Constipation

 
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Constipation is a symptom, not a disease. Constipation means the bowel does not move easily or regularly. This may mean having a bowel movement fewer than every three days and the stools (bowel motion) may be hard and difficult to pass.

Some people who are constipated find it painful to have a bowel movement and often experience straining, bloating, the sensation of a full bowel or a sense that the bowels are not empty. Some people think they are constipated if they do not have a bowel movement every day. However, normal bowel movements may vary from three times a day to once every three days depending on the person.

Common causes of constipation are:

  • irregular meals and not enough fiber in the diet

  • lack of physical activity (especially in the elderly)

  • medications e.g. pain medications (especially narcotics), antacids that contain aluminum and calcium, some blood pressure medications (calcium channel blockers), anti-Parkinson drugs, antispasmodics, antidepressants, iron supplements, diuretics, anticonvulsants

  • irritable bowel syndrome

  • changes in life or routine such as pregnancy, aging, and traveling

  • abuse of laxatives

  • ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement

  • dehydration

  • specific diseases or conditions, such as stroke (most common)

  • problems with the colon and rectum

  • problems with intestinal function (chronic idiopathic constipation)

Thabo Moleme