Constipation

Constipation is where you have changes to how you poo, including not pooing as often or finding it hard to poo. It’s common and it affects people of all ages.

Check if it’s constipation

It’s likely to be constipation if:

you have not had a poo at least 3 times during the last week or you’re pooing less often than usual
the poo is unusually large or small and is dry, hard or lumpy
you are straining or in pain when you have a poo
you feel like you haven’t fully emptied your bowels

You may also have a stomach ache and feel bloated or sick.

Call 999 or go to A&E now if you or someone has any of these:

Signs of a heart attack (chest pain, pressure, heaviness, tightness or squeezing across the chest)
Signs of a stroke (face dropping on one side, cannot hold both arms up, difficulty speaking)
Sudden confusion or delirium (unsure of own name or age)
Suicide attempt (by taking something or self-harming)
Severe difficulty breathing (not being able to get words out, choking or gasping)
A serious accident, or severe injuries burns or scalds
Heavy bleeding (spraying, pouring or enough to make a puddle)
Severe injuries (after a serious accident or assault)
A seizure or fit (shaking, jerking, or unconscious & can’t be woken up)
Sudden, rapid swelling (of the lips, mouth, throat or tongue)