🚽 Constipation

Easy Questions & Answers for Patients

❓ What is constipation?

💩 Constipation means having trouble pooping or having hard, dry stools.
You may poop less than usual, or it may hurt to pass stool.

❓ What are common symptoms?

You may notice:

· 💩 Hard or lumpy stools

· ⏳ Straining on the toilet

· 😣 Belly pain or cramps

· 🤰 Feeling bloated or full

· 🚽 Feeling like your bowel did not empty

❓ What causes constipation?

Some common causes include:

· 🥪 Not enough fiber in your diet

· 💧 Not drinking enough water

· 🚶 Being inactive

· ⏰ Ignoring the urge to poop

· 😟 Stress

· 🧠 IBS-C or chronic constipation conditions

🌿 Constipation and IBS-C

❓ What is IBS-C?

🧠 IBS-C is Irritable Bowel Syndrome with constipation.

People with IBS-C may have:

· 💩 Hard stools or infrequent pooping

· 🤰 Belly pain or bloating

· 😖 Cramping that improves after pooping

❓ How does IBS-C make constipation worse?

· The gut moves food slowly

· Muscles may not push stool properly

· Stress can make symptoms worse

⏳ Chronic Constipation

❓ What is chronic constipation?

💤 Chronic constipation means you struggle with pooping for months.

Symptoms include:

· Hard stools

· Straining

· Feeling bloated or full

· Pain in your belly

🤰 Constipation and Abdominal Pain

❓ Why does constipation cause belly pain?

💩 When stool stays in the intestine too long:

· Gas builds up

· Belly stretches

· Cramping and discomfort happen

❓ How can I prevent constipation?

✅ Daily tips:

· 💧 Drink plenty of water

· 🥦 Eat fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grains)

· 🚶 Move your body every day

· ⏱️ Don’t ignore the urge to poop

· 🧘 Relax when on the toilet

· 🪑 Sit with feet on a small stool for better posture

❓ Are laxatives needed?

⚠️ Laxatives can help sometimes, but long-term constipation should be treated with lifestyle changes and sometimes medication from your doctor.

❓ When should I see a doctor?

📞 Call your doctor if you have:

· Painful or hard stools for more than 3 months

· Blood in stool

· Weight loss

· Severe or worsening belly pain

🩺 Key Messages

✅ Constipation is common and treatable
✅ Chronic constipation and IBS-C can cause belly pain
✅ Drinking water, eating fiber, moving, and good toilet habits can help