Home |

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.

Common causes of constipation are not enough fiber in the diet not enough liquids lack of exercise medications irritable bowel syndrome changes in life or routine such as pregnancy, older age, and travel abuse of laxatives ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement specific diseases such as stroke (by far the most common) problems with the colon and rectum problems with intestinal function (chronic idiopathic constipation)

Not having a bowel movement every day doesn't necessarily mean you're constipated. You're likely constipated, however, if you: ? Pass a hard stool fewer than three times a week ? Strain frequently during bowel movements ? Have abdominal bloating or discomfort

You may undergo these diagnostic procedures: ?Stool sample. In some cases, a stool sample is requested to be analyzed for the presence of hidden (occult) blood. ?Barium enema. In this test, the lining of your bowel is coated with a contrast dye (barium) so that your rectum, colon and sometimes a part of the small intestine can be clearly seen on an X-ray. ?Proctosigmoidoscopy.This procedure uses a lighted, flexible tube to examine your sigmoid colon and rectum. In many cases the Expert will be able to see your rectum and sigmoid colon more easily with this procedure than with a barium enema. ?Colonoscopy. This diagnostic procedure allows the Expert to examine the entire colon with a flexible, camera-equipped tube.

In rare cases constipation may signal more serious medical conditions such as colorectal cancer, hormonal or electrolyte disturbances, heart disease and kidney failure.