“Why have I been constipated for over a week?”

Make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids and eating a diet high in plant foods such as whole grains, beans, vegetables, fruits, and low in animal products, meats, and processed foods. Also, some medications (such as opiates) will cause constipation. Follow up with your primary physician to ask if any of your medications may be causing constipation. If the constipation does not resolve soon, I recommend you seek prompt evaluation in an urgent care or ER setting.

Constipation can occur for several reasons, among them not eating enough of the right foods such as high fiber foods, fruits and vegetables as well as drinking enough water. Daily exercise also helps to stimulate the colon. Certain medications may also slow transit time of stool or lead to constipation. Persistent change in bowel habits may also be a sign of something more serious such as a colon or rectal cancer. Patients should follow up with their primary care physician for full evaluation and possible referral to a specialist.

Lynn M. O’Connor, MD MPH FACS FASCRS

Try fleets and glycerin enemas. Or see a physician to try a prescription laxative.