Constipation is a problem that almost all of us have experienced at some point in our lives. In most cases, this condition is temporary and can be resolved with lifestyle or nutritional changes. But when constipation continues for a long time, it can no longer be considered a simple problem. Chronic constipation can affect a person's daily life and even be a sign of hidden and more serious diseases in the body. Knowing the main causes of long-term constipation and paying attention to warning signs play an important role in prevention and timely treatment. In this article, we will examine **what is the symptom of long-term constipation** and when to see a doctor. What is chronic constipation? **Long-term constipation or chronic constipation is a condition in which a person faces defecation problems for more than three months on most days**. In this condition, the number of bowel movements is less than three times a week, or bowel movements are accompanied by great pressure, pain, or a feeling of incomplete emptying. Unlike short-term constipation, which usually occurs due to a change in diet or lack of fluids, chronic constipation can be a sign of an underlying problem in the digestive system or even other parts of the body. What is the cause of chronic constipation? Long-term constipation is usually caused by a low-fiber diet, dehydration, and inactivity. Taking certain medications such as iron supplements or strong pain relievers can also cause it. Also, diseases such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, neurological problems, and in more serious cases, intestinal obstruction or cancer are important causes of chronic constipation. For this reason, it is very important to pay attention to a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition and following warning signs. If constipation persists for more than a few weeks, it is better to consult a doctor to investigate the root cause. Low fiber diet - Dehydration of the body - ✅ Inactivity - Taking some medicines - ✅ Hormonal and metabolic disorders - Neurological diseases - Obstruction or colon cancer Stress Chronic constipation is not always caused by a simple factor and sometimes it is a sign of more serious diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a doctor if it persists or is accompanied by warning signs. Do iron pills cause constipation? Yes, iron tablets are one of the most common causes of medicinal constipation. The iron in these supplements is not absorbed well in the digestive system and a large part of it remains in the intestine. This issue can cause **hardening of stool, reduction of bowel movements and as a result constipation**. The severity of constipation usually depends on **dosage** and **type of iron supplement**; For example, high-dose iron tablets or conventional forms of ferrous sulfate are more problematic than milder supplements such as ferrous gluconate or liquid forms of iron. What are the complications of long-term constipation? If constipation continues for a long time, it can cause many complications. High pressure during defecation usually causes **hemorrhoids and anal fissures**, which are accompanied by pain and bleeding. In more severe cases, dry and hard stools can accumulate in the intestine and lead to **stool obstruction or compression**. Also, frequent straining may lead to **prolapse of the intestine or pelvic floor problems**. Chronic constipation not only puts pressure on the body, but it also causes anxiety, stress and a decrease in the quality of a person's life. Most importantly, in some cases, long-term constipation can be a sign of more serious diseases such as **colon cancer**, and therefore requires medical attention and examination. - 🔸 Hemorrhoids (hemorrhoids) due to frequent straining - Anal fissure (anal crack and wound) - Intestinal obstruction or blockage - Compression and accumulation of dry feces - Bowel prolapse or pelvic floor problems - Constant abdominal pain and bloating - 🔸 Stress, anxiety - The possibility of more serious diseases such as colon cancer Chronic constipation is not something to be taken lightly. In addition to everyday discomfort, this problem can cause serious complications in the digestive system and even mental disorders. Although many cases can be controlled with lifestyle and nutritional changes, if it persists or is accompanied by warning signs such as blood in the stool and weight loss, it is necessary to see a doctor. Timely treatment of constipation not only prevents physical complications, but also improves the quality of life of a person significantly. Treatment of chronic constipation Chronic constipation occurs when simple daily changes such as eating more fiber or drinking enough water alone do not resolve the problem. In such a situation, it is necessary to follow the treatments more seriously. Treatment of chronic constipation usually begins with lifestyle changes and, if needed, medications or medical procedures are used to improve the condition. The main goal of treatment is to restore the normal order of bowel movements and prevent more serious complications. ### 1. Lifestyle change and home remedies - **Increasing fiber consumption**: Fruits such as plums, figs and kiwi, fresh vegetables and whole grains help to soften the stool. - ✅ **Drinking enough water**: At least 6 to 8 glasses of water per day facilitates bowel movements. - **Physical movement**: Regular exercise such as walking, cycling or yoga activates bowel movements. - ✅ **Consumption of natural laxative foods**: such as dried plums, milk thistle, sherbet eggs and a spoonful of olive oil. **Probiotics**: consumption of probiotic yogurt and buttermilk or probiotic supplements is useful for the balance of intestinal bacteria. **Regular defecation habit**: Trying to defecate at specific times, especially in the morning, helps to regulate bowel function. ### 2. Drug treatment - **Stool bulking laxatives**: (such as psyllium) - **Osmotic laxatives**: (such as lactulose or polyethylene glycol) that keep water in the intestine. **stimulating laxatives**: (such as bisacodyl or senna) that stimulate bowel movements. - **Medications**: such as lobiprostone and linaclotide for resistant cases. ### 3. Treatment of underlying diseases Sometimes chronic constipation is a sign of a more serious disease; such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, neurological problems or bowel cancer. In this situation, the main treatment should be focused on eliminating the underlying disease. ### 4. Medical interventions In severe cases, when constipation leads to bowel obstruction or stool compression, the doctor may need manual evacuation, enema or even surgery. In such situations, home or drug treatment alone is not enough and immediate medical intervention is necessary. Timely treatment can prevent more dangerous complications such as intestinal rupture or severe infections. Long-term constipation home treatment Long-term constipation does not always require medication or medical treatment, and in many cases it can be managed with lifestyle changes and the use of natural remedies. Observing a few simple habits in nutrition and daily activity can improve bowel function and help relieve constipation. In the following, we will learn about the most important home remedies for treating chronic constipation. - **Increasing fiber consumption**: eating fruits (figs, plums, kiwi), fresh vegetables and whole grains. - **Drinking enough water**: At least 6 to 8 glasses of water during the day helps to soften the stool. - 🔹 **Olive Oil**: Consuming a spoonful of fasting olive oil can help loosen stools and improve bowel movements. - 🔹 **regular physical activity**: walking, cycling or light sports movements stimulate bowel movements. - 🔹 **Consumption of natural laxatives**: Foods such as prunes, sorghum, chia seeds and sherbet seeds can help to improve constipation. - **Consumption of probiotics**: **Probiotic yogurt and buttermilk or probiotic supplements** improve the balance of intestinal bacteria. - 🔹 **Creating a regular habit of defecation**: Trying to defecate at a certain time, especially after breakfast, helps the bowel function better. - **Stress Reduction**: Mental relaxation and anxiety reduction can help improve bowel function. Chronic constipation can be a warning sign of what diseases? **Chronic constipation is not always due to eating habits or inactivity, and in many cases it can be a sign of more serious diseases. One of the most common of them is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)**, which causes a disturbance in the normal functioning of the intestine. Hypothyroidism can also cause long-term constipation by slowing down the body's metabolism. Some neurological diseases such as **Parkinson's, MS and stroke** are also associated with constipation due to damage to the intestinal nerves. In more serious cases, chronic constipation may be due to **intestinal obstruction, polyps, or even colon cancer**, which requires immediate medical attention. Therefore, paying attention to this symptom and following it up with a doctor is very important in the prevention and early diagnosis of diseases. - 🔴 **Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)** - 🔴 **hypothyroidism** - 🔴 **Diabetes and metabolic disorders** - **Neurological diseases** (Parkinson's, MS, stroke) - 🔴 **intestinal obstruction or intestinal stricture** - 🔴 **intestinal polyps** - 🔴 **colon cancer** What is the difference between chronic constipation and temporary constipation? **Temporary constipation is usually caused by short-term changes in diet, dehydration, travel, or stress, and often resolves within a few days with more water, fiber, and physical activity. But chronic constipation is considered when the problem of defecation continues for more than three months and is accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty in defecation, the feeling of incomplete evacuation or the number of bowel movements less than three times a week. Temporary constipation is often harmless, while chronic constipation can be a sign of underlying conditions such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, or even colon cancer and requires medical evaluation.** When should we worry about long-term constipation? Constipation is a concern when it is no longer a transient problem and affects a person's daily life. If this condition persists for more than a few weeks or is accompanied by symptoms such as **blood in the stool, sudden weight loss, severe abdominal pain or bloating, or a feeling of incomplete bowel emptying**, it should be taken seriously. In some people, a family history of diseases such as colon cancer increases the risk of more serious problems. In general, whenever long-term constipation causes unusual changes in the body or reduces the quality of life, it is necessary to see a doctor. When should we see a doctor for long constipation? Constipation usually improves with changes in diet, adequate water intake, and physical activity, but if the problem persists for more than three weeks or is accompanied by symptoms such as blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, severe abdominal pain, or a feeling of incomplete emptying, it is necessary to see a doctor. Also, people with a family history of colon cancer or polyps should take long-term constipation more seriously. In such cases, a medical examination helps identify the main cause and prevent more serious complications. Constipation lasting more than three weeks - 🔹 Presence of **blood in stool** or rectal bleeding - 🔹 **Weight loss without a specific reason** - **severe or persistent abdominal pain** - 🔹 **Feeling of obstruction or incomplete emptying** after defecation - 🔹 family history of **intestinal cancer or intestinal polyps** Prolonged constipation should never be ignored if it is accompanied by warning signs. Going to the doctor on time can prevent the occurrence of more serious diseases. Summary Long-term constipation or chronic constipation is not just a simple discomfort, but can be a sign of more serious problems in the body. Factors such as a low-fiber diet, dehydration, inactivity, taking certain medications, and even diseases such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, or colon cancer can be hidden behind this problem. Although in many cases lifestyle changes, drinking enough water, consuming fiber and regular exercise can help to improve constipation, but if it continues or is accompanied by symptoms such as blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss or severe abdominal pain, it is necessary to see a doctor immediately. Finally, paying attention to this symptom and timely follow-up can prevent serious complications and significantly improve the quality of a person's life.