How can constipation be treated

A healthcare professional may also advise that you stop taking certain medications that may cause constipation. Some studies have shown that adding probiotics can be helpful for people with chronic constipation. If you add fiber supplements, remember to drink plenty of fluids.

Fluids help fiber work more efficiently. If constipation persists, or if you have concerns about your symptoms, it may be time to see a healthcare professional. They may recommend additional tests to identify the cause of your symptoms.

Tests may include the following:. A marker study, also called a colorectal transit study, is used to test how food is moving through your colon. Numerous abdominal X-rays will be taken over the next few days so the healthcare professional can visualize how the food is moving through your colon and how well your intestinal muscles are working.

You may also be asked to eat a diet high in fiber during the test. An anorectal manometry is a test used to evaluate anal sphincter muscle function. For this test, a healthcare professional will insert a thin tube with a balloon tip into your anus.

When the tube is inside, they will inflate the balloon and slowly pull it out. A barium enema X-ray is a type of test used to examine the colon. The actual test involves the insertion of a dye called barium into your rectum, using a lubricated tube.

The barium highlights the rectum and colon area. This allows the healthcare professional to better view these areas on an X-ray. A colonoscopy is another type of test healthcare professionals use to examine the colon. In this test, a healthcare professional will examine your colon using a colonoscope. This is a tube fitted with a camera and light source. You may have to take a laxative or enema the night before the test to clean out the bowel. In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask other questions during your appointment.

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may allow more time to go over additional questions you may have. Your doctor may ask:. Constipation care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.

Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Diagnosis In addition to a general physical exam and a digital rectal exam, doctors use the following tests and procedures to diagnose chronic constipation and try to find the cause: Blood tests. Your doctor will look for a systemic condition such as low thyroid hypothyroidism or high calcium levels. An X-ray.

An X-ray can help your doctor determine whether our intestines are blocked and whether there is stool present throughout the colon. Examination of the rectum and lower, or sigmoid, colon sigmoidoscopy. In this procedure, your doctor inserts a lighted, flexible tube into your anus to examine your rectum and the lower portion of your colon. Examination of the rectum and entire colon colonoscopy. This diagnostic procedure allows your doctor to examine the entire colon with a flexible, camera-equipped tube.

Evaluation of anal sphincter muscle function anorectal manometry. In this procedure, your doctor inserts a narrow, flexible tube into your anus and rectum and then inflates a small balloon at the tip of the tube.

The device is then pulled back through the sphincter muscle. This procedure allows your doctor to measure the coordination of the muscles you use to move your bowels.

Evaluation of anal sphincter muscle speed balloon expulsion test. Often used along with anorectal manometry, this test measures the amount of time it takes for you to push out a balloon that has been filled with water and placed in your rectum. Email address. First Name let us know your preferred name. Last Name. Thank you for subscribing Your in-depth digestive health guide will be in your inbox shortly.

Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Constipation. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Accessed June 4, Chumpitazi CE, et al. Soap suds enemas are efficacious and safe for treating fecal impaction in children with abdominal pain. Bharucha AE, et al. If constipation persists, people should see a doctor.

They may need stronger medication. The doctor may also test for any underlying conditions. Keeping a record of bowel movements, stool characteristics, and dietary and other factors may help find a suitable treatment. People should only consider using laxatives if making lifestyle changes has not helped.

It is best to check with a doctor before use. Fiber supplements : Also known as bulk-forming laxatives, these may be the safest option. FiberCon is one example. People should take these with plenty of water. Bulk-forming laxatives are available from pharmacies and to purchase online.

Stimulants : These cause the muscles in the intestines to contract rhythmically. Senokot is one example. Lubricants : These help the stool move smoothly through the colon. One example is mineral oil Fleet. Osmotics : These draw water into the colon to hydrate the stool and ease movement.

Saline laxatives are a type of osmotic. Neuromuscular agents : These include opioid antagonists and 5-HT4 agonists. They work at specific receptors to regulate movement through the gut. How do stool softeners compare with other laxatives? If constipation does not respond to treatment or if there are other symptoms, a doctor may suggest an abdominal imaging study — such as a CT scan , MRI scan , or X-ray — to see if there is a blockage due to an underlying disease process in the gut.

If there is, a person may need specific prescription medications or surgery to resolve it. Find out more about the causes and treatments of hard stool here.

Adults should eat 25—31 grams of fiber every day. Fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as fortified cereals, have a high fiber content. Adding fiber-containing bulking agents to meals can help soften stools and make them easier to pass. One option is to sprinkle a tablespoon of wheat bran onto breakfast cereals or add it to a yogurt or smoothie.

Some people find it easier to pass stools during a bowel movement if they place their feet on a low platform, such as a step, with their knees above hip level. Other possible therapies include acupuncture , massage, herbal remedies, and moxibustion, which involves stimulating acupuncture points with the herb mugwort.

One study concluded that acupuncture and herbal remedies may help, but that more evidence is needed to confirm the usefulness of these methods. That being said, the use of herbal remedies is complex, and people should always speak to a doctor before trying anything new, as they can have adverse effects.

People should seek medical attention for constipation if the following symptoms also develop:. What are the signs of colorectal cancer? Constipation is a common occurrence that can result from dietary habits, medical conditions, and a range of other factors. If possible, it is best to resolve it using home remedies, such as eating more fiber, drinking more water, and getting regular exercise. If a person has severe symptoms or discomfort, if constipation comes on suddenly, or if symptoms get worse, they should speak to their doctor.

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Learn more about some of these causes, the treatments, and when to…. Some people may have anxiety about pooping, especially in public restrooms or other people's homes. Learn more about the causes and treatments here. This article looks at the various causes, symptoms, treatments, risks, and prevention of chronic constipation, as well as when to seek medical help. What to know about constipation. Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D. Symptoms Causes In childen and babies In pregnancy Treatment Natural remedies When to see a doctor Summary Constipation occurs when a person has difficulty emptying the large bowel.