Constipation
Definition
Constipation is a common digestive system problem in which you have infrequent bowel movements, pass hard stools, or strain during bowel movements. In terms of frequency, what constitutes constipation for one person may be normal for someone else. That's because the normal frequency of bowel movements varies widely — from three a day to three a week. What's normal for you may not be normal for someone else. In general, though, you're probably experiencing constipation if you pass hard and dry stools less than three times a week. In some cases, constipation also may make you feel bloated or sluggish or experience discomfort or pain. Fortunately, a few common-sense lifestyle changes, including getting more exercise, eating high-fiber foods and drinking plenty of water, can go a long way toward preventing or alleviating constipation.
Symptoms
Not having a bowel movement every day doesn't necessarily mean you're constipated. You're likely constipated, however, if you:
Pass a hard stool fewer than three times a week Strain frequently during bowel movements Have abdominal bloating or discomfort
Cause
Normally, the waste products of digestion are propelled through your intestines by muscle contractions. In the large intestine, most of the water and salt in this mixture are reabsorbed because they're essential for many of your body's functions. If too much water is absorbed or if the waste moves too slowly, you may become constipated. You may also experience constipation if the muscles you use to move your bowels aren't coordinated. This problem is called pelvic floor dysfunction (anismus) and it causes you to strain with most bowel movements, even soft ones. Stool moves through your colon but gets hung up in the rectum because of a lack of muscle coordination to empty your bowels. A number of factors can cause an intestinal slowdown, including:
Central nervous system
Multiple sclerosis. This disorder can produce constipation along with many other
Constipation is a common digestive system problem in which you have infrequent bowel movements, pass hard stools, or strain during bowel movements. In terms of frequency, what constitutes constipation for one person may be normal for someone else. That's because the normal frequency of bowel movements varies widely — from three a day to three a week. What's normal for you may not be normal for someone else. In general, though, you're probably experiencing constipation if you pass hard and dry stools less than three times a week. In some cases, constipation also may make you feel bloated or sluggish or experience discomfort or pain. Fortunately, a few common-sense lifestyle changes, including getting more exercise, eating high-fiber foods and drinking plenty of water, can go a long way toward preventing or alleviating constipation.
Symptoms
Not having a bowel movement every day doesn't necessarily mean you're constipated. You're likely constipated, however, if you:
Pass a hard stool fewer than three times a week Strain frequently during bowel movements Have abdominal bloating or discomfort
Cause
Normally, the waste products of digestion are propelled through your intestines by muscle contractions. In the large intestine, most of the water and salt in this mixture are reabsorbed because they're essential for many of your body's functions. If too much water is absorbed or if the waste moves too slowly, you may become constipated. You may also experience constipation if the muscles you use to move your bowels aren't coordinated. This problem is called pelvic floor dysfunction (anismus) and it causes you to strain with most bowel movements, even soft ones. Stool moves through your colon but gets hung up in the rectum because of a lack of muscle coordination to empty your bowels. A number of factors can cause an intestinal slowdown, including:
Central nervous system
Multiple sclerosis. This disorder can produce constipation along with many other