Why Am I Constipated? And Other Bowel Questions
Constipation is something that can affect anyone at any age. However, it is more common in older adults, regularly affecting about one-third of seniors. While constipation can be uncomfortable, it’s often not serious and can be rectified with over-the-counter treatments and lifestyle changes.
What Is Constipation?
Constipation is when you have infrequent or uncomfortable bowel movements. Everyone’s bowel movements differ, but doctors typically classify constipation as having less than three bowel movements a week or having hard, dry, small stool.
Aside from the frequency and size of stool, constipation can also cause a feeling of fullness in your stomach. You may also feel like you’re not fully empty after using the bathroom.
Common Causes Of Constipation
Many factors can contribute to your constipation, but one of the most common causes is not getting enough water and fiber throughout the day. Water helps food move through the intestines and eventually out of the body. When there’s not enough water, stool can start moving too slowly, making it difficult to exit the body. Fiber helps keep your stool soft, which makes it easier to pass through the body.
Aside from diet, other causes of constipation can include medication side effects, muscle disorders like Parkinson’s disease, or a lack of physical exercise. If constipation is frequent and diet changes are not helping, it may be a sign of something more serious, like a gastrointestinal disorder like irritable bowel syndrome.
Preventing And Treating Constipation
Constipation is often a temporary symptom you can quickly take care of with a few lifestyle modifications.
- Stay hydrated. Your body needs water to help food and stool move through the body. Ensure you’re drinking water throughout the day, especially on warmer days or when doing a lot of physical activity.
- Eat enough fiber. Fiber helps with the size and weight of your stool. When you don’t get enough fiber, your stool can be hard, making it difficult for your body to eliminate. Add more high-fiber foods, like avocados, oats, and lentils, into your diet.
- Understand medication side effects. If you’re taking a prescription medication, talk to your doctor about how the medication may affect your bowel movements.
- Stay physically active. Physical activity can help food move through the body. Your physical activity can be as simple as taking daily walks or riding a bike.
If you are regularly constipated or you don’t feel like basic lifestyle changes are helping, talk to your doctor about your constipation. There may be other health factors contributing to your bowel health that your doctor needs to address.
What About Laxatives?
Over-the-counter laxatives are supplements that can help loosen your stool to make it easier to go to the bathroom. While they can help eliminate constipation, they don’t address the underlying cause of what’s making you constipated.
You want to be careful about taking too many laxatives because they can lead to dehydration. Too many laxatives can also cause bleeding and other serious symptoms.
Bathroom Assistance With Visiting Angels
Constipation can be uncomfortable no matter your age or health, but it can be even more inconvenient if you have trouble getting to the bathroom or using the toilet. At Visiting Angels Northeast OH, we work with seniors to help them live comfortably and independently, which can mean providing bathroom assistance.
In addition to helping in the bathroom, our professional caregivers can assist with nonmedical tasks like light housekeeping, meal preparation, transportation to appointments, medication reminders, and personal grooming. We also offer basic companionship, plus specialized services like dementia care and transitional care after a hospital stay.
Contact our Mentor office to learn more about our at-home care options and how our caregivers can help you to continue aging in place.