Constipation
More than just infrequent bowel motions
Constipation can have a significant impact on quality of life, contributing not only to infrequent or difficult bowel motions but also bloating, abdominal discomfort, reflux, nausea and a feeling of incomplete emptying.
While occasional constipation is common, ongoing symptoms should not simply be accepted as "normal." Constipation is a symptom, not a diagnosis, and understanding why it is occurring is often an important part of supporting long-term digestive health.
What is constipation?
Constipation is generally characterised by infrequent bowel motions, difficulty passing stools, hard or lumpy stools, excessive straining or a sensation of incomplete evacuation.
For some people, bowel motions occur every few days. For others, they occur daily but still require significant straining or never feel complete.
Common symptoms may include:
Infrequent bowel motions
Hard or dry stools
Straining during bowel movements
A sensation of incomplete emptying
Bloating or abdominal distension
Abdominal discomfort or cramping
Excessive gas
Nausea or reduced appetite
Why does constipation occur?
There is rarely a single cause.
Constipation often develops as a result of multiple interacting factors affecting digestive function, gut motility and overall health. Simply increasing fibre is not always appropriate and, for some individuals, may even worsen symptoms.
Potential contributing factors may include:
Reduced gut motility
Inadequate fluid intake
Low dietary fibre or inappropriate fibre intake
Physical inactivity
Pelvic floor dysfunction
Changes in the gut microbiome
Certain medications
Chronic stress and nervous system dysregulation
Hormonal changes
Thyroid dysfunction
Dietary intolerances or sensitivities
Underlying gastrointestinal conditions
Constipation may occur alongside conditions such as IBS, where altered bowel habits are a defining feature. Each person's presentation is unique, which is why an individualised assessment is important.
My approach to constipation
Rather than focusing solely on relieving symptoms, consultations aim to explore the physiological factors that may be contributing to constipation and support digestive function as a whole.
Management may include:
Individualised dietary guidance
Lifestyle strategies to support healthy bowel function
Nervous system support where clinically relevant
Targeted nutritional supplementation
Herbal medicine where appropriate
Education around bowel habits and gut motility
Functional testing when clinically indicated
Referral to your GP or specialist where further investigation is warranted
The goal is not simply to increase bowel frequency, but to better understand the broader patterns contributing to your symptoms and develop a personalised management plan.
When testing may be considered
Testing is not necessary for everyone.
Depending on your health history, symptom pattern and previous investigations, further assessment may be appropriate to explore potential contributing factors or exclude other conditions.
This may include reviewing previous pathology, recommending additional investigations through your GP or discussing functional testing where clinically relevant. In some cases, additional assessment or SIBO testing may be discussed if clinically appropriate based on your history and symptoms.
When should constipation be medically assessed?
Persistent constipation should always be discussed with your healthcare provider, particularly if it is new, worsening or associated with symptoms such as:
Unexplained weight loss
Blood in the stool
Iron deficiency or anaemia
Severe or persistent abdominal pain
Persistent vomiting
A family history of bowel cancer or inflammatory bowel disease
A sudden change in bowel habits without an obvious cause
These symptoms require prompt medical assessment and should not be attributed to constipation alone.
Looking beyond the symptom
Many people live with constipation for years while relying on laxatives or believing it is simply how their body works.
In reality, constipation can be influenced by digestive function, nervous system activity, nutrition, hormones, lifestyle factors and underlying health conditions. Understanding these patterns may provide valuable insight into why symptoms are occurring and help guide a more individualised approach to care.
Constipation often exists alongside other digestive symptoms such as bloating or IBS. You can also learn more about my approach to digestive health and when SIBO testing may be appropriate.
Book a consultation
If you're experiencing ongoing constipation, bloating or other digestive symptoms, consultations are available in person on the Sunshine Coast or via telehealth Australia-wide.
Together, we'll take the time to explore your health history, symptom patterns and relevant investigations to develop a personalised plan that supports your digestive health.