SHOCKING figures recently released show that Britons’ embarrassment over their bowel issues costs the NHS £145 million a year.

The YouGov report shows that in 2014/15, 133 people per day were treated for constipation as an unplanned emergency admission, meaning they were forced to go to A&E for a condition that’s easily treated at home.

I find that a main cause of people not dealing with constipation is embarrassment: the report showed that almost half (45 per cent) of Brits wouldn’t get medical help for constipation; and one in five (19 per cent) would be too embarrassed to speak to their GP. However, constipation is a very common condition, so there’s certainly no reason to be embarrassed, and it’s best dealt with sooner rather than later.

Holidays, and travel in particular, can be real triggers. In fact, according to new research from constipation treatment Dulcolax, one in five (21 per cent) people worry about constipation disrupting their summer holiday, but with a bit of preparation and some simple lifestyle changes you can usually reduce your risk of constipation and treat it too.

Visit myconstipationrelief.com/uk for a free guide with tips and handy food swaps to help manage your constipation in the run up to and on holiday to ensure it doesn’t get in the way of summer plans.

It’s also worth taking a constipation treatment with you to ensure you’re prepared for any eventuality, but if you’ve had constipation for more than a week, or if it comes back after treatment, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist on your return home. Happy holidays.

Jess Kalsi

GP and medical advisor