortunately, the condition is treatable with home remedies and medical treatments.

This article discusses constipation, including its symptoms, treatment options, and when to contact a healthcare provider.

How Long Does Constipation Typically Last?

Constipation makes it difficult to have a bowel movement. This happens when the stool moves too slowly through the colon, or there may be delayed emptying. Most cases of constipation last from just a few days to weeks. People with chronic gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may experience constipation on and off for years.

What Are the Symptoms of Constipation?

People with constipation experience fewer than three bowel movements per week. The stool may appear very dry, hard, and lumpy.

Common symptoms of constipation include:

Severe Symptoms

Mild cases of constipation may resolve on their very own without treatment. When constipation continues to worsen, it might probably result in serious symptoms including:

How to Find Relief From Constipation

You can try several strategies to alleviate mild to moderate constipation at home. For severe constipation, consider working with a healthcare provider to seek out the correct mix of medicines and lifestyle changes.

Home Remedies for Constipation

The home remedies for constipation include weight loss program and lifestyle changes. To promote healthy digestion and reduce the chance of constipation, try the next dietary changes:

• Eat fiber-rich foods like berries, apricots, plums, rhubarb, raisins, prunes, leafy greens, asparagus, broccoli, corn, squash, whole grains, legumes, peanuts, walnuts, and almonds.
• Drink no less than 8 to 10 cups of water day-after-day.
• Avoid processed foods like white bread, white pasta, pastries, and fast food.
• Do not skip meals or go too long without eating.

Lifestyle changes which will improve constipation include:

• Exercise often, about three to 4 times per week.
• Use the lavatory if you feel the urge to have a bowel movement.
• Consider using the lavatory often after breakfast and dinner if you find yourself more than likely to have a bowel movement.
• Focus on stress-management techniques like meditation, mindfulness, or yoga to cut back stress.

Medical Treatments for Constipation

Call your healthcare provider if you’ve gotten not had a bowel movement for 3 days. Your provider may recommend medication to assist you, including laxatives. It is important to take laxatives only as directed. They normally begin working inside two to 5 days.

Your healthcare provider may recommend one among the next laxatives:

• Stool softeners: Help to melt the stool by pulling water back into the colon; examples of which areColace (docusate) and Exlax (senna glycoside)
• Bulk-forming laxatives: Form a gel within the stool that enables it to carry more water and turn into larger; examples of that are Metamucil (psyllium) and Citrucel (methylcellulose)
• Lubricant laxatives: Coats stool and intestines to forestall water loss; an example of which is mineral oil
• Hyperosmotic laxatives: Pull water from other body areas into the colon; examples of that are Miralax (polyethylene glycol) and Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide solution)
• Stimulant laxatives: Stimulate movement of the intestines to hurry up the digestive tract and move bowel movements out of the body; examples of that are Dulcolax (bisacodyl) and Fletcher’s Laxative (senna)

Possible unintended effects of laxatives include a rash, nausea, and sore throat. Talk together with your provider in the event you are experiencing unintended effects.

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

Contact your healthcare provider in case your constipation doesn’t improve with home remedies or if you’ve gotten gone three days without having a bowel movement.

Also see your provider in the event you develop severe symptoms of constipation, similar to abdominal pain, vomiting, or blood within the stool. They will perform a physical exam and ask several questions on your health history, recent symptoms, eating habits, and family history.

Summary

Constipation is a typical condition that affects most individuals on occasion. It happens when an individual has fewer than three bowel movements per week. The stool may appear hard, dry, and lumpy. People experiencing constipation often have pain when attempting to pass a bowel movement.

Fortunately, several treatment options exist at home and together with your healthcare provider. Focus on eating a nutritious weight loss program wealthy in fiber-rich foods and water. Engage in day by day physical activity and go to the lavatory if you feel the urge to have a bowel movement. If your symptoms don’t improve with lifestyle changes, talk together with your healthcare provider about trying a laxative.