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Are we more constipated than we think? Are we more constipated than we think?
(about 8 hours later)
Doctors and the public are at odds over the symptoms of constipation, leaving some people without the advice or treatment they need, researchers say.Doctors and the public are at odds over the symptoms of constipation, leaving some people without the advice or treatment they need, researchers say.
While medics think infrequent bowel movements are an important sign, less than a third of the public does, a study found.While medics think infrequent bowel movements are an important sign, less than a third of the public does, a study found.
The King's College London team said a new definition for constipation was needed, based on patient experiences.The King's College London team said a new definition for constipation was needed, based on patient experiences.
"This shows the poo taboo is over," charity Guts UK said."This shows the poo taboo is over," charity Guts UK said.
Constipation is a very common condition, affecting around one in seven people who are otherwise healthy.Constipation is a very common condition, affecting around one in seven people who are otherwise healthy.
It means having difficultly opening or emptying the bowels, and passing stools - but the way it is diagnosed varies widely.It means having difficultly opening or emptying the bowels, and passing stools - but the way it is diagnosed varies widely.
The researchers say this list of six groups of symptoms could help form a new definition of constipation:The researchers say this list of six groups of symptoms could help form a new definition of constipation:
What is this list based on?What is this list based on?
The researchers surveyed 2,557 members of the public, 411 GPs and 365 gastroenterology specialists.The researchers surveyed 2,557 members of the public, 411 GPs and 365 gastroenterology specialists.
They found that what most people think of as symptoms of constipation aren't included in any official diagnostic criteria.They found that what most people think of as symptoms of constipation aren't included in any official diagnostic criteria.
These include:These include:
While most people who said they had constipation had symptoms that matched the official criteria, one in three 'healthy' patients didn't recognise their symptoms of constipation at all.While most people who said they had constipation had symptoms that matched the official criteria, one in three 'healthy' patients didn't recognise their symptoms of constipation at all.
And doctors and the public don't seem to agree on the signs to look out for either, the study found.And doctors and the public don't seem to agree on the signs to look out for either, the study found.
Medics placed lots of emphasis on infrequent bowel movements, as a symptom, but only half of people who said they had constipation actually experienced this symptom.Medics placed lots of emphasis on infrequent bowel movements, as a symptom, but only half of people who said they had constipation actually experienced this symptom.
What do the researchers say?What do the researchers say?
Dr Eirini Dimidi, study author from King's College London, said: "Our research may indicate that people who seek help for symptoms of constipation don't always have them recognised, diagnosed or managed."Dr Eirini Dimidi, study author from King's College London, said: "Our research may indicate that people who seek help for symptoms of constipation don't always have them recognised, diagnosed or managed."
She said constipation was usually caused by a lack of fibre or fluid in the diet but it could also be a sign of another underlying problem, such as bowel cancer, diverticular disease or coeliac disease.She said constipation was usually caused by a lack of fibre or fluid in the diet but it could also be a sign of another underlying problem, such as bowel cancer, diverticular disease or coeliac disease.
Dr Dimidi said it was "always important to consult your doctor if you experience gut symptoms".Dr Dimidi said it was "always important to consult your doctor if you experience gut symptoms".
What about other experts?What about other experts?
Listening to what patients say about constipation is so important, said Julie Harrington, from charity Guts UK. Listening to what patients say about constipation is important, said Julie Harrington, from charity Guts UK.
"Patients are the experts, by experience, and when they come together with specialists, that's the sweet spot.""Patients are the experts, by experience, and when they come together with specialists, that's the sweet spot."
Not all constipation is the same, and different people have different symptoms, she added.Not all constipation is the same, and different people have different symptoms, she added.
"Bowel problems are less likely to be picked up than other problems because people wait 6-12 months out of fear and embarrassment."Bowel problems are less likely to be picked up than other problems because people wait 6-12 months out of fear and embarrassment.
"You have to tune into your body.""You have to tune into your body."
How often should we poo?How often should we poo?
This is difficult to answer - it can vary dramatically from person to person.This is difficult to answer - it can vary dramatically from person to person.
In the study, seven bowel movements a week was the average among people who weren't constipated.In the study, seven bowel movements a week was the average among people who weren't constipated.
But experts say three bowel movements a day to three a week qualifies as normal.But experts say three bowel movements a day to three a week qualifies as normal.
So you need to know what's normal for you - and then look out for changes.So you need to know what's normal for you - and then look out for changes.
What are the treatment options?What are the treatment options?
Most people recognise the problem themselves and try to solve it by increasing the fibre in their diet and drinking more fluid, according to NHS advice.Most people recognise the problem themselves and try to solve it by increasing the fibre in their diet and drinking more fluid, according to NHS advice.
Fibre is present in wholegrain bread, wholegrain pasta, fruit, nuts, pulses and cereals.Fibre is present in wholegrain bread, wholegrain pasta, fruit, nuts, pulses and cereals.
Taking more exercise and eating regular meals can also help.Taking more exercise and eating regular meals can also help.
You can buy laxatives from the chemist if diet and lifestyle changes aren't working.You can buy laxatives from the chemist if diet and lifestyle changes aren't working.
But it's important to see your GP if the problem persists, and you have other symptoms.But it's important to see your GP if the problem persists, and you have other symptoms.