How common is constipation in adults?
Constipation is very common. Almost everyone has constipation at some time.
There hasn't been much research to tell us exactly how common constipation is. The studies we found showed:
- Women are more likely to get constipated than men. About 5 in 10 women strain at the toilet at least a quarter of the time, compared with about 4 in 10 men.1
- Another study found that about 1 in 10 women have constipation for more than 12 weeks a year.2
- Older people are also more likely to be constipated. About 2 in 10 older people have constipation.1 3 4 5
Sources for the information on this page:
- Heaton KW. Cleave and the fibre story. Journal of the Royal Naval Medical Service. 1980; 66: 5-10. 6252318
- Probert CS, Emmett PM, Heaton KW. Some determinants of whole-gut transit time: a population-based study. Quarterly Journal of Medicine. 1995; 88: 311-315. 7796084
- Donald IP, Smith RG, Cruikshank JG, et al. A study of constipation in the elderly living at home. Gerontology. 1985; 31: 112-118. 2987086
- Campbell AJ, Busby WJ, Horwath CC. Factors associated with constipation in a community based sample of people aged 70 years and over. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. 1993; 47: 23-26. 8382251
- Talley NJ, Fleming KC, Evans JM, et al. Constipation in an elderly community: a study of prevalence and potential risk factors. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 1996; 91: 19-25. 8561137
This information was last updated in Jul 04, 2008
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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. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved. |
