Opioids are a kind of medication that are prescribed to help patients with severe pain deal with their illness. However, because opioid receptors are located within the brain, spinal cord, and throughout the digestive tract, this can cause some unfortunate and discomforting side effects, including opioid-induced constipation (OIC).
Constipation is when an individual has fewer than three bowel movements per week. It is estimated that anywhere from 41-81 percent of people who take opioid medication for chronic pain have trouble with constipation.
Fortunately, once you understand why you get OIC and what to do for relief, you can start bringing your system back to normal. Tap read more to continue.
