CONSTIPATION. Patient Information Leaflet. Your Health. Our Priority. Microbiology Department Pathology Laboratory

Transcription

1 CONSTIPATION Patient Information Leaflet Your Health. Our Priority.

2 Page 2 of 5 What is constipation? Constipation is infrequent or difficult passing of hard, dry faeces. In most cases, it is harmless, but sometimes it may indicate other health problems. Many people worry that they do not move their bowel often enough, however it is more important that the bowel is moved regularly and comfortably. What causes constipation? There are three main causes: What you eat and drink Not eating enough fibre is the most common cause of constipation. Fibre is found in most foods. The best examples of high fibre foods are wholemeal bread and fresh fruit and vegetables. Fibre is important because it provides the bulk that the muscles in your colon need to stimulate the movement of the faeces. Try to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables each day. If you do not drink enough fluid, constipation can occur. The recommended daily intake of fluids is 3 litres. This amounts to 12 mugs of fluid. Eating too many fast food (pizza, chips, kebabs) or pre-cooked meals that are low in fibre can also contribute to constipation. Your age As you get older the muscles in your back passage become less sensitive and responsible. This can result in the bowel not being able to empty properly. Ageing generally reduces mobility which can lead to constipation. It is important you keep active. Try to take part in physical activity for thirty minutes each day. Diabetes can cause constipation and mild diabetes is not uncommon with ageing. The thyroid gland (a small gland in your neck) becomes less active with age, which can lead to constipation in some cases. Health problems Illness can put you off your food. So, as the amount of food you eat reduces, your bowel becomes less active. Drugs prescribed for depression, for example, can reduce the movement of the bowel muscles. Water tablets affect the chemical balance of your body. This is similar to not drinking enough fluid. People who are less mobile may be prone to constipation.

3 Page 3 of 5 Patients can confuse the following as constipation: Sensations of the bowel still feeling full following a bowel movement. Excessive straining when moving the bowel. Pain when moving the bowel Hard stools Soiling of the perianal area (the area immediately around the anus) Perianal itching Incontinence of the bowel Some drugs for high blood pressure and heart conditions can cause constipation. Some painkillers and tranquillisers may also cause constipation. What is the treatment? Many people try laxatives to move their bowel, however constant use of a laxative can reduce the normal functioning of the bowel. Liquid stools may emerge around the hard, dry stool, which is causing the constipation. If the constipation still persists after identifying and trying to correct any of the causes outlined in this leaflet, the following dietary changes may be recommended: Increasing your fluid intake Increasing natural fibre intake for example, green vegetables, brown bread, fresh fruit Increasing synthetic fibre intake for example, bran tablets. For more information about healthy eating, the following leaflets are available: Enjoy Healthy Eating, Enjoy Fruit & Veg and The Balance of Good Health. REMEMBER If your problems persist for more than two weeks please contact your GP or practice nurse.

4 Page 4 of 5 Produced by Stockport NHS Foundation Trust Review Date: April 2014 If you would like this leaflet in a different format, e.g. in large print, or on audiotape, or for people with learning disabilities, please contact PCS. Your local contact for more information is the Patient Advice & Liaison Service at Poplar Suite, SHH, Tel:

5 Page 5 of 5 If you would like this leaflet in a different format, for example, in large print, or on audiotape, or for people with learning disabilities, please contact: Patient and Customer Services, Poplar Suite, Stepping Hill Hospital. Tel: PCS@stockport.nhs.uk. Our smoke free policy Smoking is not allowed anywhere on our sites. Please read our leaflet 'Policy on Smoke Free NHS Premises' to find out more. Leaflet number Intranet Office will supply Publication date June 2013 Review date September 2014 Department Microbiology Department Location Pathology Laboratory