Constipation might be one of your causes of headaches. Yes, you have heard it right, many people presenting with constipation also complain of headaches. The relationship between these two symptoms has not been explored much. Let’s understand in detail.
Both constipation and headaches are very common ailments. If you experience them simultaneously, you may be wondering if these two conditions are related, although constipation doesn’t cause the trouble. Constipation is one of the most frustrating problems. You want to poop, but despite spending quality time in the toilet and trying hard, you can’t get anything to come out. You might already know the side effects of constipation including bloating and nausea but might not aware of headache that doesn’t seem to go away so fast. It is important to first treat constipation with diet and lifestyle changes along with medicines for constipation and then encounter the symptoms of headaches.
Typical Symptoms and Triggers
Normally, people have bowel movements at regular intervals, and stools pass out easily without any discomfort. The normal frequency of bowel movements varies from person to person, and research studies suggest that about 95% of adults have a pattern that ranges from three times a day to three time a week. Whereas, in the case of constipation, bowel movements either are less likely than expected or the stool is dry, hard, and difficult to pass. In most cases, constipation is not associated with a digestive disorder or other illness. The problem is more commonly occurred due to diet, lifestyle habits, and medications that harden the stool or interfere with the bowel movements and the ability to pass stools comfortably. Here are some common triggers that trigger constipation in adults:
- A diet low in fibre
- Not drinking enough water
- A sedentary lifestyle
- Ignoring the bowel movements
- Laxative overuse
- Traveling and scheduling factors
- Medication side effects
- Pain or discomfort around the anus
Constipation is a common health issue that affects around 80% of people at some point in their lives. In the United States, more than 2.5 million visits to the doctor’s clinic every year for getting the medicines for constipation. Adults of all ages can suffer from constipation, but the risk dramatically increases with age in both males and females. Considering the name, to
The symptoms of headache vary depending on the type of headache. The most common type of headaches is tension-type that occurs with symptoms like pressure or tightness that feels like a band around the head. Tension-type headaches often accompanied by neck pain. Migraines are the next most common headaches. Symptoms of migraine may vary but include one-sided head pain often accompanied by nausea. Some people with migraine may also experience light-headedness and visual disturbances.
The link between constipation and Headache
Headache and constipation are two ailments that can be symptoms of another underlying medical threat. Premenstrual syndrome is a common cause of headache and constipation in women. Fibromyalgia, a painful muscular disorder may also be the culprit. People with fibromyalgia are likely to have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is associated with the simultaneous occurrence of headaches and constipation. Chronic fatigue syndrome is another example of possible causes of headache.
People with celiac disease, a condition in which gluten from food triggers an immune response that causes damage to the intestine. Some evidence shows people with chronic gastrointestinal disorders such as IBS and celiac disease are more prone to experience migraine. Medicines for constipation is used to soften hard and dry stools. One can consider medicinal treatment to counter constipation symptoms.
Also Read: Things to consider when Severe Constipation is causing problem
Causes of Constipation
Constipation and headaches are the two ailments that can be listed as possible medication side effects. Overuse of opiate pain medicines can cause constipation and headaches. Medication for migraines such as sumatriptan can give rise to constipation and bouts of headaches. Other medications that might cause headache and constipation include diuretics for blood pressure, especially amiloride, chlorothiazide, statin medication to lower blood cholesterol such as atorvastatin and simvastatin. Imbalance in the gut flora can also cause constipation. Dehydration is a common example. Another example is a deficiency of magnesium.
Consideration It may be difficult to determine the cause of frequent constipation and headaches without consulting a doctor. In the short term may be able to treat your constipation with the laxatives, stool softeners, and other over the counter medicines for constipation. However, it is wise to check with a doctor about your over the counter treatment to be sure it’s safe for you. Your doctor may help you determine the cause of your ailments and prescribe medicines accordingly. You may get medication for constipation to get rid of the discomforted that comes while passing stools. Once you are constipation-free, you will automatically get relief from the side effects of constipation, including headache.
