WHEN TO WORRY

If non-pharmacological treatments (more exercise, fluids and fibre) don’t work, it’s time to see your healthcare practitioner to discuss options.

And you should definitely get concerned if you experience rectal bleeding, pain when passing stools or have severe abdominal pain – time to go see your medical practitioner immediately.

Dr Janse van Rensburg adds that if you are also vomiting, you need to pay an urgent visit to your medical practitioner.