{"id":4763,"date":"2024-11-24T20:31:30","date_gmt":"2024-12-10T04:45:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/?p=4763"},"modified":"2024-12-10T04:45:02","modified_gmt":"2024-12-10T04:45:02","slug":"hmn-how-long-does-constipation-last-when-to-be-concerned-in-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/hmn-how-long-does-constipation-last-when-to-be-concerned-in-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"HMN: How long does constipation last? When to be concerned in 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>\n<br \/>Do you know:  How long does constipation last? When to be concerned in 2025<\/p>\n<p>\n                                    If you\u2019ve been having trouble going for more than three days, read what you should do next&#13;\n                                <\/p>\n<div id=\"main-content\">\n<div id=\"post-intro\">\n<div id=\"takeaways\">\n<h2>Key takeaways<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Constipation, affecting around 4 million Americans, is characterized by having fewer than three bowel movements per week and can be caused by lifestyle factors, certain medications and supplements, and various health conditions.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Symptoms of constipation include having fewer than three bowel movements per week, passing hard or dry stools, experiencing painful bowel movements, and feeling incomplete evacuation.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Lifestyle changes recommended for treating constipation include increasing fluid intake, engaging in physical activity, and adding high-fiber foods to the diet, with severe cases possibly requiring laxatives or prescription medications.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>If constipation persists for more than two weeks or is accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, or weight loss, it is important to seek medical advice, as these could indicate more serious conditions.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"table-of-contents\">\n<div class=\"anchorLinks\">\n<div class=\"mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"dropdownLists\">\n<div class=\"dropdownBtn\"><span class=\"listsIcon\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/singlecare\/images\/union.svg\" width=\"14\" height=\"20\"\/><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<label><\/label><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"downArrow\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/singlecare\/images\/dropDownArrow.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\"\/><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can\u2019t poop? You\u2019re not alone! Around <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/conditions-and-diseases\/constipation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4 million<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Americans frequently experience constipation, defined by the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/constipation\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20354253\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mayo Clinic<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as fewer than three bowel movements per week.\u00a0 While it\u2019s normal to get backed up from time to time, constipation and chronic constipation (difficulty passing stools for more than three weeks), can cause an array of uncomfortable symptoms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So what causes this condition and how long does a typical bout of constipation last? Here\u2019s what you need to know\u2014plus when to be concerned.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-causes-constipation\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What causes constipation?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many causes of constipation, including lifestyle factors, medications, and even dietary supplements, says <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicalofficesofmanhattan.com\/our-team\/pratima-dibba-md\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pratima Dibba, MD<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a board-certified gastroenterologist at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicalofficesofmanhattan.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medical Offices of Manhattan<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.niddk.nih.gov\/health-information\/digestive-diseases\/constipation\/symptoms-causes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">health conditions<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can cause it too, like Parkinson\u2019s disease, diabetes, hypothyroidism, and celiac disease.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.niddk.nih.gov\/health-information\/digestive-diseases\/constipation\/symptoms-causes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Symptoms<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of constipation include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having fewer than three bowel movements per week<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Passing hard, lumpy, or dry stools<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having stools that are painful and\/or difficult to pass<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeling like not all of your stool has passed<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"medications-and-supplements-that-cause-constipation\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medications and supplements that cause constipation<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certain prescription and over-the-counter treatments can lead to constipation. They include the following.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Opioid medications<\/b><b>: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain relievers like <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Percocet<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oxycontin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (which are controlled substances) improve severe pain, but they also cause constipation, says Dr. Dibba. According to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK493184\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">research<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, that\u2019s because these meds inhibit gastric emptying (the time it takes for food to leave the stomach) and reduce the motility of the intestines. As a result, more fluid is absorbed from the GI tract, leading to harder stools and constipation.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Antidepressants:<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tricyclic antidepressants<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, like <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">amitriptyline<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nortriptyline<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/staying-healthy\/what-to-do-when-medication-makes-you-constipated\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prozac<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can affect the normal functioning of the digestive tract, leading to constipation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Blood pressure medications:<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Calcium channel blockers<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">amlodipine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">beta blockers<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">metoprolol<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cause constipation by relaxing smooth muscles in the intestine and affecting motility.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Anticholinergic medications: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anticholinergics can result in constipation as they inhibit acetylcholine, a chemical that\u2019s important for gut motility at the muscular level, explains Dr. Dibba. Examples of anticholinergics include prescription medications such as the urinary incontinence drugs <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">oxybutynin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tolterodine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Iron supplements: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s unclear why iron supplements cause constipation, but Dr. Dibble says it is theorized that iron causes an osmotic effect in the intestine, pulling water out of the stool and causing stool hardening\/constipation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b> <\/b><b>8 medications that cause constipation<\/b><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"lifestyle-factors-that-cause-constipation\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lifestyle factors that cause constipation<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.naturesrise.com\/pages\/sony-sherpa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sony Sherpa<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, MD, a holistic physician with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.naturesrise.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nature\u2019s Rise<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Sacramento, California, lifestyle factors are common culprits behind constipation. They include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Inadequate dietary fiber intake:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Dietary fiber helps promote regularity and softens stool, making it easier to pass, says Dr. Sherpa.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Inactive lifestyle:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Physical activity increases the speed that food moves through the intestines (peristalsis), helping to reduce the risk of constipation; a sedentary lifestyle slows peristalsis down, potentially leading to constipation, explains Dr. Sherpa.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Dehydration: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not drinking enough water slows down the movement of food through the digestive system, resulting in harder stools that are more difficult to pass, says Dr. Sherpa.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Excessive consumption of processed foods:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Processed and refined foods typically lack adequate amounts of dietary fiber, which is essential for regular bowel movements, says Dr. Sherpa. Prunes are great, but if you aren\u2019t a fan, include cereals and bread made from whole grains in your diet.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Travel:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Dr. Dibba says that several factors during travel contribute to constipation, including dietary changes, decreased hydration, limited physical activity, altered sleep cycle, and even feeling uncomfortable using unfamiliar restrooms.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Dairy intake:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Although most people with lactose intolerance present with diarrhea, some may develop constipation as a result of dairy intake, says Dr. Dibba.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Stress: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stress, specifically in patients with an underlying irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), can trigger constipation, says Dr. Dibba. This is attributed to a neuroenteric connection (between the brain and the gut) that manifests as constipation when a person experiences stress, anxiety, or depression, she explains.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"how-long-does-constipation-last\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How long does constipation last?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Constipation can be acute or chronic, says Dr. Dibba. In other words, your constipation might be short-term, lasting days to weeks, or long-term, lasting from weeks to years. It can go away on its own, but that\u2019s not always the case, she says. Going more than <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/articles\/9663-stool-changes-and-what-they-mean\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">three days <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">without having a bowel movement is too long because the stool becomes hard and more difficult to pass.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Symptoms that are related to a reversible cause may be short-term, while patients on certain chronic medications or with certain medical conditions may have lifelong symptoms, Dr. Dibba explains, adding that chronic constipation can be intermittent or persistent. If your constipation lasts longer than two weeks, it\u2019s time to see your healthcare provider.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"the-four-types-of-chronic-constipation\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The four types of chronic constipation<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chronic constipation is common among patients of all ages. The four types of chronic constipation include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><b> Normal transit constipation <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">refers to a normal frequency of bowel movements, however with hard, lumpy, or difficult-to-pass stool.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><b> Slow transit constipation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> occurs when stool transit is delayed in the colon, otherwise known as colonic inertia, says Dr. Dibba. It\u2019s thought to be caused by dysfunction of the colonic muscles or nerves.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li><b> Dyssynergic defecation (DD)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> occurs when there is difficulty evacuating stool from the anorectal area, says Dr. Dibba. It\u2019s thought to be secondary to pelvic floor dysfunction, which causes narrowing of the anorectal angle and an increase of pressure within the anal canal, she explains. It results in the ineffective expulsion of stool from the rectum.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol start=\"4\">\n<li><b> Slow transit-dyssynergic combination <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">occurs when patients experience both slow transit and dyssynergic defecation simultaneously, says Dr. Dibba.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to the four types of chronic constipation, there are certain events and occasions\u00a0 when constipation is more likely to occur. These include after surgery, during menstruation when a person is pregnant, or when they quit smoking.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Constipation after surgery can be attributed to opioid pain medications, lack of adequate physical activity, manipulation of the intestines during surgery, electrolyte abnormalities, underlying medical conditions, or complications of surgery. It usually resolves within a few days.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b> <\/b><b>What you need to know about constipation after surgery<\/b><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/why-do-you-poop-more-on-your-period\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Menstruation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can cause constipation around ovulation and for several days after due to fluctuations in the hormone progesterone. Similarly, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/21895-pregnancy-constipation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">constipation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can occur throughout all three trimesters of pregnancy due to increases in the hormone progesterone, pressure on the bowel from the developing fetus, and lifestyle factors like decreased activity, water consumption, and fiber intake.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Constipation has been <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/9010598_Stopping_smoking_can_cause_constipation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">reported<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as a side effect of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tobacco withdrawal<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but more research is needed to determine the exact mechanism by which this occurs.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"constipation-complications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Constipation complications<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If untreated, constipation can lead to these <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/stanfordhealthcare.org\/medical-conditions\/primary-care\/constipation\/complications.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">common complications<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Discomfort<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excessive bloating<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Irritation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hemorrhoids<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rectal bleeding<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anal fissures (tears)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In more severe cases, the following can occur:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Rectal prolapse<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is when the bottom part of the large intestine loosens from inside the body and protrudes from the rectum. This can lead to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.niddk.nih.gov\/health-information\/digestive-diseases\/anatomic-problems-lower-gi-tract\/rectal-prolapse\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">serious complications<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that require immediate medical attention, such as heavy bleeding and severe prolapse that can\u2019t be pushed back into the body.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Fecal impaction<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is when stool becomes so hard and dry that it cannot be passed, and remains in the body. This can cause issues including bowel perforation, ulcers, bleeding, and uncontrollable bowel movements.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"treatments-for-constipation\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Treatments for constipation<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lifestyle modifications are the first line of intervention for constipation, says Dr. Dibba. This includes drinking enough fluids each day (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ars.usda.gov\/plains-area\/gfnd\/gfhnrc\/docs\/news-2012\/water-an-important-part-of-a-healthy-winter-diet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3.7 liters of water for men and 2.7 liters for women<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), physical activity (about <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/physicalactivity\/basics\/adults\/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">30 minutes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> per day), and adding high-fiber foods to your diet (aim for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hsph.harvard.edu\/nutritionsource\/carbohydrates\/fiber\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">25-35 grams<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> per day). Dr. Sherpa advises consuming foods rich in probiotics such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, which promote healthy bacteria in the gut, aid digestion, and reduce constipation. Additionally, caffeine increases peristalsis in the large intestine, which can promote bowel movements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If lifestyle changes don\u2019t work, Dr. Dibba recommends trying bulk-forming laxatives, which include <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metamucil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (psyllium husk), <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Citrucel<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (methylcellulose), <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benefiber<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (wheat dextrin), and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fibercon<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (polycarbophil). <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/druginfo\/meds\/a601113.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stool softeners<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, such as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Colace<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">saline enemas<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may also be used.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe constipation can be treated with osmotic laxatives such as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Miralax<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (polyethylene glycol), <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Milk of Magnesia<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Constulose<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (lactulose). And if those don\u2019t work, she says prescription medications called colon secretagogues including <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amitiza<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (lubiprostone), <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Linzess<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (linaclotide), and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trulance<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (plecanatide) may be prescribed by your healthcare provider.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stimulant laxatives such as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">senna<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dulcolax<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (bisacodyl) are effective, but they are not suggested for long-term use, Dr. Dibba advises.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"when-to-see-a-healthcare-provider\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When to see a healthcare provider<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your symptoms do not improve with lifestyle changes such as adequate dietary fiber intake, hydration, or physical activity, consult with your healthcare provider, advises Dr. Dibba.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cYou should also seek medical attention if you have associated symptoms such as abdominal pain, abdominal distention, rectal bleeding, or weight loss,\u201d she says. These can be signs of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/colon-cancer\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20353669\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">colon cancer<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and other serious conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your provider can guide you regarding when it is appropriate to go to the ER for constipation-related issues such as impaction.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><svg style=\"display:none\">\n  <g id=\"facebook\">\n    <rect width=\"32\" height=\"32\" rx=\"4\" fill=\"var(--social-bg)\"\/>\n    <path fill=\"var(--social-ico)\" d=\"M19.51 9.32003H21.39V6.14003C20.4798 6.04538 19.5652 5.99865 18.65 6.00003C15.93 6.00003 14.07 7.66003 14.07 10.7V13.32H11V16.88H14.07V26H17.75V16.88H20.81L21.27 13.32H17.75V11.05C17.75 10 18.03 9.32003 19.51 9.32003Z\"\/>\n  <\/g>\n  <g id=\"twitter\">\n    <rect width=\"32\" height=\"32\" rx=\"4\" fill=\"var(--social-bg)\"\/>\n    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When to be concerned in 2025 If you\u2019ve been having trouble going for more than three days, read what you should do next&#13; Key takeaways Constipation, affecting around 4 million Americans, is characterized by having fewer than three bowel movements per week and can be caused by [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4763","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-health-news"],"blocksy_meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4763","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4763"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4763\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6098,"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4763\/revisions\/6098"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4763"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4763"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthmedicinet.com\/review\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4763"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}