Most people with Parkinson’s will experience bowel symptoms at some point. These can vary from mild to problematic. It is important to discuss symptoms with your GP or Parkinson’s team. It is important to talk to your GP if your bowel pattern changes from what is normal for you, as it can be a sign of other health problems.

Constipation

Stool should be soft and easy to pass without too much straining. Constipation is when your stools become hard and difficult to pass, or when you have bowel movements less frequently than you have had before. Constipation can make people feel lethargic, bloated, sick and unwell. It can also stop the body from absorbing medication properly.

Constipation is very common in people with Parkinson’s:

• The muscles of the bowel can become slower and stiffer. This increases the amount of time it takes for stool to pass through. This makes the stool dry and harder to pass.
• Physical activity helps stimulate the bowel to work. If people become less active, their bowels are less active.
• Fibre helps keep stools soft and easy to pass. Eating less fibre contributes to constipation.
• Not drinking enough liquid causes stools to become harder.
• Many common medications can cause constipation (for example some painkillers).

Tips for preventing Constipation

• Stay well hydrated. Aim to drink 1.5-2 litres per day (2 ½-3 ½ pints) every day.
• Eat foods rich in fibre such as fruit, vegetables, grains and pulses.
• Stay active and try to exercise regularly.
• Speak to your GP or Pharmacist if constipation is becoming more problematic. They will be able to review your current medication to see whether any medications are making the problem worse and may recommend a laxative.

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is the passage of liquid stool more than 3 times per day or more than is normal for an individual. There are many causes of diarrhoea including infections, other illnesses and medication side effects. Diarrhoea is a recognised side effect of some types of Parkinson’s medication and if you think that diarrhoea you are experiencing is due to your medication it is important to discuss this with your Parkinson’s team.

Overflow Diarrhoea

Sometimes when someone is very constipated, loose stool can leak out from around the hard stool which is stuck in the bowel and cause “overflow”. If someone has been constipated for a while and then starts having what seems like diarrhoea without the feeling that they have emptied their bowels completely, then it could be a sign of ongoing constipation. Talk to the GP or pharmacist about this.

Getting to the loo in time

Getting to and using the bathroom can be difficult due to Parkinson’s. Your GP or Parkinson’s team may have some helpful advice, or may be able to refer to an occupational therapist or continence advisor for help with continence aids or equipment.

Adapted from Parkinson’s UK’s leaflet “Looking after your bladder and bowels when you have Parkinson’s” B060_Looking after your bladder and bowels_FINAL_PRINT.pdf (parkinsons.org.uk)