How Long Can You Go Without Pooping
Constipation is a condition affecting the stool, making it difficult一 or impossible一 to pass without supplementation. One important thing to note with constipation is that it’s very important not to strain while you “go”; making constipation an issue that should be remedied as soon as possible.
When To Be Concerned: How Long Should Constipation Last?
Constipation is a condition affecting the stool, making it difficult一 or impossible一 to pass without supplementation. One important thing to note with constipation is that it’s very important not to strain while you “go”; making constipation an issue that should be remedied as soon as possible.
But what causes constipation in the first place? There are five common causes of constipation : pregnancy, medications, lack of exercise or change in routine, a low-fiber diet, and more serious causes like blockages, rectal cancer, or colon cancer. Knowing the root cause of your constipation will help you avoid it in the future, and when to seek professional help.
When Should I Be Concerned About Constipation?
Can constipation last for days? The answer to this question tends to vary by individual and your diet plays a major role in your symptoms. For example, it’s not uncommon for a patient who consumes lots of dairy products but little fiber to experience constipation symptoms that last several days.
Generally speaking, if you haven’t had a bowel movement in longer than three days, it’s time to start forcing things to get moving.
How To Relieve Constipation Naturally
Constipation is usually a result of too little fiber in the diet, combined with excess consumption of “binding” foods (dairy, red meat, white bread, white rice, etc.). A quick way to turn constipation around is to eat some fiber-rich snacks like raw vegetables, raw fruit, beans, nuts, and seeds. Combining these snacks with fresh fruit juice is sure to get your digestive system moving!
Another important thing to note is that, for some individuals, caffeine can exacerbate constipation symptoms一 others will suggest that caffeine keeps them regular. Since caffeine can be both a diuretic and a bowel stimulant, you need to be careful how you use this chemical when you are constipated. If you think you might be dehydrated, try drinking some water before you have that glass of tea or coffee.
How to Relieve Constipation – OTC Medications
One of the easiest ways to end your bout of constipation is to take a stool softener. Start with small doses and work your way up to a higher dosage if you must. The goal is just to get the bowels moving, not to give yourself diarrhea. Keep in mind that stool softeners also may artificially moisten your stool in order to get it to pass. Drink plenty of water to ensure that you don’t get dehydrated while taking stool softeners.
What to Do When at-Home Remedies Don’t Cut it
If you still haven’t passed a stool after four or more days, and have tried these 5 constipation remedies, it’s probably time to call your doctor. Usually, the above methods will help you, but occasionally there might actually be something physically blocking your intestines. If you notice any of the following symptoms before four days, call your doctor or go to an emergency room immediately:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Excess bloating
- You are unable to pass gas
- Lack of appetite, nausea, or vomiting
If you tend to have recurring issues with constipation, you should schedule an appointment with a colorectal specialist. While your constipation might be diet-related, it could also be something more serious. A colorectal specialist can help you rule out colorectal diseases and conditions that may be causing your symptoms.
Constipation
Constipation is where you have changes to how you poo, including not pooing as often or finding it hard to poo. It’s common and it affects people of all ages. You can usually treat it with simple changes to your diet and lifestyle.
This page is about constipation in adults. There’s separate information on constipation in babies and children.
Check if it’s constipation
It’s likely to be constipation if:
- you have not had a poo at least 3 times during the last week or you’re pooing less often than usual
- the poo is unusually large or small and is dry, hard or lumpy
- you are straining or in pain when you have a poo
- you feel like you haven’t fully emptied your bowels
You may also have a stomach ache and feel bloated or sick.
If you’re caring for someone with dementia or an older person, constipation may be easily missed. Look out for any behaviour changes such as confusion, as it might mean they are in pain or discomfort.
What causes constipation
Constipation in adults has many possible causes. Sometimes there’s no obvious reason.
The most common causes include:
- not eating enough fibre, which is found in fruits, vegetables and cereals
- not drinking enough fluids
- not moving enough and spending long periods sitting or lying down
- being less active and not exercising
- often ignoring the urge to go to the toilet
- changing your diet or daily routine
- a side effect of medicine
- stress, anxiety or depression
Constipation is common during pregnancy and after giving birth. It is also more common if you are over 65 years old.
Constipation can also be caused by a medical condition such as diverticular disease or bowel cancer, but this is rare.
How you can treat and prevent constipation yourself
Making simple changes to your diet and lifestyle can help treat constipation.
It’s safe to try these simple measures when you’re pregnant.
You may notice a difference within a few days. Sometimes it takes a few weeks before your symptoms improve.
Make changes to your diet
To make your poo softer and easier to pass:
- eat a healthy balanced diet and include fruits that contain sorbitol such as apples, apricots, grapes (and raisins), raspberries and strawberries
- drink plenty of water and other fluids and avoid alcohol
- gradually increase the fibre in your diet
- add some wheat bran, oats or linseed to your diet
Improve your toilet routine
Keep to a regular time and place and give yourself plenty of time to use the toilet.
Do not delay if you feel the urge to poo.
To make it easier to poo, try resting your feet on a low stool while going to the toilet. If possible, raise your knees above your hips.
Consider increasing your activity
A daily walk or run can help you poo more regularly.
Speak to a pharmacist for advice
Speak to a pharmacist if diet and lifestyle changes are not helping.
They can suggest a suitable laxative. These are medicines that help you poo more regularly.
Most laxatives work within 3 days. They should only be used for a short time.
Video: How to treat constipation
This video shows you how to treat constipation.
