Constipation After Quitting Smoking

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsWhy You Are ConstipatedConstipation ReliefFrequently Asked Questions

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Symptoms

Why You Are Constipated

Constipation Relief

Frequently Asked Questions

Quitting smoking can sometimes cause constipation and other intestinal difficulties. Along with constipation, nausea and gas aresymptoms of withdrawalfrom tobacco products.

Fortunately, digestive issues usually resolve themselves in a matter of weeks. While they are unpleasant, don’t let the discomforts derail your quit program.

In addition tonicotine withdrawal, it is also possible that other changes you may have made since quitting tobacco are contributing to the constipation that you’re experiencing.

At a Glance

Nicotine withdrawal and changes in lifestyle that occur after you quit smoking can contribute to constipation. This symptom typically subsides over the course of a few weeks, but taking steps to eat a balanced diet, get enough exercise, drink enough water, and manage stress levels can also help you find relief.

Symptoms of Constipation After Quitting Smoking

Signs of constipation include infrequent bowel movements that occur less than two to three times per week.Other common symptoms include:

While not common, sometimes people may experience feelings of nausea or vomiting due to constipation. If this happens, contact a healthcare provider.

You may also experience other intestinal problems when quitting smoking, including feelings of nausea or gas that are related to nicotine withdrawal.

Causes of Constipation When Quitting Smoking

There are a number of different factors that can play a role in causing constipation when you are quitting smoking. These include nicotine withdrawal and other changes in your diet, activity, and stress levels.

Nicotine Withdrawal

Nicotine is the addictive substance in cigarettes that makes quitting so challenging. It also leads to withdrawal symptoms when you stop smoking, including constipation.

Because nicotine affects the small bowel and colon, your body needs to adjust when levels of the substance suddenly decrease or disappear.

How Long Will Constipation Last?Because constipation is connected to nicotine withdrawal, it may gradually subside along with otherwithdrawal symptomsafter a few weeks.

How Long Will Constipation Last?

Because constipation is connected to nicotine withdrawal, it may gradually subside along with otherwithdrawal symptomsafter a few weeks.

If constipation persists, it may be due to other factors such as medication side effects, changes in diet, stress, or activity levels.

Quit Aids

Two prescription quit aid medications list nausea and constipation as side effects:Chantix(varenicline) andZyban(bupropion).

Research has found that taking varenicline for longer than six weeks was associated with adverse gastrointestinal effects including constipation, flatulence, and nausea.If you are using one of these, check in with your doctor for advice on how to proceed.

Changes in Diet

It is not unusual to experience dramatic changes in what you eat when you first quit smoking. Many people turn to food to bridge the gap between the hand-to-mouth activity that smoking was, as well as to use food for comfort when cigarette cravings hit.

Often, the foods that you choose might leave your daily diet less than balanced. This can then lead to digestive disturbances. Take a good look at what you’ve beeneating since you quit smoking.

Certain foods such as high-fat meats, eggs, dairy, sugary sweets, and other foods low in fiber can contribute to constipation. Work on adding more high-fiber choices to your daily diet, including whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Constipation After Quitting Smoking

Increased Stress

Leaving cigarettes behind will eventually bring more peace to your life than you had as a smoker. Butsmoking cessation may increase the stressand anxiety you feel in the short term.

Emotional stresscan have physical effects on your body, including digestion. If this strikes a chord with you, try incorporating some tension-tamers into your daily routine.

A few minutes ofmeditationwhen you wake up,deep breathingwhen stress bubbles up during the day, and a hot bath or time with a good book before bed will help you keep stress at bay.

Reducing your stress may then help keep your bowel movements regular.

What the Rise in Smoking Says About Modern Day Coping Mechanisms

Changes in Activity

Smoking cessation throws life out of whack for many people, both physically and psychologically. You might feel tired and cranky, and often, less active than normal.

While this is fine and to be expected, less exercise than what you are accustomed to, along with some or all of the other issues listed above, can be a significant contributor to constipation.

Aim for a half-hour of some form of exercise most days.It will help your body adjust to the absence of tobacco and beat back cravings to smoke as well.

If you haven’t been active recently, be sure to check in with a healthcare provider before starting a new exercise regimen.

Relief for Constipation After Quitting Smoking

If you are experiencing constipation related to quitting smoking, there are some ways you can find relief. Steps you can take include:

Other options that may help relieve constipation include over-the-counter fiber supplements and laxatives or prescription medications.

Before taking any of those, talk to a healthcare provider, particularly if: you are using a quit aid, you have other medical conditions, or your constipation is severe. If any symptoms of intestinal pain persist or increase over time, don’t hesitate to contact a doctor for a check-up.

Constipation usually gradually decreases within a few weeks. If your symptoms do not begin to improve or are severe, you should talk to your healthcare provider.

Dietary fiber, exercise, and hydration can help. Over-the-counter fiber supplements or laxatives may also provide relief. Your doctor may also be able to prescribe medications that ease constipation.

Because nicotine affects the bowel and colon, constipation is a common symptom of nicotine withdrawal as you quit smoking. Changes in diet, activity level and stress can also contribute to problems with constipation.

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

5 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Lundström O, Manjer J, Ohlsson B.Smoking is associated with several functional gastrointestinal symptoms.Scand J Gastroenterol. 2016;51(8):914-22. doi:10.1080/00365521.2016.1174878Johns Hopkins Medicine.Constipation.Verschuere S, De Smet R, Allais L, Cuvelier CA.The effect of smoking on intestinal inflammation: What can be learned from animal models?.J Crohn’s Colitis. 2012;6(1):1-12. doi:10.1016/j.crohns.2011.09.006Leung LK, Patafio FM, Rosser WW.Gastrointestinal adverse effects of varenicline at maintenance dose: a meta-analysis.BMC Clin Pharmacol. 2011;11:15. doi:10.1186/1472-6904-11-15.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How much physical activity do adults need?

5 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Lundström O, Manjer J, Ohlsson B.Smoking is associated with several functional gastrointestinal symptoms.Scand J Gastroenterol. 2016;51(8):914-22. doi:10.1080/00365521.2016.1174878Johns Hopkins Medicine.Constipation.Verschuere S, De Smet R, Allais L, Cuvelier CA.The effect of smoking on intestinal inflammation: What can be learned from animal models?.J Crohn’s Colitis. 2012;6(1):1-12. doi:10.1016/j.crohns.2011.09.006Leung LK, Patafio FM, Rosser WW.Gastrointestinal adverse effects of varenicline at maintenance dose: a meta-analysis.BMC Clin Pharmacol. 2011;11:15. doi:10.1186/1472-6904-11-15.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How much physical activity do adults need?

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Lundström O, Manjer J, Ohlsson B.Smoking is associated with several functional gastrointestinal symptoms.Scand J Gastroenterol. 2016;51(8):914-22. doi:10.1080/00365521.2016.1174878Johns Hopkins Medicine.Constipation.Verschuere S, De Smet R, Allais L, Cuvelier CA.The effect of smoking on intestinal inflammation: What can be learned from animal models?.J Crohn’s Colitis. 2012;6(1):1-12. doi:10.1016/j.crohns.2011.09.006Leung LK, Patafio FM, Rosser WW.Gastrointestinal adverse effects of varenicline at maintenance dose: a meta-analysis.BMC Clin Pharmacol. 2011;11:15. doi:10.1186/1472-6904-11-15.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How much physical activity do adults need?

Lundström O, Manjer J, Ohlsson B.Smoking is associated with several functional gastrointestinal symptoms.Scand J Gastroenterol. 2016;51(8):914-22. doi:10.1080/00365521.2016.1174878

Johns Hopkins Medicine.Constipation.

Verschuere S, De Smet R, Allais L, Cuvelier CA.The effect of smoking on intestinal inflammation: What can be learned from animal models?.J Crohn’s Colitis. 2012;6(1):1-12. doi:10.1016/j.crohns.2011.09.006

Leung LK, Patafio FM, Rosser WW.Gastrointestinal adverse effects of varenicline at maintenance dose: a meta-analysis.BMC Clin Pharmacol. 2011;11:15. doi:10.1186/1472-6904-11-15.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How much physical activity do adults need?

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