It's not something we like to talk about, but constipation is a problem effects many of us at some stage. Find out the facts and learn about the best treatments available

What is constipation?
In general, constipation is a change from a person's usual toilet habits - often people worry about being constipated when they experience no bowel movements for only one day, but this can be perfectly natural. In some healthy people bowel movements occur just three times a week.

Generally, it is accepted that a person has constipation when the signs include:

• fewer than three bowel movements a week and/or
• straining severely in order to defecate

Who gets constipation?
It is a very common problem and anyone at any age can become constipated. 14 million people in the UK suffer from constipation and around one person in ten is believed to suffer regularly.

How does it happen?
Constipation occurs when the muscles in the colon fail to work properly, either by temporarily stopping or working very slowly. There are a number of possible reasons for this.

Why am I constipated?

• Age - the digestive system can slow down as you get older
• Hormone changes - through pregnancy or the menopause
• Lifestyle - changes in routine, such as travel
• Stress/worry - ignoring the urge to go to the toilet
• Medicines - such as painkillers, antacids, blood pressure medication or anti-depressants
• Some illnesses - such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes or Parkinson's disease

Is my diet and lifestyle to blame?
People often feel embarrassed and even guilty about suffering from constipation, believing that their diet or lifestyle is responsible for them becoming constipated. Understandably, a change in diet, such as when you go on holiday, can affect your digestive system and cause constipation.

But it has long been known that factors such as a diet lacking in fibre, not enough fluid intake and lack of exercise, play an important role in many cases of constipation. However, while you should always be sure to have a healthy, balanced diet and take regular exercise, leading experts have provided evidence that shows increasing fibre intake, fluid and exercise, do not always effectively relieve symptoms of constipation and should not be assumed to be the cause of constipation in everyone.

Treatment myths
Consumer research has shown that one in three people are also concerned that laxatives are a harsh form of treatment. However, you can be reassured that this is simply not true - stimulant laxatives such as Dulco-lax® provides gentle relief which effectively relieves constipation.

One person in every two is also concerned about using laxatives because they think they might start working immediately. This is also untrue - stimulant laxatives work by stimulating the colon back into normal action, providing overnight relief helping the body to restart its natural rhythm.

Selecting the best treatment for you
When it comes to taking treatments, not everyone likes the same thing. Different treatments suit different people, which is why the Dulco-lax® range of laxatives offers a variety of formats to suit individual needs.

Dulco-lax® Tablets have the special Comfort Coating, which ensures that the active ingredient, bisacodyl, is released only in the colon where it is needed and is not affected by the acidic digestive juices of the stomach and the environment of the small intestine.

Dulco-lax® Perles offer a lower amount of laxative in a convenient and discreet microcapsule form. The active ingredient is sodium picosulfate to ensure gentle yet effective overnight relief. Because each microcapsule contains only one quarter of the maximum dose, users have the advantage of flexibility in choosing the level of relief required.

Dulco-lax® Suppositories are ideal for people seeking almost immediate relief from constipation. Like the tablets, the active ingredient is bisacodyl.

Always read the label. Dulco-lax® Tablets and Suppositories contain bisacodyl. Dulco-lax® Perles contain sodium picosulfate.

For more information on constipation and how to manage the condition, visit www.constipationfacts.co.uk

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