Causes
Constipation has many causes, including:
- Not enough fluid intake
- Overuse of laxative medicines
- Too little exercise
- Bed rest
-
Certain medications, including:
- Pain relievers
- Narcotics
- Aluminum-containing antacids
- Antidepressant and antipsychotic medications
- Medications for epilepsy and Parkinson's disease
- Antispasmodic medications
- Tranquilizers
- Iron supplements
- Calcium channel blockers
- Frequently delaying the need to have a bowel movement
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Spasm of the anal sphincter, due to painful anal fissures or hemorrhoids
- Underactive thyroid
- Irritable bowel syndrome (periods of constipation may alternate with episodes of diarrhea)
-
Neurological diseases such as:
- Parkinson's disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Stroke
- Spinal cord injuries
- Spinal cord tumors
- Scleroderma
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
-
Intestinal disorders, including:
- Scarring
- Tumors
- Cancer
- Inflammation
- Travel, due to schedule changes, stress, and poor diet
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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