Constipation
What is Constipation ?
Constipation is a problem with passing stool. Constipation generally means passing fewer than three stools a week or having a difficult time passing stool. Constipation is fairly common. A lack of dietary fiber, fluids and exercise can cause constipation. But other medical conditions or certain medicines may be the cause.
Constipation is usually treated with changes in diet and exercise or with nonprescription medicines. Constipation may require medicines, changes in medicines or other treatments prescribed by a health care professional. Long-term constipation, also called chronic constipation, may require treating another disease or condition that can cause or worsen constipation.
Symptoms
- Fewer than three stools a week
- Hard, dry or lumpy stools
- Straining or pain when passing stools
- A feeling that not all stool has passed
- A feeling that the rectum is blocked
- The need to use a finger to pass stool
- Infrequent bowel movements
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
Cause
Patterns of bowel movements vary from one person to another. The typical range is three times a day to three times a week. So it’s important to know what is typical for you. In general, constipation occurs when stool moves too slowly through the large intestine, also called the colon. If the stool moves slowly, the body absorbs too much water from the stool. The stool can become hard, dry and difficult to pass. Slow stool movement may happen when a person does not drink enough fluids. Eat enough dietary fiber. Exercise regularly. Use the toilet when there’s an urge to pass stool. Constipation may be a side effect of some medicines, particularly opioid pain relievers. Other medicines that may cause constipation include some that treat the following conditions Pain, High blood pressure, Seizures, Depression, Disorders of the nervous system, Allergies.
Risk Factors
Factors that may increase your risk of chronic constipation include being an older adult. Being a woman. Getting little or no physical activity. Having a mental health condition, such as depression or an eating disorder.
When to see a Doctor
Make an appointment with your health care professional if you have constipation with any of the following conditions Symptoms that last longer than three weeks. Symptoms that make it difficult to do everyday activities. Bleeding from your rectum or blood on toilet tissue. Blood in your stools or black stools. Other unusual changes in the shape or color of stools. Stomach pain that doesn’t stop. Weight loss without trying.