Constipation
Constipation rarely causes any complications or long-term health problems. Treatment is usually effective, particularly if it's started promptly.
However, if you have long-term (chronic) constipation, you may be more at risk of experiencing complications.
Continually straining to pass stools can cause pain, discomfort and Rectal bleeding .
In some cases, bleeding is the result of a small tear around the anus ( anal fissure ), but it's more often caused by haemorrhoids (piles) . Piles are swollen blood vessels that form in the lower rectum and anus.
As well as bleeding, piles can also cause pain, itching around the anus, and swelling of the anus.
The symptoms of piles often settle down after a few days without treatment. However, creams and ointments are available to reduce any itching or discomfort.
See your GP as soon as possible if you experience any rectal bleeding.
Long-term constipation can increase the risk of faecal impaction, whichis where dried, hard stools collect in your rectum and anus.
Once you have faecal impaction, it's very unlikely that you'll be able to get rid of the stools naturally.
Faecal impaction makes constipation worse because it's harder for stools and waste products to pass out of your anus, as the path is obstructed.
Faecal impaction can sometimes lead to a number of other complications, including:
Faecal impaction is usually treated with laxative medication, although suppositories (medication inserted into the anus) and mini enemas (where medicine in fluid form is injected through your anus) may sometimes be used.
Constipation is a common condition that affects people of all ages. It can mean that you're not passing stools regularly or you're unable to completely empty your bowel.
When you're constipated, passing stools becomes more difficult and less frequent than usual. Normal bowel habits vary from person to person.
Constipation usually occurs when stools remain in the colon (large intestine) for too long, and the colon absorbs too much water from the stools, causing them to become hard and dry.
Constipation is a very common condition. Your GP won't usually need to carry out any tests or procedures, but will confirm a diagnosis based on your symptoms and medical history.
Read about self-help measures for treating constipation, such as changes to diet and lifestyle. If these don't work, laxatives can usually relieve the problem.
Constipation rarely causes any complications or long-term health problems. Treatment is usually effective, particularly if it's started promptly.
Read about how to prevent constipation by increasing the amount of fibre in your diet, drinking plenty of fluids, ensuring good toilet habits and exercising regularly.