There are many causes of constipation – lifestyle choices, medications, medical conditions, pregnancy and aging. These are discussed below.
LIFESTYLE CAUSES OF CONSTIPATION:
- Eating foods low in fiber.
- Not drinking enough water (dehydration).
- Not getting enough exercise.
- Changes in your regular routine, such as traveling or eating or going to bed at different times.
- Eating large amounts of milk or cheese.
- Stress.
- Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement.
MEDICATIONS THAT CAN CAUSE CONSTIPATION:
- Strong pain medicines, like the narcotics containing codeine, oxycodone (Oxycontin®) and hydromorphone (Dilaudid®).
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) and naproxen (Aleve®).
- Antidepressants, including the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (like fluoxetine [Prozac®]) or tricyclic antidepressants (like amitriptyline [Elavil®]).
- Antacids containing calcium or aluminum, such as Tums®.
- Iron pills.
- Allergy medications, such as antihistamines (like diphenhydramine [Benadryl®]).
- Certain blood pressure medicines, including calcium channel blockers (like verapamil [Calan SR], diltiazem [Cardizem®] and nifedipine [Procardia®]) and beta-blockers (like atenolol [Tenormin®]).
- Psychiatric medications, like clozapine (Clozaril®) and olanzapine (Zyprexa®).
- Anticonvulsant/seizure medications, such as phenytoin and gabapentin.
- Antinausea medications, like ondansetron (Zofran®).
Many drugs can cause constipation. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.
MEDICAL AND HEALTH CONDITIONS THAT CAN CAUSE CONSTIPATION:
- Endocrine conditions, like underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), diabetes, uremia and hypercalcemia.
- Colorectal cancer.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Diverticular disease.
- Outlet dysfunction constipation. (A defect in the coordination of pelvic floor muscles. These muscles support the organs within the pelvis and lower abdomen. They are needed to help release stool.)
- Neurologic disorders, including spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke.
- Lazy bowel syndrome. The colon contracts poorly and retains stool.
- Intestinal obstruction.
- Structural defects in the digestive tract (like fistula, colonic atresia, volvulus, intussusception, imperforate anus or malrotation.)
- Multiple organ diseases, such as amyloidosis, lupus and scleroderma.
PREGNANCY:
During pregnancy, the growing uterus can put pressure on the rectum and anus, making it more difficult for stool to pass. Additionally, hormonal changes during pregnancy can slow down the movement of stool through the intestines. Many pregnant women may also experience an increase in progesterone hormone that causes muscle relaxation, which can slow down the intestinal movement.
AGING:
As people age, their bodies produce less of the natural chemicals that help regulate bowel movements, and the muscles in the colon and rectum can become weaker. These changes can make it more difficult for the body to move stool through the intestine. Additionally, many older adults may also take medications that can cause constipation as a side effect.
If constipation persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s best to consult a doctor.