The first thing customers should try is making lifestyle changes. This includes:

• Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, raw if possible
• Eat plenty of wholegrain foods
• Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day
• Take regular exercise
• Avoid 'holding back' the urge to pass a bowel movement as this will make the condition worse
• Give changes in diet and/ or medication time to work.

If these changes don't work, the next step is to treat the condition with one of the many OTC products available.

Stimulant laxatives

Examples include bisacodyl, senna and sodium picosulfate. These work by stimulating nerve endings in the bowel to promote movement of faeces. Because they keep the bowel contents moving, there is less opportunity for water to be absorbed and the stools should be softer and easier to pass.

These products have a quick action €“ usually around eight to 12 hours. Adults should take a dose at night in order to have an effect in the morning. They may cause abdominal cramps. Stimulant laxatives are suitable only for short-term use to treat occasional constipation, and should not be used in children, except under medical supervision. Examples: Dulcolax Tablets, Senokot Comfort Tablets, Ex-Lax Senna.

Bulk forming laxatives

Examples of these include methylcellulose, sterculia, ispaghula husk and bran. These products contain natural fibre and work by increasing the mass of the stools, thus encouraging the intestine to move faster. They also tend to hold water in the faeces, making them softer and easier to pass.

Bulk forming laxatives usually work within 24-36 hours and should always be taken with plenty of water. Example: Fybogel Hi-Fibre.