One of the most common symptoms of Parkinson’s
Constipation in Parkinson’s disease often appears years before movement symptoms begin.
Key points
- In Parkinson’s disease, constipation is often related to slower movement of waste (motility) through the intestines (bowel) due to nervous system changes. Slow transit of waste leads to excessive water reabsorption and hard, pellet-like stools (faeces).
- It is often an early symptom, sometimes appearing years before tremor, stiffness or slowness of movement (bradykinesia) develop.
- Practical guidance for patients is to establish a routine bowel habit (set times, like toilet training) and not ignore the urge to open the bowels.
- Your GP or specialist can guide you to balance increased fluid, fibre and physical activity. They may also suggest suitable laxatives for your symptoms.
- Some medications can also worsen constipation, so it is recommended that you discuss any bowel issues with your care team rather than managing it in isolation.
Next steps:
The symptoms of constipation can consist of:
- a sense of incomplete emptying after a bowel movement
- bloating or abdominal discomfort
- hard or difficult-to-pass stools
- infrequent bowel movements
- straining, which can sometimes be related to incomplete relaxation of pelvic floor muscles
- in cases of severe constipation and bowel blockage, false diarrhoea/overflow can occur if untreated.
Constipation is extremely common in the general population and Parkinson's disease is only one of many possible causes. Other contributors include:
- age-related changes in bowel function
- certain medications, including some Parkinson's treatments (particularly anticholinergics), as well as unrelated medicines such as some pain relievers
- irritable bowel syndrome and other primary gut conditions
- insufficient dietary fibre or fluid intake
- reduced physical activity
- thyroid problems.
When to consider specialist review
Speak with your GP or neurologist if constipation is not improving with simple measures, is significantly affecting quality of life, or is accompanied by other new symptoms that concern you.
When to seek urgent help
Seek urgent medical attention for:
- blood in the stool
- inability to pass any stool or wind
- severe abdominal pain
- unintentional weight loss alongside bowel changes
- vomiting.
These symptoms can indicate a separate problem requiring prompt assessment rather than routine management.