Read up on Constipation in adults treatment options at Consumer Reports Health.

Constipation in adults

Key points about treatments

Lots of people get constipated from time to time. Usually it lasts for just a few days and clears up without any treatment. But occasionally constipation doesn't go away, and it may get worse.

Exercising and eating more fiber are likely to help. You could also try drinking more fluids, but there's less research to show this is likely to ease your constipation.
Constipation that lasts a long time is often treated with medications called laxatives.

laxative
A laxative is a kind of medicine you can buy over the counter. Laxatives empty your bowels by making you go to the bathroom often.

Laxatives help your bowels to move.
There are several types of laxatives. Some make your stools softer. Others stimulate your bowel muscles. Fiber supplements make your stools bigger and easier for your bowels to push along. Researchers haven't looked at all the different types of laxatives. But studies have been done on some of them and show that they work.
The type of laxative that might work for you depends on your symptoms. Some laxatives can give you

diarrhea
Diarrhea is when you have loose, watery stools and you need to go to the bathroom far more often than usual. Doctors say you have diarrhea if you need to go to the bathroom more than three times a day.

diarrhea if you take them too often. So it may be best to see your doctor before starting treatment.

This information was last updated on Jan 07, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
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