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What is Chronic Constipation?

It's estimated that around 1 in every 7 adults and up to 1 in every 3 children in the UK has constipation at any one time.4

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What is Chronic Constipation?

Constipation is a common condition that affects people of all ages. It can mean that you’re not passing stools regularly or you’re unable to completely empty your bowel.4

Chronic constipation is a complicated condition among older people, which is notable by difficult stool passage. In this regard, chronic constipation is closely linked with and can impact quality of life. Various factors are involved in the development of chronic constipation.8

Causes

The most common causes of constipation include:1

Icon Not eating enough fibre, which is found in fruits, vegetables and cereals

Not eating enough fibre, which is found in fruits, vegetables and cereals

Icon Not drinking enough fluids

Not drinking enough fluids

Icon Not moving enough and spending long periods sitting or lying down

Not moving enough and spending long periods sitting or lying down

Icon Being less active and not exercising

Being less active and not exercising

Icon Often ignoring the urge to go to the toilet

Often ignoring the urge to go to the toilet

Icon Changing your diet or daily routine

Changing your diet or daily routine

Icon A side effect of medicine

A side effect of medicine

Icon Stress, anxiety or depression

Stress, anxiety or depression

Symptoms6

You may have chronic constipation if you have had two or more of the above symptoms for at least 3 months.7

Long-term constipation can lead to faecal impaction. This is where poo has built up in the last part of the large intestine (rectum).1

Straining

Lumpy/hard poos

Sensation of not feeling finished after poo

Sensation of an obstruction

Having to clear the rectum manually

Less than 3 poos per week

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Reporting of side effects: If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the package leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

The information provided on this site is for the use of Laxido Orange in those aged 12 years and above. Please speak to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist about the treatment of constipation in children under 12 years of age.

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