Constipation

Constipation is a decrease in the passage of formed stool, characterized by stool that is difficult to pass. Patients who pass less than two or three stools per week can be categorized as being constipated. Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, abdominal distention, and loss of appetite are possible side effects.

It's important that you do NOT self-medicate for constipation when you have cancer without first discussing ways of managing constipation with your healthcare provider. Why?

• Certain drugs can interact with laxatives.
• Sometimes a simple medication switch can resolve constipation without requiring laxative use.
• Your current condition, the medications you are taking, your bowel symptoms, and other factors affect which type(s) of laxative(s) will be most effective for you.
• Not all laxatives are created equally. They work in different ways.

Treating constipation effectively can be complex when cancer is present. Standard suggestions for the population at large (such as increasing fiber or fluids) may be counterproductive, depending on your condition. For example, bulk laxatives are not recommended for people with opioid-induced constipation. People with large abdominal tumors or bowel obstructions should not use stimulant laxatives. Laxatives can interact with certain antibiotics, heart medications, and other drugs-another reason to talk with your healthcare providers about a seemingly indelicate topic.

Constipation can occur at the same time as a variety of symptoms that may or may not be related to the constipation. That is another reason why it's important to talk with your oncology nurse or physician about all of your symptoms-even if you feel embarrassed to do so sometimes. 

Many things can be done to alleviate constipation. Because opioid drugs can induce constipation, starting preventive treatment before constipation occurs is a good idea.

Constipation also can occur in children who are undergoing treatment for cancer. However, the recommended treatments for pediatric constipation differ from those for adults, so we've included a special pediatrics section.