Don’t Hold It In: Understanding Constipation This December

Table of Contents

1. What is Constipation?
2. Causes
3. Symptoms
4. When to Visit a Doctor?
5. How common is constipation?

If you are asked what the most important system in the human body is, you may answer the respiratory, the circulatory or even the digestive system. But how about the excretory system? What happens when waste is not removed properly from your body for a long period? How bad can it get?

We have all held our bloated stomachs and groaned in pain at some point. When you are bloated, you have zero patience to work, play or even eat. Many people silently suffer from constipation, thinking it is “normal” or “age-related,” without realising that persistent constipation can affect daily life, mood, energy levels and long-term gut health.

What is Constipation?

A healthy gut facilitates proper digestion, nutrient absorption and waste elimination. It also plays a critical role in immunity, mental health, and overall well-being, often earning the title “second brain” due to its intricate connection with the nervous system. When gut health is affected, it can manifest in the form of constipation.

Constipation is a gastrointestinal disorder. It means having fewer than 3 bowel movements per week, hard or dry stools, or difficulty passing stools. It’s a very common and usually temporary condition, but persistent cases need attention. 

There is unnecessary shame around this condition. Note that constipation is as much a health issue as any other and nothing more. Never feel embarrassed to share the problem with your physician and or family members.

Causes

• Dietary problems (not eating enough fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low fibre).

• Not drinking enough water.

• Sedentary lifestyle.

• Ignoring the urge to defecate, especially in children, while playing.

• Medications like painkillers, iron pills, and some antacids.

• Underlying health issues like Thyroid, diabetes, and IBS.

• Stress and changes in routine.

• Hormonal changes and pressure on the intestines during pregnancy.

• Slower digestion and decreased muscle activity in the colon due to ageing. 

Symptoms

• Hard, dry stools

• Difficulty in passing stool

• Reduced frequency of bowel movements

• A feeling of incomplete evacuation and stool being stuck in the rectum

• Bloating or discomfort in the stomach

Occasional constipation may happen due to travel, dietary changes, or dehydration. Do not ignore constipation if it becomes frequent or is associated with pain, bleeding, or unexplained weight loss. 

When to Visit a Doctor?

• Home remedies and diet changes are not working

• Constipation affects your daily work, sleep, or mood

• When there is blood in the stool or severe pain while passing stool

• A history of piles, fissures, or bowel surgery

• You are elderly, diabetic, or on multiple medications

How common is constipation?

• The global prevalence of Constipation is around 20% in the general population and nearly 30% in children.

• Age and gender differences: Elderly individuals, especially women, are more prone to severe constipation, with an occurrence rate two to three times higher than in men. 

• In India, 22% of adults suffer from constipation, where 59% of them complain of severe constipation and 27% complain of constipation associated with certain comorbidities, according to the 2018 Gut Health Survey. 

Final Thoughts

Along with having your favourite winter holidays, December is also Constipation Awareness Month. Awareness is not about just recognising a common condition; it is about breaking the silence around gut health and encouraging people to seek help early. Lifestyle adjustments can prevent long-term complications and can solve 90% of mild symptoms. However, do not delay constipation treatment for more than 48 hours if symptoms continue. Seek professional health care from a qualified, experienced doctor. 

At Star Hospitals, we understand that gut health is the cornerstone of overall well-being. Constipation may seem like a minor discomfort, but left unaddressed, it can impact energy, mood, and long-term digestive health. The expert team provides compassionate care and practical solutions to help restore balance and comfort. If you or your loved ones are facing any constipation-related issues, book an appointment with us today.