Causes

There are many factors that can cause constipation. Here is a list of common examples.

Factors that may Cause Constipation

Factor	Examples
Functional/idiopathic	Constipation with irritable bowel syndrome, idiopathic (unexplained) normal transit constipation, slow-transit constipation, pelvic floor dysfunction (obstructive)
Congenital (present at birth)	Hirschsprung's disease
Structural	Stricture, rectocele, intestinal pseudo-obstruction
Dietary	Inadequate fiber intake, inadequate caloric intake
Environmental	Compromised mobility, inadequate toileting facilities
Myopathic (abnormality of the muscles)	Systemic sclerosis
Neurogenic (arising from the nervous system)	Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury
Endocrine/metabolic	Diabetes mellitus, hyperparathyroidism, hypothyroidism, pregnancy, scleroderma
Pharmacologic (Medications) *	Analgesics, anticholinergics, antidepressants, antihypertensives, antiparkinsonian agents, diuretics, possibly long-term laxative use, narcotics

* Common Medications That May Cause Constipation

• Antacids that contain aluminum (usually aluminum hydroxide)
• Antidepressants
• Antidiarrheal agents
• Antiparkinson drugs
• Antispasmodics
• Diuretics ("water pills") that cause potassium loss
• Iron supplements
• Opiate-type pain medications
• Medications to treat high blood pressure
  • Calcium channel blockers
  • Clonidine
• Nasal decongestants and antihistamines
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)