BACK
Constipation is a common condition that can affect people of all ages. It can mean that you’re not passing stools regularly, or you’re having difficulty passing them.8 Or you may even feel an uncomfortable fullness even after you’ve had a bowel movement.20
Constipation affects everybody differently. It can make your stools hard and lumpy, or unusually large or small.
It’s probably constipation if:21
You may also have stomach ache and feel bloated or sick.8
Constipation isn’t just about frequency. In fact, many doctors consider factors such as the shape, texture and consistency of stools to be the best way to assess bowel functionality. Your doctor may use a simple scale to measure your stool consistency called the Bristol Stool Scale22 You can download a copy
It may be reassuring to know that constipation is not usually a serious condition15– but speak to your doctor if you have any concerns
DID YOU KNOW?
Constipation is one of the most common medical conditions, affecting up to
1 in 3 people.15
Constipation usually happens when stools have been in the bowel for too long, and water from them is re-absorbed by the body. This can make the stools hard and dry, and difficult to pass.8
There are many things that can cause constipation in adults. Sometimes there’s no obvious reason for it.21
The most common causes include:21
Certain medications are known to cause constipation. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines that may explain your symptoms.
In much rarer cases, constipation may be caused by a medical condition.21
Constipation is common in new mums and mums-to-be.
Thoughts and emotions that are triggered by stress are thought to have an impact on your digestive system and may contribute towards constipation. This is thought to be a result of the way in which your brain and gut work together, known as the brain-gut axis.23
There may be times when you can’t help feeling stressed, but there are things you can do to try and deal with stress better, such as:24
Sometimes, the worry of being constipated can make you even more stressed, which in turn may make your constipation worse.
Duphalac® provides constipation relief that lasts.1,2
A change of routine, such as being on holiday with a different diet and time zone, and using facilities in public places, can affect your bowel habits.25
This can make travelling a challenge when you’re constipated. But there are many things you can do to help keep you comfortable.
DRINK PLENTY OF WATER
not drinking enough fluids can make constipation worse, so make sure you have plenty of clear liquids to drink.26It’s best to avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks (such as cola or coffee) as these can dehydrate you.8
FILL UP ON FIBER-RICH SNACKS
Eating healthily can be tricky when you’re on-the-go, as it’s easy to reach for low-fiber convenience food. This can make constipation worse.8 Instead, try to carry high-fiber snacks with you such as dried fruit, cereal bars, popcorn, and unsalted nuts. Choose healthy meals with plenty of fresh vegetables when possible.
TRY TO STAY ACTIVE
If you have a long journey by plane, train or car, make sure you set time aside to get up, stretch and have a walk around. This can help to keep your digestive system moving.26
TRY AND STICK TO A ROUTINE
Where possible, try and stick to your usual meal and sleep times. Eating soon after you wake up can also be beneficial.27 If you usually use the toilet at a certain time of day, try and stick to that too. About 30 minutes after a meal is usually a good time.25
LISTEN TO YOUR BODY
Don’t ignore your body’s signals, as this can make constipation worse.8 Try to make sure you always know where the nearest toilets are so you can go if you need to.
BE PREPARED
If you’ve had problems with constipation whilst travelling before, or if you’re already experiencing constipation, it might help to start taking medication ahead of time. Duphalac® stick packs are ideal when you’re on the go. Each dose can be tipped directly onto the tongue, sprinkled on food or mixed with a drink.4
Duphalac® sticks packs come in convenient pre-packaged sachets, ideal when you’re on-the-go.
Our busy lifestyles can play a role in constipation, with many contributing factors.
If constipation is interfering with your life, don’t worry. There are plenty of things you can do to help.
The first thing you should do is to make some simple changes, such as:
MAKE CHANGES TO YOUR DIET8
INCREASE YOUR ACTIVITY8
IMPROVE YOUR TOILET ROUTINE
If these lifestyle changes aren’t helping, treatment is available. Find out which Duphalac® product is best for you. Or find out more about other medicines used to treat constipation.
Constipation in babies is very common, affecting up to 40% of infants28 and there are many possible causes. But sometimes there is no obvious reason.
These symptoms may disappear immediately after having a bowel movement.28
In much rarer cases, constipation may be caused by a medical condition.21
Remember, it’s not unusual for a breastfed baby to go a week without having a bowel movement.21 And constipation is common if you’re changing to formula or cow’s milk.17
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT TREATING CONSTIPATION IN BABIES
In much rarer cases, constipation may be caused by a medical condition.21If your child is potty trained, soiled pants can be a sign of constipation, as softer stools can leak around hard, constipated stools. Sometimes, constipated children ignore the natural urge to go to the toilet, this is called ‘withholding’. This can make constipation even worse, so it’s important that you get help early. Talk to your doctor if you think your child is constipated.30
Constipation can affect anyone in the family. Find out more about
If you’re a Mum-to-be and you think you might be constipated, you’re not alone. Up to 40% of women can experience symptoms at some point during pregnancy. Constipation can also affect new Mums, with almost 1 in 4 still experiencing constipation three months after their baby has been born.16
There are many reasons why constipation is common during pregnancy:
Find out more about
DID YOU KNOW?
Almost 1 in 4 new Mums still suffer from constipation three months after their baby has been born.16
Find out more about Duphalac® mum and baby
Constipation can affect anyone in the family. And it’s more common that you might realise. In fact, it’s one of the most common medical conditions, affecting up to 1 in 3 people.15
Constipation becomes more likely as you get older, and women are more likely to suffer than men.11,12
For most adults, simple lifestyle changes can help. However for older adults, there’s no evidence to suggest that diet and lifestyle changes will help, so treatment for constipation will probably be needed.32
If you’ve tried making changes to your lifestyle, and they haven’t helped, you might need to try using medication for your constipation. Or if you have any concerns, speak to your doctor.
Find out more about treating for constipation
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