Constipation in Crohn’s disease may be caused by lifestyle and dietary factors, as well as medical conditions like strictures. Treatment may include eating more fiber, taking laxatives, and exercising.
Diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms of Crohn’s disease, but constipation is also known to happen.
Constipation is when you pass fewer than
Keep reading to learn more about the possible causes of constipation in Crohn’s disease and how to treat it.
Several lifestyle, dietary, and medical factors may contribute to constipation in Crohn’s disease.
Low fiber diet
The foods you eat or limit may impact your bowel movements.
Many people with Crohn’s disease avoid high fiber foods because they may irritate the stomach, especially during a flare-up.
However, fiber plays a key role in regulating and promoting bowel movements. Not getting enough fiber is one of the most common causes of constipation, according to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service.
Intestinal stricture
Intestinal strictures occur when severe inflammation and scar tissue begin to narrow a section of your intestine. This can lead to a stool blockage or obstruction, which may lead to constipation.
A 2022 review found that 7 in 10 people with Crohn’s disease will experience strictures within 10 years of receiving a diagnosis.
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is when there’s an increase of bacteria in the small intestine.
SIBO is relatively common in Crohn’s disease, according to Crohn’s and Colitis UK. It may occur due to slower movement or blockages in the small intestine, such as food moving too slowly, or not at all.
SIBO may cause inflammation and symptoms like bloating and flatulence. If the bacteria produce methane, you may also experience constipation.
Medications
Some medications that could be part of your Crohn’s disease treatment plan may be contributing to constipation, including some aminosalicylates like mesalamine and immunomodulators like tacrolimus.
Some over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications to manage diarrhea may also cause constipation.
Lack of exercise
Not getting enough exercise may also
Dehydration
Not drinking enough fluids is a common cause of constipation.
There are no specific treatments for constipation with Crohn’s disease, according to Crohn’s and Colitis UK. However, a combination of OTC medications and lifestyle and dietary changes may help relieve constipation.
Laxatives
Laxatives are drugs available OTC or by prescription to help treat constipation.
According to Crohn’s and Colitis UK, osmotic agents are the best types of laxatives for people with Crohn’s disease. They help retain the fluid in your stool to make it softer and easier to pass.
Other types of laxatives include:
Consider speaking with a healthcare professional before taking laxatives if you have Crohn’s disease.
Laxatives may cause unpleasant symptoms and interfere with your body’s absorption of certain medications and nutrients. They’re also not recommended for people with strictures.
Learn more about laxatives for constipation.
Dietary changes
Diet plays a key role in regulating bowel movements.
Research suggests that eating a high fiber diet may help maintain remission in people with Crohn’s disease. Eating enough fiber may also help prevent constipation.
Trigger foods will differ for each person. If high fiber foods trigger flare-ups, consider slowly increasing your fiber and eliminating any foods that constantly cause symptoms.
According to the
However, it’s important to note that people with Crohn’s disease and strictures may need to eat a low fiber diet.
Consider speaking with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian if you’re not sure which foods to include in your diet. They could help develop a nutrition plan for you.
Learn more about diet for Crohn’s disease.
Fluid intake
Increasing your intake of water and other fluids, such as tea, clear soups, and low sugar drinks, could help prevent constipation.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietitians recommends females drink at least 11.5 cups (2.7 L) of water per day and males 15.5 cups (3.7 L).
Consider limiting your intake of caffeine and alcohol, as these may have a dehydrating effect.
Exercise
Exercise may provide several benefits for Crohn’s disease and constipation.
The
If you have Crohn’s disease, however, you may not always feel well enough to exercise. A
Some ways to incorporate more movement into your life may include:
- walking instead of driving
- taking the stairs instead of an elevator
- taking regular breaks from your desk and walking around
If you can, try doing some light exercise like walking, biking, swimming, or yoga.
Learn more about seven exercises to help relieve constipation.
Other treatments
If lifestyle and dietary changes do not help relieve your constipation, speak with a healthcare professional. They may:
- recommend taking an antidiarrheal medication
- adjust the dosage of any Crohn’s disease medication you may be taking
- recommend an alternative drug
- suggest alternative treatment for constipation, such as bowel retraining or biofeedback
Consider speaking with a healthcare professional if your constipation does not go away with OTC medications and lifestyle and dietary changes or if you experience:
- bloody stools
- regular bloating
- unintentional weight loss
- fatigue
- abdominal pain
Constipation that occurs suddenly may be a sign of a serious problem, such as a blockage in the intestine or severe inflammation that narrows the intestine.
Get immediate medical attention if you experience:
- severe abdominal cramping
- nausea
- vomiting
- fever
- constipation
- inability to pass gas
Is constipation common in Crohn’s disease?
Constipation may occur in Crohn’s disease, but research suggests it’s more common in ulcerative colitis, the other type of IBD.
What is the best laxative for someone with Crohn’s disease?
Crohn’s and Colitis UK suggests that osmotic laxatives are the best types for people with Crohn’s disease.
How long is too long to have constipation?
Speak with a doctor if your constipation does not improve with treatment after
While diarrhea is more common in Crohn’s disease, constipation may occur due to your diet, water intake, lack of exercise, or medications.
If you have not had a bowel movement for a few days, first try changing your diet to include more fiber and increase your fluid intake.
Talk with a doctor before taking a laxative for constipation.