constipation
the condition in which the bowels are opened too infrequently and the FAECES become dry and hard and difficult and painful to pass. The frequency of normal bowel opening varies from person to person but when constipation becomes a problem, it is usually a result of inattention to this habit or to the diet. To correct the condition, a change of lifestyle may be needed, including taking more exercise and increasing fluids and roughage in the diet. LAXATIVES and ENEMAS are also used to alleviate the condition. Constipation is also a symptom of the more serious condition of blockage of the bowel (by a tumour), but this is less common.
Constipation means having fewer than three bowel movements a week. The stool (poop) can be hard and dry. Sometimes it is painful to pass. At one time or another, almost everyone gets constipated. In most cases, it lasts a short time and is not serious.
There are many things you can do to prevent constipation. They include:
- Eating more fruits, vegetables and grains, which are high in fiber
- Drinking plenty of water and other liquids
- Getting enough exercise
- Taking time to have a bowel movement when you need to
- Using laxatives only if your health care provider says you should
- Asking your provider if medicines you take may cause constipation
It's not important that you have a bowel movement every day. If your bowel habits change, however, check with your provider.
NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
constipation