What causes Constipation?

Constipation has many causes, including:

• Not enough fluid intake
• Overuse of laxative medicines
• Too little exercise
• Bed rest
• Certain medications, including:
  • Pain relievers
  • Narcotics
  • Aluminum-containing antacids
  • Antidepressant and antipsychotic medications
  • Medications for epilepsy and Parkinson's disease
  • Antispasmodic medications
  • Tranquilizers
  • Iron supplements
  • Calcium channel blockers
• Frequently delaying the need to have a bowel movement
• Pregnancy
• Diabetes
• Spasm of the anal sphincter, due to painful anal fissures or hemorrhoids
• Underactive thyroid
• Irritable bowel syndrome (periods of constipation may alternate with episodes of diarrhea)
• Neurological diseases such as:
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Stroke
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Spinal cord tumors
• Scleroderma
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Intestinal disorders, including:
  • Scarring
  • Tumors
  • Cancer
  • Inflammation
• Travel, due to schedule changes, stress, and poor diet