At a glance

• Respond to the urge to open your bowels and allow unhurried toilet time.
• Adjust fluid, fibre and activity gradually where appropriate.
• Ask before starting or repeatedly using laxatives.

Supporting regular bowel habits

• Drink enough for your circumstances unless you have a fluid restriction.
• Increase fibre gradually through a varied diet if appropriate; extra fibre can worsen discomfort for some conditions.
• Regular movement may help bowel function as well as general health.
• A small footstool can make a more comfortable toileting position for some people.

Choose the right option

• Different laxatives soften stool, add bulk or stimulate the bowel and are not interchangeable.
• Ask a pharmacist or clinician which option, dose and duration are suitable, particularly in pregnancy, older age or kidney and heart disease.
• Do not keep increasing laxatives when there is severe pain, vomiting, marked bloating or inability to pass wind.

When to book a GP review

• There is rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, anaemia or a persistent change in bowel habit.
• Constipation alternates with diarrhoea or is associated with significant pain or swelling.
• You need laxatives frequently or symptoms continue despite following advice.

Follow-up

• Review medicines and supplements that may contribute; do not stop prescribed medicines yourself.
• Arrange assessment if constipation is new, recurrent or not improving with an appropriate plan.
• Discuss pelvic-floor or specialist assessment when emptying remains difficult despite soft stools.

Emergency advice

Seek urgent medical care for severe or worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, marked abdominal swelling, inability to pass stool or wind, heavy bleeding, collapse or another severe symptom.

Rochedale Family Practice is not an emergency service.