DIFFICULTY PASSING STOOL OR INFREQUENT BOWEL MOTIONS
Constipation
Difficulty passing stool, hard stools or infrequent bowel motions. Often related to diet, fluids, lifestyle, medications or underlying conditions, and effectively managed with structured care.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Constipation
Constipation is a very common condition characterised by infrequent bowel motions (typically fewer than three per week), difficulty passing stool, hard or lumpy stools, a feeling of incomplete bowel emptying, or excessive straining. It can be short-term, often related to dietary changes, dehydration, travel or medications, or chronic, lasting for months or years. Common causes include inadequate fibre intake, low fluid intake, sedentary lifestyle, ignoring the urge to defecate, certain medications, hypothyroidism, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, pregnancy and ageing. Less commonly, structural bowel problems or neurological conditions are responsible. Most cases respond well to dietary and lifestyle changes, structured laxative therapy when needed, and management of underlying causes. Persistent or worsening constipation, especially with red-flag features, needs careful evaluation. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides comprehensive constipation care at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Inadequate dietary fibre intake
- Low fluid intake and dehydration
- Sedentary lifestyle and reduced physical activity
- Ignoring the urge to defecate
- Certain medications including pain medicines and supplements
- Hypothyroidism, diabetes and other medical conditions
- Pregnancy, ageing and structural bowel problems
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Clinical evaluation; targeted tests in chronic or red-flag cases
Weight loss, bleeding, persistent change in bowel habit or new onset in older age need urgent evaluation
Dietary fibre, hydration, physical activity, laxative therapy and treating underlying causes
Different types are chosen based on the cause and severity
Adequate fibre and fluids, regular activity and not ignoring the urge
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Lifestyle & Dietary Foundation with Targeted Therapy
The most effective approach combines adequate dietary fibre, good hydration, regular physical activity and structured laxative therapy when needed, along with management of any underlying cause. Most patients achieve good control with a tailored plan.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Pravallika reviews bowel habits, diet, fluid intake, medications and lifestyle, examines the abdomen and arranges blood tests or imaging when indicated.
- 2
Treatment Planning
A personalised plan is created with dietary, lifestyle and medical strategies based on the identified or likely cause.
- 3
Medical Management
Dietary fibre, hydration, regular activity, laxative therapy when needed and treatment of underlying conditions.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Regular review to assess response, refine the plan and arrange further evaluation if symptoms persist or red-flag features develop.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Dietary Fibre and Hydration
Adequate dietary fibre from fruits, vegetables and whole grains, along with sufficient fluid intake, is the foundation of long-term constipation management.
Regular Physical Activity
Regular activity supports normal bowel motility and reduces constipation.
Laxative Therapy When Needed
Bulk-forming, osmotic or stimulant laxative therapy is used in a structured manner, with the choice tailored to the individual.
Treatment of Underlying Causes
Identifying and managing conditions such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, or medication side effects significantly improves bowel function.
Specialist Referral for Persistent Cases (Referral for gastroenterology)
Patients with persistent or refractory constipation may need specialist evaluation including tests of bowel function.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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