What Is Chronic Constipation?

Constipation means different things to different people, but generally it refers to having fewer than three bowel movements per week, passing hard or lumpy stools, straining during bowel movements, or feeling that you cannot fully empty your bowels. When these symptoms persist for several weeks or longer, it is considered chronic constipation.

While occasional constipation is common, chronic constipation can significantly affect your quality of life and may indicate an underlying condition that needs medical attention.

When to See a Doctor

• Constipation that lasts more than three weeks
• Blood in your stool
• Severe abdominal pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Alternating between constipation and diarrhea
• Constipation that does not respond to over-the-counter treatments

How We Evaluate Constipation

We take a thorough approach, starting with your medical history, medications, and lifestyle factors. Depending on your symptoms and evaluation, we may recommend blood tests, colonoscopy, or other specialized tests to identify the cause. Common causes include low-fiber diet, dehydration, certain medications, irritable bowel syndrome, pelvic floor dysfunction, and slow transit time.

Treatment

Treatment is tailored to the cause. It may include dietary changes, increased fluid intake, medications, biofeedback therapy for pelvic floor dysfunction, or treatment of an underlying condition. Our goal is not just to relieve your symptoms but to identify and address the root cause.