Headache and Constipation often co-exist as associated symptoms, signaling towards a secondary cause. These are commonly reported symptoms and mostly indicate a long term underlying disorder thus requires lifestyle changes as treatment.
The Enteric and Central Nervous System have an embryonic connection and are closely linked. Any sort of problem in the gut also affects the central nervous system and may cause headaches.
Given below are some conditions that can cause Constipation and Headache to coexist as associated symptoms:
Celiac Disease
It is an autoimmune condition that results in inflammation of the intestine due to sensitivity to gluten, i.e a protein present in wheat products. Some times, this can also cause constipation which further results in a Headache.
Causes:
It is an autoimmune disorder. The gut is sensitive to gluten and any gluten-containing products and causes bouts of Inflammation. The inflammation results in pain and Headaches.
Symptoms:
The patient with classic variant presents with:
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Foul-smelling and pale fatty stool.
While a patient with non-classic Celiac Disease experiences mild gastrointestinal symptoms and some other associated symptoms like:
- Anaemia
- Skin rash
- Depression
- Chronic fatigue
- Chronic migraines
- Early menopause
Treatment:
The disease is not treatable, but the symptoms can be prevented by maintaining a strictly gluten-free diet.
Mood Disorders
Some of the Mood disorders are also responsible for Headache and Constipation to co-exist, such as anxiety and depression. Since mood changes also affect your dietary habits and certainly cause G.I symptoms.
Causes:
Mood disorders are mostly linked to traumatic events that take place in a person’s life. Other causes can be drug side effects.
Symptoms:
- Tension Headache
- Low energy levels
- Feeling of emptiness
- Disturbed sleep
- Fatigue
- Lack of concentration
- Changes in dietary habits
- Bloating
- Muscle tension
Treatment:
- A psychologist or psychiatrist will be treating the disorder.
- Some antidepressants and benzodiazepines can help with anxiety.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a widespread musculoskeletal and soft tissue pain in the whole body. This is most common in people with rheumatic conditions and other autoimmune disorders.
Causes:
The cause is still unknown, but it is more common in females and people with Autoimmune disorders like SLE, Rheumatoid Arthritis, etc
Symptoms:
- Widespread pain
- Jaw and other joints stiffness
- Migraine and Tension Headache
- Tiredness in fibrous tissues
- Irregular sleeping pattern
- Painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea)
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Restless leg syndrome
Treatment:
Treatment is different for every individual since it is a syndrome, and the symptoms vary for each person. Some standard treatment options are:
- NSAIDs
- Acupuncture
- Massages
- Psychotherapy
- Low dose
- Anticonvulsants and antidepressants
Dehydration
Dehydration is one common cause of Headache during Constipation.
Causes:
Dehydration occurs when a lot of water is drawn by the gut to soften the bowel during constipation. Dehydration decreases the pain threshold and, eventually, Dehydration Headache.
Symptoms:
- Dark yellow urine
- Decrease urine output
- Headache and Constipation
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Low blood pressure
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
Treatment:
- ORS is the best treatment for dehydration.
- For excessive fluid loss, IV fluids can be given.
Diagnosis of Underlying Cause
For a complete diagnosis of the underlying cause of Headache and Constipation, detailed history and insight into the patient’s symptoms are required. If the condition is chronic, it most certainly suggests a secondary cause.
Home Remedies
- Diet rich in fibre should be taken for constipation.
- Stay hydrated since constipation causes dehydration and Headaches.
- Avoid any medications that are known for causing constipation, such as Opioids and statins.
- Avoid long-term use of any analgesics since they may lead to Medication Overuse Headache.
- Exercise often.
- In the case of Celiac disease avoid any gluten-containing food to prevent a flare-up of symptoms.
When to consult a doctor?
If you often get a Headache and Constipation or you haven’t passed a stool in 3,4 days, you should visit the doctor. The recurrence of these symptoms might suggest another cause that should be managed as soon as possible.
FAQ
Yes, constipation causes a lot of water to be absorbed into the gut to soften the stool and leaves the body dehydrated.
Most commonly constipation occurs due to a diet low in fibre and if left untreated it caused dehydration that leads to headaches.
Diet rich in fibre should be taken for constipation.
Stay hydrated since constipation causes dehydration and Headaches.
Avoid any medications that are known for causing constipation, such as Opioids and statins.
