Generally speaking, constipation is a change in bowel habits, but it comes in a variety of forms. Typically patients would describe constipation as having infrequent stools; more specifically, less than three times per week. Moreover, stools may be too hard, too small or too difficult to pass. Patients may also feel that their bowels are not empty or they frequently need to strain.
Constipation is a wide-spread problem to which many factors can contribute. In most patients’ cases, no single cause can be identified. However, having chronic kidney disease or being on dialysis makes it more likely that a patient will suffer from constipation. Due to the loss of kidney function and various other factors such as a lack of exercise, impaired fluid balance and a reduced dietary fibre intake,1 the gastrointestinal tract is often adversely affected. Amongst the consequences, constipation is the most frequent symptom. Medications prescribed which relates to kidney diseases, such as iron medication (mainly pills), phosphorus-binding medicines, or potassium binding resins, can sometimes cause digestive problems, too.1