• Long-term constipation that results in change of intestinal permeability, which could easily cause peritonitis.
• Drainage obstruction of peritoneal dialysis catheter.

Causes of constipation

• Age: Elderly over 60 years old, due to atrophy of gastrointestinal striated muscle, slow and weak peristalsis, and impact of aging physical functions.
• Poor living habits: Lack of exercise, picker eater, eating too much meat but not enough dietary fiber, or inadequate water intake.
• Emotional Influence: Tension, pressure or anxiety, overthinking, will affect the nerves conducting stool, slowing down the gastrointestinal functions and resulting in constipation.
• Side effects of medication.
• Organic constipation（most physical factors）: including intestinal obstruction, irritable bowel syndrome, colon cancer, hemorrhoids, and other diseases could result in constipation.
• Severe dehydration.

Symptoms of Constipation

• Decreased number of bowel movement (less than 3 times a week).
• Dry and hard stool.
• Voiding dysfunction and incomplete voiding.

How to prevent?

• Increase amount of exercises.
• Eat food contain high content of fiber, i.e.: fresh vegetable and fruit will stimulate peristalsis and increase stool weight.
• Develop the habit of regular bowel movement daily. Go to the bathroom when needed. The longer the bowel movement is delayed, the more water from the stool is being absorbed and the drier it becomes to push the stool.
• Do abdominal massage during solute clearance and drainage (Avoid massage on catheter outlet and tunnel).
• Avoid severe dehydration.
• Follow the physician instruction to take stool softener.