Constipation is a decrease in the frequency that someone moves their bowels and may result in difficulty passing stool, discomfort, or worry.  Constipation may occur with illness or other changes in your life.  Constipation can be managed and usually prevented.

The best treatment for constipation is to prevent it!!!

Common Questions About Constipation

Many people have questions about constipation.  Here are some common concerns that people have and the facts about them.

I never had trouble with my bowels before, why am I having problems now?

Many things may cause less frequent bowel movements and difficulty passing stools, including:

• Change in activity level
• Decrease in fluid intake
• Decrease in food intake
• Medications, especially those given to treat pain
• Weakness
• Pain
• Certain Diseases

How often should I move my bowels?

Bowel habits differ from person to person.  Some people move their bowels once a day, while others may move their bowels less often.  To prevent constipation from becoming a problem, it is best if you move your bowels every 1-2 days.

It may be helpful to keep daily records so that you can let your nurse know as soon as a problem begins.  Notify your nurse if 1-2 days past your normal pattern go by without a bowel movement.

I’m not eating as much, won’t that affect how often I move my bowels?

Even if you are not eating much, your body still produces stool.  It is important that your bowels continue to move regularly.

What are some of the signs of constipation?

Some of the signs of constipation include:

• You do not have a bowel movement for 2-3 days beyond your normal
• Your stool is hard.
• You have difficulty passing stool or it is painful to pass stool.
• You have abdominal discomfort, bloating, nausea, feelings of fullness, hemorrhoids, or even diarrhea.

Notify your Home Care or Hospice nurse for any of these signs of constipation.

What can be done to help treat and prevent constipation?

Your Hospice nurse and your doctor will work with you to establish a bowel program to prevent constipation.  Constipation can be uncomfortable and is best prevented through changes in diet, exercise, and/or the use of stool softeners and/or laxatives. It is important to talk to your home care or hospice nurse before taking laxatives or using any suppositories or enemas.

Some things that you may be able to do to help prevent constipation include:

• Increase fluids, especially water if you can. Other liquids that may be helpful include hot lemon water, warm prune juice, other juices, and nectars.
• Eat well-balanced, high fiber meals when you can. Include foods such as nuts, seeds, lentils, beans, broccoli, raisins, and sweet potatoes.  Bran or whole grain breads and cereals may also be helpful.
• Eat foods such as raw, dried or cooked fruits and vegetables.
• Set aside a time each day (usually after breakfast) when you can sit for a period of time on the toilet, bedpan, or commode.
• Increase activity as tolerated. This may include exercises that others can help you with.
• Take medications as ordered to treat and/or prevent constipation.

Your bowel plan:

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Special instructions:

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Please feel free to call your Suburban Hospice, Inc. at 833-888-7222 any time for questions or concerns you may have about constipation.  Your team wants to be responsive to your needs and concerns.