This is a common problem as we get older, since we do not eat so much, nor do we take as much exercise.

It doesn't matter if you don't go to the toilet every day or even only once or twice a week. It is more important that the motions are not hard.

Symptoms

Bowel movements less often than usual with irregular itching.

Stools difficult to pass and stomach pain with bloated feeling.

Causes

• Lack of dietary fibre
• Low fluid intake
• Not enough physical activity
• Pregnancy
• Stress
• Over-use of laxatives
• Often drugs prescribed by the doctor (e.g. water tablets) lead to constipation

Treatment

• Drink plenty of fluids and increase fibre in your diet, for example, brown bread, bran, vegetables and fruit
• Take regular exercise
• Do not take laxatives such as Senna on a regular basis

Prevention

• Eat plenty of fibre
• Have plenty to drink
• Exercise regularly
• Do not ignore the feeling of needing the toilet

Seek medical advice

Seek advice from your healthcare professional if...

• you start to vomit after a few days
• you have severe abdominal pain
• there is blood in your stool
• you unexpectedly lose weight

Recommended web sites

Some helpful information from the BBC about constipation

Leaflet one from Patient UK

Leaflet two from Patient UK