Constipation - what to ask your doctor

Constipation is when you are passing stools less often than you normally do. Your stool may become hard and dry and difficult to pass. You might feel bloated and have pain, or you might have to strain when you try to move your bowels.

Below are some questions you may want to ask your health care provider to help you take care of your constipation.

How often should I go to the bathroom during the day? How long should I wait? What else can I do to train my body to have more regular bowel movements?

How should I change what I eat to help with my constipation?

Do any of the medicines, vitamins, herbs, or supplements I am taking cause constipation?

What products can I buy at the store to help with my constipation? What is the best way to take these?

If my constipation or hard stools started recently, does this mean I have a more serious medical problem?

When should I call my provider?

Gaines M. Constipation. In: Kellerman RD, Rakel DP, Heidelbaugh JJ, Lee EM, eds. Conn's Current Therapy 2023. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier 2023:5-7.

Iturrino JC, Lembo AJ. Constipation. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 19.



Review Date: 10/25/2022
Reviewed By: Frank D. Brodkey, MD, FCCM, Associate Professor, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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