Chapter 1: Clinical Overview
If your patient’s stool (poo) is hard and dry, making it difficult to pass it may be due to:
not having enough fibre in the diet.
not drinking enough water.
not getting enough physical activity.
not going to the toilet when the urge arises.
being stressed.
changes in their environment, such as travel.
Constipation can also occur when your patient:
is pregnant.
uses too many laxatives.
is taking certain medicines, for example strong pain relievers or iron supplements.
has certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems, Parkinson’s Disease, multiple sclerosis and mental health problems.
has problems with their digestive tract such as diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome or coeliac disease.
Babies and toddlers may get constipated when they start solid foods and certain new foods.
Older children may get constipated when they “hold it in” rather than going to the toilet/potty to pass a bowel motion.