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What Is Constipation – Definition, Symptoms, Signs, Prevention

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Definition of Constipation

Constipation (Lat. constipare = to press together) means having a bowel movement with difficulty or less than three times a week (1).

What Is Not Constipation?

If you have the bowel movement only every third day, but without difficulty, and you do not suffer from abdominal pain or excessive bloating, you are not likely constipated.

Thin (pencil-shaped) stoolsare not a symptom of constipation, but rather of obstruction in the rectum, due to hemorrhoids, enlarged prostate, inflammation (Crohn’s disease), polyps, rectal cancer or other disorder.

Symptoms of Constipation

Absence of daily stools is not already constipation. Constipation is usually accompanied with:

  • Straining or pain during the bowel movement or feeling of incomplete bowel emptying
  • Hard and dry stool or pellets-like stool

Other common symptoms include:

Signs of Constipation

A signs is an evidence of disease detected by a doctor. Constipation may be present without any specific sign, but often a doctor can find:

  • A palpable mass or abdominal distension in the lower left abdomen, possibly tender to touch
  • Hard stool in the rectum during digital rectal examination
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Anal fissure (crack) 

Causes of Constipation

Causes of constipation include inappropriate diet, dehydration, inactivity, stress, depression, anxiety, bowel disease, chronic disease, drugs.

Is Constipation Dangerous?

Constipation by itself is not dangerous, but it can lead to complications, like hemorrhoids, anal fissure, diverticulosis and fecal incontinence.

Prevention of Constipation

Constipation can be prevented by a fiber-rich diet, regular water intake, physical and mental activity and coping with stress.

Treatment of Constipation

Constipation is treated by removing its cause (if possible), changing of life style, laxatives and, rarely, surgery. 

Related Articles:

References:

  1. Constipation definition  (digestive.niddk.nih.gov)

Article reviewed by Dr. Greg. Last updated on February 15, 2010