Constipation, one of those unpleasant topics to talk about, often significantly affects people with Parkinson’s disease. If you've ever suffered from constipation, you know it can be both painful and frustrating. Although not often serious, constipation can be a concern. You might find knowing the causes and cures to be helpful.
What is constipation?
Constipation occurs when bowel movements become difficult or less frequent. The normal length of time between bowel movements (also known as "stools") ranges widely from person to person. Some people have bowel movements three times a day; others only one to two times a week. Going longer than three days without a bowel movement is too long. After three days, the stool becomes harder and more difficult to pass.
What causes constipation in people with Parkinson’s disease?
In some patients with Parkinson’s disease, constipation might occur due to the improper functioning of the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system is responsible for regulating smooth muscle activity. If this system is not working properly, the intestinal tract might operate slowly, causing constipation.
In addition, some medicines used to treat Parkinson’s disease can cause constipation, particularly the anti-cholinergic agents such as trihexyphenadyl (Artane) and benztropine (Cogentin).
What are other causes of constipation?
Common causes of constipation are:
- Inadequate fiber in the diet
- Not drinking enough water
- Lack of exercise
- Travel or other changes in routine
- Eating large amounts of dairy products
- Stress
- Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement
- Pain from hemorrhoids that causes a person to resist bowel movements
- Overuse of laxatives (stool softeners) which, over time, weaken the bowel muscles, and antacid medicines containing calcium or aluminum
- Other medicines (especially antidepressants, iron pills, and strong pain medicines such as narcotics)
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Pregnancy
Rarely, various medical conditions can cause or aggravate constipation. Some of the more common medical conditions that cause constipation include endocrine problems, such as poor function of the thyroid gland or diabetes. Colorectal cancer is another medical condition that can cause constipation.
How can constipation be prevented?
- Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fiber. Good sources of fiber are fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grain bread and cereal. Fiber and water help the colon pass stool. Most of the fiber in fruits is found in the skins. Fruits with edible seeds, such as strawberries, have the most fiber. Eat bran cereal or add bran cereal to other foods, such as soup and yogurt. Bran is a great source of fiber.
- Drink 1-1/2 to 2 quarts of water and other fluids a day. (Note: Milk can cause constipation in some people.) Liquids that contain caffeine, such as coffee and soft drinks, seem to have a dehydrating effect and might need to be avoided until your bowel habits return to normal.
- Exercise regularly.
- Move your bowels when you feel the urge.
How is constipation treated?
- Drink two to four extra glasses of water a day.
- Try warm liquids, especially in the morning.
- Add fruits and vegetables to your diet.
- Eat prunes and/or bran cereal.
- If needed, use a very mild stool softener or laxative (such as Pericolace or Milk of Magnesia). Do not use laxatives for more than two weeks without calling your health care provider, as laxative overuse can aggravate your symptoms.
Call your health care provider if:
- Constipation is a new problem for you
- You have blood in your stool
- You are losing weight even though you are not trying to lose
- You have severe pain with bowel movements
- Your constipation has lasted more than three weeks
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 9/20/2005
