What should I know and do about constipation?

ACS Answer

Constipation is the infrequent or difficult passage of hard feces (stool), which often causes pain and discomfort. It is caused by too little fluid or not enough movement in the bowel. Lack of activity, general weakness, avoiding the urge to have a bowel movement, pain medications, and decreased fluid intake can each contribute to this problem.

What to look for

• Small, hard bowel movements
• Leakage of soft stool resembling diarrhea
• Stomachache or cramps
• Passing an excess amount of gas or belching frequently
• Belly appears blown up or puffy
• No regular bowel movement within the past three days
• Vomiting or nausea
• Feeling of fullness or discomfort

What to do

• Increase the amount of fiber in the daily diet by eating foods like:
  • Whole grain breads and cereals
  • Fresh raw fruits with skins and seeds
  • Fresh raw vegetables
  • Fruit juices
  • Dates, apricots, prunes, prune juice, nuts
• Avoid foods and beverages that cause gas such as cabbage, broccoli, and carbonated drinks.
• Drink more fluids to help prevent dehydration and malnutrition. Fresh fruit juices (except apple juice) and warm or hot fluids in the morning are especially helpful.
• Get as much light exercise as you can.
• Use stool softeners, laxatives, or other medications as instructed by your doctor or nurse.
• Go to the bathroom whenever you have the urge to have a bowel movement.

Do not

• Use extreme force or straining in trying to move bowels
• Use over-the-counter laxatives or have enemas unless discussed with your doctor
• Eat foods that can cause constipation, such as chocolate, cheese, eggs (if you do, eat them rarely)
• Use laxatives or have enemas if white blood cell count is low

Call the doctor

• If you have not had a bowel movement in three days
• If you notice blood in or around anal area or in stool
• If you cannot move bowels within one or two days after taking laxative
• If you have persistent cramps or vomiting

Related Resources

Try these resources for more information on constipation:

• Gastrointestinal Complications
• Understanding Cancer: Constipation
• When Treatment Causes Eating Problems

Find books that cover this and other cancer topics at the American Cancer Society bookstore.

Recommended Consultation

You should consider discussing this topic with your doctor or health care team.

	Printer-Friendly Page
	Email this Page