What causes constipation? - Explained 6 & 7 & 8

Abuse of Laxatives

The common belief that people must have a daily bowel movement has led to self-medicating with OTC laxative products. Although people may feel relief when they use laxatives, typically they must increase the dose over time because the body grows reliant on laxatives in order to have a bowel movement. As a result, laxatives may become habit-forming.

Ignoring the Urge to Have a Bowel Movement

People who ignore the urge to have a bowel movement may eventually stop feeling the need to have one, which can lead to constipation. Some people delay having a bowel movement because they do not want to use toilets outside the home. Others ignore the urge because of emotional stress or because they are too busy. Children may postpone having a bowel movement because of stressful toilet training or because they do not want to interrupt their play.

Specific Diseases

Diseases that cause constipation include neurological disorders, metabolic and endocrine disorders, and systemic conditions that affect organ systems. These disorders can slow the movement of stool through the colon, rectum, or anus.

Conditions that can cause constipation are found below.

• Neurological disorders
  • multiple sclerosis
    
  • Parkinson's disease
    
  • chronic idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction
    
  • stroke
    
  • spinal cord injuries
    


• Metabolic and endocrine conditions
  • diabetes
  • uremia
  • hypercalcemia
  • poor glycemic control
  • hypothyroidism


• Systemic disorders
  • amyloidosis
  • lupus
  • scleroderma