Chronic constipation

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Chronic constipation

Some people are constipated for weeks, months, or years, and others have bouts of constipation that come and go over long periods of time. Chronic constipation may have many causes, including:

Diet, especially if you do not include enough fruits, vegetables, and fiber in your diet each day.
Medicines, such as antidepressants, water pills (diuretics), and iron.
Changes in your daily routines from travel or changes in your school or job, which can decrease your level of physical activity and decrease your opportunity to have a bowel movement.
Irritable bowel syndrome.

If you have chronic or recurrent constipation, see your health professional to make sure your constipation is not caused by an underlying disease. If you have been checked by a health professional, be aware of new or more intense discomfort or changes in the size, shape, or hardness of your stools. If constipation does not improve after a few days of home treatment, talk to your health professional.

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Author	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Brian D. O'Brien, MD - Internal Medicine
Last Updated	October 10, 2008

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Last updated:	October 10, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Brian D. O'Brien, MD - Internal Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer

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