Chronic Idiopathic Constipation: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Chronic Idiopathic Constipation?
A gastroenterologist, a doctor who treats digestive problems, often cares for long-lasting constipation. A primary care doctor can start the evaluation. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is chronic idiopathic constipation?
Constipation is when stools are difficult or painful to pass, or you have fewer than three bowel movements a week. Chronic idiopathic constipation is long-lasting constipation without a known cause.
Symptoms
Symptoms of constipation may include:
- Fewer than three bowel movements a week.
- Stools that are hard, dry, or lumpy.
- Stools that are difficult or painful to pass.
- A feeling that not all stool has passed.
Causes and who gets it
In chronic idiopathic constipation, the cause is not known. Doctors use your history, an exam, and tests to look for a cause.
In general, constipation can have many causes, and it may have more than one cause at a time. Causes of constipation may include:
- Slow movement of stool through the colon.
- Delayed emptying of the colon from pelvic floor disorders. This happens especially in women. Colon surgery can also cause it.
- Irritable bowel syndrome and other functional gastrointestinal disorders.
- Some medicines and supplements, such as iron supplements, narcotic pain medicines, and antacids that contain aluminum and calcium.
- Not eating enough fiber, not drinking enough liquids, or not getting enough physical activity.
- Health problems such as celiac disease, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, and hypothyroidism.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors use your medical and family history, a physical exam, or medical tests to find the cause of constipation.
Your doctor may ask how often you have a bowel movement and what your stools look like. You may want to track this for several days or weeks before your visit.
During the exam, a health care professional may check your belly for swelling, tenderness, or lumps. They may also do a rectal exam. Tests your doctor may use include:
- Blood tests, which can show signs of anemia, hypothyroidism, and celiac disease.
- Stool tests, which can show blood and signs of infection and inflammation.
- Colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy, which let your doctor look inside your anus, rectum, and colon.
- Colorectal transit studies, which show how well stool moves through your colon.
Depending on your symptoms and health, your doctor may first try a treatment before using tests.
Treatment
You can most often treat constipation at home. You can try the following:
- Eat more high-fiber foods. If you eat more fiber or take a fiber supplement, drink plenty of water and other liquids.
- Get regular physical activity.
- Try bowel training. Your doctor may suggest that you try to have a bowel movement at the same time each day.
Your health care professional may recommend a laxative for a short time. They will tell you which type is best. Stimulant laxatives should only be used if constipation is severe or other treatments have not worked. If you have taken laxatives for a long time, talk with your doctor about how to slowly stop. This applies if you cannot have a bowel movement without them.
If self-care does not work, your doctor may prescribe a medicine. Linaclotide, plecanatide, and prucalopride are medicines used for long-lasting constipation without a known cause. Do not change or stop any medicine or supplement without talking with a health care professional.
If you have problems with the muscles that control bowel movements, your doctor may recommend biofeedback therapy to retrain your muscles. Your doctor may recommend surgery to treat an anorectal blockage caused by rectal prolapse if other treatments do not work. If your doctor recommends surgery, ask about the benefits and risks.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if your symptoms do not go away with self-care or you have a family history of colon or rectal cancer.
See a doctor right away if you have constipation and any of the following:
- Bleeding from your rectum.
- Blood in your stool.
- Constant pain in your abdomen.
- Inability to pass gas.
- Vomiting.
- Fever.
- Lower back pain.
- Losing weight without trying.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have severe belly pain or pressure, bleeding that will not stop, or fainting.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A doctor like this can ask about your bowel movements, what your stools look like, and which medicines and supplements you take. They can also do a physical exam to look for the cause.
Common questions
What is chronic idiopathic constipation?
Chronic idiopathic constipation is long-lasting constipation without a known cause.
Can fiber and water help with constipation?
Yes, they may help. Eating more high-fiber foods may help relieve symptoms. If you eat more fiber or take a fiber supplement, drink plenty of water and other liquids.
Can I use laxatives for a long time?
Usually only for a short time, so talk with your doctor first. A health care professional may recommend a laxative for a short time. If you have taken laxatives for a long time and cannot have a bowel movement without them, ask your doctor how to slowly stop.
Sources
- NIDDK - Symptoms & Causes of Constipation
- NIDDK - Diagnosis of Constipation
- NIDDK - Treatment for Constipation
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
