Several factors can lead to persistent constipation. Some of the common causes include:

• Low-Fiber Diet: A diet lacking in fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can slow down digestion and cause constipation.
• Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can make stools hard and difficult to pass.
• Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity slows down bowel movements, leading to constipation.
• Ignoring the Urge to Go: Holding in stool for too long can make it harder and more difficult to pass.
• Medications: Certain medicines, such as painkillers, antidepressants, and iron supplements, can cause constipation as a side effect.
• Thyroid Disorders: An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can slow metabolism, affecting bowel movements.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS can cause alternating constipation and diarrhea, leading to irregular bowel habits.
• Neurological Disorders: Conditions like Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis can affect nerve function in the digestive tract, causing constipation.
• Intestinal Obstruction: A blockage in the intestine due to a tumor or stricture can prevent stool from passing normally.

If you are struggling with any of these symptoms, Dr. Arun S. Nair, the best gastroenterologist in Thrissur, can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.