Constipation is passage of small amounts of hard, dry bowel movements, usually fewer than three times a week. People who are constipated may find it difficult and painful to have a bowel movement. Other symptoms of constipation include feeling bloated, uncomfortable, and sluggish.
Many people think they are constipated when, in fact, their bowel movements are regular. For example, some people believe they are constipated, or irregular, if they do not have a bowel movement every day; however, there is no right number of daily or weekly bowel movements. "Normal" may be three times a day or three times a week, depending on the person. Also, some people naturally have firmer stools than others do.
At one time or another, almost everyone gets constipated. Poor diet and lack of exercise are the usual causes. In most cases, constipation is temporary and not serious. Understanding its causes, prevention, and treatment help most people find relief.
To understand constipation, it helps to know how the colon (large intestine) works. As food moves through the colon, it absorbs water, while forming waste products, or stool. Muscle contractions in the colon push the stool toward the rectum. By the time stool reaches the rectum, it is solid because most of the water has been absorbed.
The hard and dry stools of constipation occur when the colon absorbs too much water or if the colon's muscle contractions are slow or sluggish, causing the stool to move through the colon too slowly.
Common causes of constipation include the following
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not enough fiber in the diet
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not enough liquids
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lack of exercise
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medications
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irritable bowel syndrome
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changes in life or routine such as pregnancy, older age, and travel
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abuse of laxatives
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ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement
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specific diseases, such as stroke
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problems with the colon and rectum
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problems with intestinal function (chronic idiopathic constipation)
