What Is Constipation, and What Can You Do About It?

Written by Dr. Bharat Pothuri, MD, FACG | Updated On 07-04-2025

What is Constipation, and What Can You do about it?

Constipation is one of the most common digestive problems in Houston and in all other places. Vast majority of the population possesses it at one time or the other and majority are too ashamed to talk about it.

We conjecture that at Gastrodoxs one would feel better the more he or she knew about causes of constipation. This guide provides an explanation of what constipation is, its causes and what you can do at home. You also will be informed when to see a doctor like Dr. Bharat Pothuri who happens to be one of the leading Houston gastroenterologist.

What is Constipation?

The fact that your bowel movements are not as frequent, hard or hard to pass as usual is called constipation.

Doctors usually define it as:

• Fewer than three bowel movements/week.
• Hard, dry, or lumpy stools
• Difficulty or pain in pooing
• Like you never emptied

As Dr. Pothuri says, constipation can be disruptive to your day, your comfort and even your mood. And it is not an issue in the bathroom.

When the stool stays too long in the colon then it will be dry and hard. That's why it hurts to pass.

Doctor Measurement of constipation

• The Bristol Stool: Bristol Stool Scale is a 7-type 1 and 2 constipation scale.
• Your Symptoms: Doctors listen to your dietary history and lifestyle history.
• Physical Exam: In certain cases an exam or a scan can get rid of serious problems.

General Causes of Constipation Adulthood and childhood

Low-Fiber Diet

• The deficiency in eating of fruits, vegetables and whole grains
• It is the high fiber foods children avoid

Not Drinking Enough Water

• Low fluids cause the presence of dry stool
• Children forget to drink especially when they are in sport or at school

Lack of Exercise

• The too much sitting slows down the digestion
• Even children who use a lot of time on the TV programs or the video games are not safe

Ignoring the Urge to Go

• The bowel movements may be delayed because of being busy or inaccessibility to bathroom

Medications

• Constipinating medications include opioid painkillers, antacids, and iron pills as well as AD medications

Stress or Life Changes

• Travel, stress caused by changing homes or schools can break routine
• Adults feel it at work, too

Medical Conditions

• Thyroid issues, nerve damage, or chronic illness (such as diabetes) may cause constipation

Dr. Pothuri explains that no matter how old you are, a good diet, water and exercise will help the bowels to do their job.

The contribution of Diet and Hydration to Bowel Movements.

The proper diet foods consumed and liquids keep everything going

Fiber:

• Soluble fiber (oats and beans) softens the stool
• Bulk is produced by unsoluble fiber (e.g. wheat and vegetables)

Water:

• Try to drink 8 glasses a day
• Teas and broth made of herbs are useful

Balanced Meals:

• Add fiber, low-fat protein and good fats

Avoid Processed Foods:

• Snacks, sweets and fast foods slow down your digestive tract

Food to prevent and treat constipation

Add More Fiber Slowly

• Sprinkle flax on cereal or fresh juices
• Consume fruits, vegetables or popcorn

Pick Whole Grains

• Choose brown rice, oatmeal and 100 percent whole-wheat bread

Try Probiotic Foods

• Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut and miso can help balance the gut bacteria

Stay Hydrated

• Carry a water bottle
• Drink some peppermint or ginger tea

Reduce Constipating Foods

• Limit red meat and highly processed food and cheese
• Consider dairy which irritates you. Use lactose-free milk

Eat on a Schedule

• The many times that we eat promote frequent bathroom

Lifestyle habits that are helpful in constipation

• Exercise Often: Walk, jog, stretch or ride at least 30 minutes in a day.
• Establish a Bathroom Routine: Check out trying to go to the restroom at the same time in the morning.
• Position on the Right: It is possible to use a small footstool to elevate your knees above hips.
• Fix Your Stress: De-stressing your body and your gut will occur by way of breathing, meditating or yoga.
• Bathroom Comfort: Relax and have a break. A book or a piece of music will help to relieve the mood.

All to prevent Chronic Constipation

Long-term problems can be eliminated by taking small steps on a daily basis.

• Track your bowel movements
• Eat slowly, be mindful of your eating
• Graduously add more fiber and fluids to avoid gas
• Limit caffeine and alcohol
• Talk to your doctor about the drugs that might cause constipation

When to see a doctor on the topic of Being constipated

Most of the cases are better than usual when home care is implemented. However, there are red flags, and you need to go to a gastroenterologist.

Call a doctor if you have:

• Over 3 weeks constipation
• Bad belly pain or bloating
• Blood in stool, or stools which are black
• Weight loss you didn't expect
• Nausea, vomiting, or inability to remove gas

However, it could be a case of something more serious because home remedies could not work it claims Dr. Pothuri. Early testing is everything.

Comparison of constipation Treatments

Conclusion

You are able to discover that day-to-day life becomes slightly unpleasant even with Constipation but most of the constipation instances are cured with just a few changes. Drink additional water, take additional fiber and rise more often.

In the case that these tips are still unable to save you, the Gastrodoxs staff is available to come to your help.

Dr. Pothuri tells him that settle the foundations. And, just in case that is not enough, we are going to help you dig deeper.

Helpful Resources

• NIH: What Is Constipation?

About the Author

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.