Constipation

Constipation is a condition in which stool becomes hard, dry, and difficult to pass, and bowel movements don’t happen very often. Other symptoms may include painful bowel movements, and feeling bloated, uncomfortable, and sluggish.

What is Constipation?

Constipation is a condition characterized by inability to pass stools that become hard and more difficult to pass.

Constipation Symptoms

Constipation Prevention

Slow Transit Constipation

Constipation in the Elderly

Constipation in Children

Constipation Treatments

Constipation Diagnosis

Constipation in Babies

Causes of Constipation

Drugs that Cause Constipation

Latest Constipation News and Research

Lubiprostone shows promise in slowing kidney disease progression

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major health issue worldwide. Many patients end up requiring regular dialysis to avoid kidney failure and stay alive.

1 Sep 2025

Constipation drug found to slow renal function decline in CKD patients

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major health issue worldwide. Many patients end up requiring regular dialysis to avoid kidney failure and stay alive.

29 Aug 2025

Illinois researchers highlight most effective nutritional approaches for GI distress in cancer care

Many modern cancer treatments are highly effective at reducing or eliminating tumors, but they can also cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms that impact patients' quality of life or lead to discontinuation of treatment.

28 Aug 2025

Shame linked to lower quality of life in people with gut disorders

Feelings of shame are linked to reduced quality of life - as shown by the first study to measure shame as a factor influencing the connection between chronic gastrointestinal disorders and mental health.

25 Aug 2025

Low FODMAP diet increases GLP-1 and relieves IBS symptoms

This study reveals that a low FODMAP diet alleviates IBS symptoms and increases GLP-1 levels, suggesting new avenues for dietary interventions in gut health.

20 Aug 2025

New update to the 2023 AGS Beers Criteria highlights safer pharmacologic options for older adults

The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) has released a landmark update to its list of alternatives to medications listed in the 2023 AGS Beers Criteria - the most widely adopted guidelines to help clinicians identify potentially inappropriate medications for older adults.

18 Aug 2025

Survey reveals persistent challenges of IBS on daily life and productivity

Despite social media helping to increase awareness of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) among the public (81% of health care providers agree) and advancements in treatment over the past decade, IBS symptoms continue to significantly impact patients' daily lives and productivity, according to a new survey released by the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), in partnership with The Harris Poll, a Stagwell (STGW) agency.

7 Aug 2025

Are all healthy diets equal or does food processing make a difference?

A randomized crossover trial in the UK found that both ultra-processed (UPF) and minimally processed food (MPF) diets, when aligned with national guidelines, led to weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity. However, the MPF diet produced significantly greater reductions in weight, fat mass, and food cravings, highlighting the added benefits of limiting food processing.

5 Aug 2025

Creatine in your diet may benefit your digestive system

Findings suggest dietary creatine from meat may alleviate chronic constipation, with stronger effects observed in men and those without certain health issues.

4 Aug 2025

Subtle warning signs of MS can appear 15 years before diagnosis

The earliest warning signs of multiple sclerosis (MS) may emerge more than a decade before the first classical neurological symptoms occur, according to new research from the University of British Columbia.

1 Aug 2025

Gut hormone INSL5 linked to chronic diarrhea in patients with bile acid malabsorption

High levels of a hormone found in cells in the gut could underlie many cases of chronic diarrhea and help explain up to 40% of cases of patients with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea, according to a new study led by scientists at the University of Cambridge.

29 Jul 2025

Which GLP-1 meds have the most side effects? Study of 60,000 Facebook posts gives answers

Researchers analyzed nearly 60,000 public Facebook posts to identify real-world adverse events linked to GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) medications. Gastrointestinal symptoms were most common, while mental health concerns and tirzepatide-specific side effects were also flagged.

28 Jul 2025

Potty training often brings setbacks and surprises for families

Transitioning from diapers to the toilet is a major step for young children - and their parents.

21 Jul 2025

Maybe it’s not just aging. Maybe it’s anemia.

Gary Sergott felt weary all the time. "I'd get tired, short of breath, a sort of malaise," he said. He was cold even on warm days and looked pale with dark circles under his eyes.

17 Jul 2025

New global guidelines aim to make clozapine safer and more accessible

The most effective antipsychotic drug for people with treatment-resistant schizophrenia is clozapine.

3 Jul 2025

Study finds significant uptick in chronic digestive disorders during COVID-19 pandemic

A study led by Cedars-Sinai investigators uncovered a significant uptick in chronic digestive disorders, like irritable bowel syndrome, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

3 Jul 2025

Targeting a key enzyme could reverse early Parkinson's effects

Putting the brakes on an enzyme might rescue neurons that are dying due to a type of Parkinson's disease that's caused by a single genetic mutation, according to a new Stanford Medicine-led study conducted in mice.

2 Jul 2025

Once-monthly obesity injection shows double-digit weight loss in major clinical trial

Researchers found that once-monthly maridebart cafraglutide led to substantial weight loss and improved glycemic control in adults with obesity, with or without diabetes, in a phase 2 randomized trial. The drug demonstrated an acceptable safety profile and supports further study in phase 3 trials.

24 Jun 2025

Cagrilintide and semaglutide together drive record weight loss in global trial

A 68-week phase 3 trial found that coadministered cagrilintide and semaglutide led to significant and clinically meaningful weight loss in adults with obesity but no diabetes. The combination outperformed either drug alone and improved multiple cardiometabolic health markers.

23 Jun 2025

Diabetes medication shows promise in cutting migraine days by more than half

A diabetes medication that lowers brain fluid pressure has cut monthly migraine days by more than half, according to a new study presented today at the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Congress 2025.

20 Jun 2025