Medical Questions » Gut (Intestines) Questions » Question No. 447
| Question: | I am constantly constipated, and have had piles as a result. Can you give me some simple advice on how to control this problem? |
| Answer: | Common causes of constipation include:
• A low-fibre diet
• Inadequate fluid intake
• Low level of exercise
• Poor access to a toilet when nature calls
• Lack of privacy
• Weak belly and pelvic muscles after surgery or childbirth
• Some medications, particularly those containing codeine. Actions that you can take to improve your regularity include:
• Drink five or six glasses of fluid a day
• Exercise daily
• Eat more fruit, vegetables and wholemeal cereals
• Take bulking agents (eg. Normacol, Metamucil) and fibre supplements
• Use faecal softeners (eg. Coloxyl).
If you have anal bleeding or abdominal pain, you should see your doctor.
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