Constipation is medically defined by the passing of infrequent bowel motions (stools), fewer than 3 per week. However, people may also experience the passage of hard or dry stools as constipation.
Occasional constipation is extremely common and may follow a change in routine (such as travel), a change in diet, a brief illness such as a respiratory infection, or medications such as antibiotics or analgesics.
Chronic constipation, present for more than a few weeks, is rarely due to a life-threatening condition. However, if it does not respond to simple measures, see your doctor.
The symptoms of constipation include:
In some cases, constipation is caused by more serious illnesses and events, including tumours and systemic diseases.
Constipation is sometimes symptomatic of underlying medical problems, such as:
Some of the complications of chronic constipation include:
The underlying reason for the constipation must be found. Diagnosis may include:
Treatment depends on the cause, but could include:
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