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Constipation might seem like a common and harmless issue, but for people with Parkinson’s disease, it can be a significant concern. Being one of the earliest signs of this condition, many patients experience constipation years before receiving their Parkinson’s diagnosis. In fact it may take years before a patient receives the correct Parkinson’s diagnosis. A UK survey in 2020 shows that one in four people are told they have a different condition before receiving their Parkinson’s diagnosis. A study found that 42% of people are initially misdiagnosed.
I hope you read the entire article but if you’re searching for specifics, in this article we will cover:
Does Parkinson’s Cause Constipation?
Yes, Parkinson’s disease can cause constipation. Constipation is a prevalent non-motor symptom of Parkinson’s and according to a review, has been observed in as many as 90% of patients.
You might be wondering “How does Parkinson’s cause constipation?” and the answer isn’t widely known yet. While there are signs pointing to gastrointestinal dysfunction, the cause is not well understood. Researchers are continuing to look into the relationship between gut health, constipation, and Parkinson’s disease.
One thought on this connection is due to the impact Parkinson’s has on the nervous system. Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disorder which causes nerve cells in parts of the brain to weaken, become damaged, and ultimately die. This causes symptoms like difficulty walking, talking, swallowing, and impaired coordination. The disease disrupts dopamine production which signals to the brain to produce purposeful movement, including many bodily functions we don’t think about like digestion.
In the gut, Parkinson’s slows the natural movement of food and waste through the digestive tract. This slowdown causes bowel problems like infrequent bowel movements, hard stools, and bloating.
Signs of Constipation
Constipation isn’t only about going to the bathroom less often, it presents in many different ways. Every person experiences these symptoms differently but it’s important to recognize the following signs in your daily routines:
- Having fewer than three bowel movements a week
- Straining or difficulty during bowel movements
- Passing hard, lumpy stools
- Feeling like you haven’t finished a bowel
- Bloating or abdominal discomfort
Since constipation can start long before any other symptoms of Parkinson’s it’s worth discussing these changes as you notice them with your doctor. You can use a health tracker like PatientsLikeMe to track these changes to give you and your doctor a clear history. Constipation is a symptom of other medical conditions or problems so it is important to receive an official diagnosis from your doctor.
How to deal with Parkinson’s Constipation
Managing constipation caused by Parkinson’s requires a combination of dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, and sometimes medications. We asked the PatientsLikeMe Parkinson’s community for some tips and here are a couple!
“A large mug of strong senna tea combined with two dulcolax, taken daily at bedtime, get the job done by midmorning of the following day. This has worked for me for over a year. Downside is that the senna tea can cause cramps. Worth it for me.”
- PatientsLikeMe member since 2017
“Try hot water and lemon before bed. Also apple's, and plain water.”
- PatientsLikeMe member since 2019
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Lifestyle Tweaks That May Make All The Difference
As always, talk with your doctor to decide on the best ways for you to treat your constipation but some lifestyle tweaks to consider are:
- Establish a regular time of the day for bowel movements. Having a consistent time to go helps the body regulate bowel movements.
- Eat regular meals that include fruits and vegetables, whole grains and other high-fiber foods. As the saying goes “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” or in this case the bowels flowing.
- Try drinking six to eight, eight ounce glasses of water a day. This can be any hydrating fluid but water does it best.
- Steer clear of alcohol or coffee - sorry coffee fiends- they can worsen constipation.
- Maintain an exercise routine, if possible. It doesn’t have to be something intense like HIT workout. A walk around the block with your coworkers, friends, or furry pal counts too! Regular physical activity can also help move things along.
- Some people with Parkinson’s have noted that the Squatty Potty, an ergonomic footstool that helps position yourself better for using the toilet, can help relieve constipation. On the
Finding Answers Within A Supportive Community
The connection between Parkinson’s and constipation shows how this disease affects more than movement. By recognizing the signs and adopting some lifestyle tweaks, people may be able to identify early Parkinson’s diagnosis.
Whether you have recently started to experience constipation and are worried it may be a symptom of Parkinson’s disease or you have a confirmed diagnosis from your doctor, having a support network makes a difference in your health. Join PatientsLikeMe to connect with others who share similar experiences and gain access to valuable insights and support tailored to your health needs. If you’re managing both Parkinson’s and constipation, how do you cope? Let us and others know in the discussions!
