S ummary 1. Bulk-forming or osmotic laxatives are preferable to stimulant laxatives which should be taken regularly only under medical supervision. If you are constipated, this does NOT mean that bodily wastes are being absorbed and damaging your health. We need research to help adult patients whose constipation does not respond to dietary fibre, fluids and exercise, and who are greatly troubled by abdominal pain and discomfort. The British Digestive Foundation has supported pioneer research into treatment of constipation by muscle training.
Further research is needed into the causes and treatment of constipation in childhood.
This can cause great disability and distress to sufferers and their families. The BDF is the only charity concerned with the whole digestive system and relies entirely on the support of people like you. The British Digestive Foundation is grateful to Dr Kieran Moriarty, Bolton General Hospital, for his help with this leaflet.