Constipation – Ages 12 and over
What it is
Constipation is when it is hard to have a bowel movement (poop) or when bowel movements happen less often than usual. Stools (poop) may be hard. There may be stomach pain or a feeling of still needing to go, even after a bowel movement. Constipation is not a cause for concern, but it is important to find a way to get relief.
Related sheet available: Constipation – Ages 0-11
What you can do at home
What to do
- Massage the abdomen.
- Ask a pharmacist for advice before using any constipation treatment.
- Check with a pharmacist whether constipation could be a side effect of a medication.
Making bowel movements easier
- On the toilet, elevate your feet by placing them on a small stool.
- Choose a quiet, private bathroom.
- Breathe out (let the air out of the lungs) while pushing.
- Try to go to the toilet at the same times every day (regular schedule).
Staying hydrated and eating well
- Drink water throughout the day, unless a healthcare professional advises otherwise.
- Ages 12 to 64: 2 to 3 litres of water a day
- Ages 65 and over: 1.6 to 2 litres of water a day
- Eat high-fiber foods, such as fruit, vegetables, whole grains, prunes, and legumes.
- Eat small meals.
- Chew food thoroughly.
- Drink 120 mL of prune or fig juice 30 minutes before meals.
- Drink hot water, with or without lemon juice, 30 minutes before meals.
Staying active
- While standing, tighten and then relax the stomach muscles several times a day.
- Get at least 20 minutes of physical activity a day, such as walking, swimming, or cycling.
- Plan a 20-to-30-minute walk after a meal every day.
- For people aged 65 and over: ask for help getting around when needed, to stay active.
- For people with reduced mobility:
- Move in whatever ways are possible. Even small movements can help the bowels work properly
- If needed, get help with certain exercises (passive exercises).
What to avoid
- Ne pas prendre de laxatifs ou de médicaments antiacides sans avis médical.
- Ne rien mettre dans l’anus pour aider à aller à la selle (par exemple un thermomètre ou un coton-tige).
- Éviter de consommer de l’alcool.
- Limiter les boissons qui peuvent faire perdre de l’eau du corps, comme le thé, le café, les boissons très sucrées ou les boissons énergisantes.
When to seek medical attention
No bowel movement (constipation) for 5 to 7 days, even after following this advice
Constipation that does not improve or gets worse
Constipation that turns into diarrhea (watery stools)
Frequent pain in the anus when having a bowel movement
Fever in a person who has had diverticulitis
Unintentional, unexplained weight loss
Blood in the stool (even a small amount)
Stools that are often small, watery, or hard
Ages 65 and over:
- change in bowel habits
- fewer bowel movements
- change in stool size or shape
Ages 40 and over: unexplained change in bowel habits, for example:
- less frequent bowel movements (constipation)
- change in the shape or appearance of stools
Need help?
Call Info-Santé at 811, Option 1, to speak with a nurse at any time.
Go to the pharmacy for advice on medications or treatment.
Make an appointment at your medical clinic or CLSC.
If you do not have a family doctor, go to gap.soinsvirtuels or call 811, Option 3.
When to go to the hospital right away
A lot of red or black blood in the stool
Frequent vomiting or green or yellow-green vomit
Vomit that looks like and has a similar colour to stool (poop)
Severe stomach pain and a very hard abdomen for more than 2 hours
Rapid changes in overall condition:
- unusual tiredness (drowsiness) or difficulty staying awake
- less responsive to what is happening around them
- confusion, agitation, or unusual behaviour
- hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real)
- reduced appetite or thirst
- difficulty carrying out usual daily activities