Constipation in Brampton: Causes, Habits and When to Ask for Help

Constipation is one of those health topics people would rather not raise out loud. Yet it is extremely common, and most pharmacists talk about it many times a week. Whether it is a short spell after travel, a regular struggle that has gone on for months, or a side effect of a new medicine, constipation can leave you bloated, uncomfortable and distracted.

The good news is that many cases improve with practical changes to eating, drinking and activity. When those are not enough, a range of non-prescription products can help, and choosing the right one makes a difference. Some symptoms, however, point to something that needs a proper medical assessment.

This article explains what constipation is and is not, everyday steps that support regularity, how the main types of laxatives work, and when to seek help. If you have questions after reading, the team at Pharmasave WestBram, 100 Pertosa Drive, is happy to have a private conversation.

What counts as constipation

There is no single “normal” schedule for bowel movements. Some healthy people go more than once a day, while others go every two or three days. What matters more is a change from your usual pattern, and how comfortable the process is.

Constipation generally involves some combination of:

• Fewer bowel movements than usual for you
• Hard, dry or lumpy stools
• Straining or difficulty passing stool
• A feeling of not having fully emptied the bowel
• Bloating or abdominal discomfort

Occasional constipation that lasts a few days is very common. Chronic constipation, which lasts for weeks or keeps coming back, deserves a closer look at causes and a more structured plan.

Common reasons things slow down

Many everyday factors can contribute, often in combination:

• Low fibre intake. Diets heavy in refined grains, meat and processed foods and light on vegetables, fruit, legumes and whole grains are a frequent factor.
• Not drinking enough fluid. This is especially relevant in winter, when people tend to feel less thirsty.
• Inactivity. Long commutes, desk jobs and cold weather that keeps people indoors can all slow the bowel.
• Ignoring the urge. Putting off a bowel movement because of a busy schedule or an unfamiliar bathroom can make stool harder over time.
• Changes in routine. Travel, shift work, holidays and fasting periods can all disrupt regularity.
• Medications. Several common medicines cause constipation, discussed further below.
• Health conditions. Thyroid problems, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, pregnancy and neurological conditions can all play a role.

Older adults tend to experience constipation more often, partly because of reduced activity, lower fluid intake and a higher number of medications.

Fibre: how much and how fast

Fibre adds bulk and helps stools hold water, which makes them softer and easier to pass. Most Canadian adults eat less fibre than recommended. Good sources include whole grain breads and cereals, oats, lentils, chickpeas, beans, vegetables, fruit with the skin on, nuts and seeds. Many South Asian, Caribbean and Mediterranean dishes common in Brampton are already rich in legumes and vegetables, which is a helpful starting point.

The key is to increase fibre gradually over a few weeks. Adding a lot at once can cause gas, bloating and cramping, which leads many people to give up. Small changes add up: switching to a whole grain cereal, adding a handful of beans to a soup, or keeping fruit for snacks.

Fibre needs fluid to work well. If you increase fibre without drinking more water, you may feel more uncomfortable rather than less.

Fluids, movement and toilet routines

Drinking water regularly throughout the day supports digestion. You do not need to force down large volumes, but keeping a water bottle nearby at work or in the car can help. Warm drinks in the morning seem to help some people get things moving.

Physical activity stimulates the bowel. A daily walk, even a short one, is useful. In the colder months, walking indoors, taking the stairs or following a home exercise routine counts.

Toilet habits matter more than people realise:

• Respond to the urge when you feel it rather than delaying.
• Try sitting on the toilet at a regular time, such as after breakfast, when the bowel is naturally more active.
• Use a small footstool to raise your knees above your hips, which can make passing stool easier.
• Avoid straining for long periods, which can contribute to hemorrhoids.

How the different types of laxatives work

When lifestyle changes are not enough, non-prescription laxatives can help. They are not all the same, and the right one depends on the situation.

Bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium, act like extra fibre. They take a day or more to work and must be taken with plenty of water. They are often a reasonable first step for mild, ongoing constipation.

Osmotic laxatives, such as polyethylene glycol, draw water into the bowel to soften stool. They usually take a day or two to work.

Stool softeners help water mix into stool. Their effect on their own is often modest.

Stimulant laxatives, such as senna and bisacodyl, cause the bowel muscles to contract. They tend to work within hours and are sometimes used for short-term relief.

Suppositories and enemas act on the lower bowel and work quickly. They are generally intended for occasional use.

Each product has its own directions and limits. Follow your label, and talk to a pharmacist before using laxatives regularly, giving them to a child, or using them during pregnancy. People with kidney or heart conditions should ask before using certain products, such as those containing magnesium or phosphate.

Medications that can cause constipation

Constipation is a common side effect of several medicines. Examples include opioid pain relievers, some antacids containing aluminium or calcium, iron supplements, certain blood pressure medicines, some antidepressants, antihistamines with drying effects, and some medicines used for bladder control.

If constipation started after a new medicine, tell your pharmacist. Do not stop a prescription on your own. In some cases a preventive laxative plan is recommended from the start, such as when opioids are prescribed. In other cases, your prescriber may be able to adjust the treatment. A medication review is a helpful way to look at all your medicines and supplements together; ask the pharmacy whether you are eligible.

Red flags that need a doctor

Constipation is usually harmless, but certain symptoms should prompt a medical visit rather than self-treatment:

• Blood in the stool or black, tarry stools
• Unexplained weight loss
• Severe or worsening abdominal pain
• Vomiting, or being unable to pass gas
• A significant, lasting change in bowel habits, particularly after age 50
• A family history of colon cancer or inflammatory bowel disease
• Constipation that alternates with diarrhea over weeks
• Symptoms that persist despite a week or two of self-care

Ontario has a colorectal cancer screening program for people at average risk in a certain age range. Your doctor or nurse practitioner can tell you whether you are due. Ontario Health’s cancer program, Cancer Care Ontario, has more information about screening.

Constipation and hemorrhoids

Straining and hard stools can contribute to hemorrhoids, which may cause itching, discomfort or a small amount of bright red blood on toilet paper. Managing constipation often helps hemorrhoids improve. Ontario pharmacists can assess hemorrhoids as a minor ailment; see our hemorrhoids page. Any rectal bleeding that is new, heavy, or comes with other symptoms should still be checked by a doctor.

Constipation in children, pregnancy and older relatives

Constipation looks a little different across life stages. In children, it often appears around toilet training, starting school, or a change in diet, and a child may hold stool because passing it has hurt before. Laxatives for children should only be used on the advice of a pharmacist or doctor, and products and doses differ from those for adults.

During pregnancy, hormonal changes and iron in prenatal vitamins commonly slow the bowel. Fibre, fluids and gentle activity are usually the first steps, and any product should be checked with a pharmacist or prenatal care provider first.

For older relatives, constipation can be easy to miss, especially if they are reluctant to mention it. Reduced appetite, confusion, or new abdominal discomfort can sometimes be linked. If you help care for a parent or grandparent, it is reasonable to ask the pharmacist whether any of their medicines are likely to contribute.

A quick checklist before you buy a laxative

Before reaching for a product, consider:

• How long has this been going on?
• Have I changed my diet, fluids, activity or routine?
• Did I start a new medicine or supplement?
• Do I have any of the red flag symptoms above?
• Am I pregnant, breastfeeding, or buying for a child or older relative?
• Do I have kidney, heart or bowel conditions?

If any answer gives you pause, ask the pharmacist before choosing.

Speak privately with a Pharmasave WestBram pharmacist

Constipation is a normal thing to ask about, and you will not be the first person that day to bring it up. If you would prefer more privacy, just ask; the pharmacist can usually step aside to talk, or you can call ahead.

Visit Pharmasave WestBram at 100 Pertosa Drive, Brampton, ON L6X 0H9, or call (905) 454-5111. You can also reach us through the contact page or request a consultation on the booking page.

This post provides general information about constipation and is not medical advice. Please consult a pharmacist or physician about persistent symptoms or before starting any new product.