Constipation: assessment and management

Constipation is often considered a trivial issue; however, it can have serious and even life-threatening consequences. Constipation is thought to affect around 14% of adults. In 2020, 76 929 people were admitted to hospital in England because of constipation, and increasing to 82 925 in 2024. Each year, there are about 18.6 million prescriptions for laxatives. This costs the NHS around £113 million pounds. Medication can cause constipation, and other medicines may then be prescribed to treat medication-induced constipation. This article discusses variations in normal bowel function, and the impact of factors such as diet, fluids, mobility and long-term conditions on bowel function. It also discusses how to promote normal bowel function and manage constipation.