By AFC Urgent Care Coppell
Constipation is one of the most common yet least talked about health issues in the U.S. It affects people of all ages — from children to seniors — and can range from an occasional inconvenience to a chronic medical concern. For residents in Coppell, Lewisville, Flower Mound, Valley Ranch, Las Colinas, Carrollton, and Irving, knowing when constipation requires medical attention can help you avoid unnecessary discomfort and complications.
At AFC Urgent Care Coppell, we regularly treat patients dealing with digestive concerns, including constipation, dehydration, and abdominal pain. Whether you're experiencing short-term symptoms or ongoing discomfort, our team is here to help you find relief fast — without the long waits or cost of an emergency room visit.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- What constipation is and how it affects the body
- Common causes and risk factors
- Symptoms to watch for
- At-home remedies vs. medical treatment
- When to visit urgent care
- What to expect during your visit
How to prevent constipation in the future
What is Constipation?
Constipation refers to infrequent or difficult bowel movements, often accompanied by hard, dry stools and a feeling of incomplete evacuation.
Most people have their own “normal” schedule — whether it's three times a day or three times a week. However, if you're having fewer than three bowel movements a week, or if passing stool is unusually difficult or painful, it may be considered constipation.
Common Symptoms of Constipation:
- Fewer than 3 bowel movements per week
- Hard, dry, or lumpy stools
- Straining during bowel movements
- Feeling of incomplete evacuation
- Bloating or abdominal discomfort
- Loss of appetite
- Rectal pressure or pain
- Nausea or cramping
Constipation can be occasional (acute) or long-lasting (chronic), and in either case, it can have a major impact on quality of life — especially for busy families in Coppell, Flower Mound, Grapevine, or Irving.
What Causes Constipation?
Constipation often results from a combination of lifestyle factors, medications, or underlying health conditions.
The Most Common Causes Include:
1. Low-Fiber Diet
Fiber helps bulk up and soften stool. A diet low in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can slow digestion.
2. Dehydration
When your body lacks fluids, the colon absorbs more water from waste, making stools harder.
3. Lack of Physical Activity
Regular movement helps stimulate intestinal function. Sedentary lifestyles — especially in older adults — increase constipation risk.
4. Ignoring the Urge to Go
Delaying bowel movements can disrupt your body's natural rhythm and lead to buildup.
5. Changes in Routine
Travel, illness, stress, or a new work/school schedule can all throw off digestion.
6. Medications
Certain medications can slow down bowel function, including:
- Opioids
- Antacids with calcium or aluminum
- Iron supplements
- Antidepressants
- Antihistamines
7. Medical Conditions
Chronic constipation can also be a symptom of:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Diabetes
- Hypothyroidism
- Neurological conditions like Parkinson’s or MS
- Colon or rectal blockage
Children and Constipation
Kids in Lewisville, Carrollton, and other local schools often experience constipation due to:
- Poor diet
- Holding it in during school
- Fear of using public bathrooms
- Stress or anxiety
- Potty-training struggles
Signs in kids include:
- Hard or infrequent stools
- Abdominal pain
- Soiling accidents
- Poor appetite
- Crying or fear during bathroom visits
If your child is showing signs of constipation for more than a few days, it’s time to seek professional guidance.
When to Try Home Remedies
Mild constipation can often be resolved with at-home care. Try these steps for 2–3 days:
✅ High-Fiber Foods:
- Oatmeal, bran cereal
- Leafy greens, carrots, peas
- Apples, pears, berries, prunes
- Beans and lentils
✅ Stay Hydrated:
Drink 6–8 glasses of water per day. Add a warm beverage in the morning to stimulate digestion.
✅ Gentle Exercise:
Daily walking or stretching helps get the bowels moving.
✅ Over-the-Counter Options:
- Stool softeners (e.g., Colace)
- Fiber supplements (e.g., Metamucil)
- Laxatives (e.g., MiraLAX, Senna) — short-term use only
If these don’t provide relief in a couple of days, or if symptoms get worse, it’s time to visit AFC Urgent Care Coppell.
When to Visit AFC Urgent Care Coppell for Constipation
While constipation is rarely an emergency, it can be painful, frustrating, and even dangerous if left untreated.
Visit our clinic if you experience:
- No bowel movement for more than 4–5 days
- Severe abdominal cramping or bloating
- Vomiting or nausea with constipation
- Rectal bleeding
- Hard, pebble-like stools
- Inability to pass gas
- Painful or strained bowel movements
- Fever or signs of infection
We welcome walk-in visits and are open 7 days a week to serve residents from Coppell, Flower Mound, Valley Ranch, Grapevine, and Las Colinas.
What to Expect During Your Visit
When you come to AFC Urgent Care Coppell for constipation, our providers will:
- Take a full health history
- Ask about bowel habits, diet, medications, and lifestyle
- Perform a gentle abdominal exam
- Check for signs of dehydration or underlying issues
In some cases, we may order:
- X-rays to look for blockage
- Urinalysis to check for infection or dehydration
- Blood work if a systemic cause is suspected
Possible Treatments Include:
- Prescription stool softeners or laxatives
- Enemas for immediate relief (administered in-clinic)
- Hydration therapy if you're dehydrated
- Antibiotics if an infection is present
- Referrals for chronic or complicated cases
Our goal is to provide fast, comfortable relief, while ruling out more serious issues.
Constipation in Seniors
Adults over 65 are especially prone to constipation due to:
- Reduced activity
- Medication use
- Dehydration
- Weakened intestinal muscles
At AFC Coppell, we regularly help seniors from Carrollton, Irving, and Las Colinas manage symptoms with a personalized plan that includes diet, movement, and safe medication adjustments.
Can Constipation Be a Sign of Something Serious?
In rare cases, constipation can be a symptom of:
- Bowel obstruction
- Colon cancer
- Diverticulitis
- Neurological disease
That’s why it’s important to seek care if constipation is new, persistent, or associated with other symptoms like weight loss, fatigue, or bleeding.
How to Prevent Constipation Long-Term
Simple lifestyle changes can dramatically improve digestive health.
🥗 Eat More Fiber:
Adults should aim for 25–30 grams of fiber per day. Add it gradually to avoid gas or cramping.
💧 Drink Plenty of Fluids:
Water is best, but herbal teas and broths also help keep things moving.
🚶♂️ Move Daily:
Physical activity strengthens abdominal muscles and promotes regularity.
🕒 Listen to Your Body:
Don't ignore the urge to go. Establish a routine, especially after meals.
⚖️ Manage Stress:
Anxiety can slow digestion. Practice deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
💊 Monitor Medications:
Talk to your provider if you think a medication is contributing to symptoms. We can help adjust your regimen safely.
Don’t Let Constipation Disrupt Your Life
Constipation may be common, but it shouldn't be ignored. If you or your child are dealing with persistent discomfort, bloating, or irregularity, it's time to seek help.
At AFC Urgent Care Coppell, we’re proud to serve families throughout Coppell, Lewisville, Flower Mound, Valley Ranch, Las Colinas, Carrollton, Irving, and Grapevine with convenient, compassionate care. Our team can help you get fast relief — and offer strategies to prevent future episodes.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Coppell Today
📍 Serving Coppell, Lewisville, Flower Mound, Valley Ranch, Las Colinas, Irving, Carrollton & Grapevine
