Dealing with Constipation: Causes and Remedies | Encyclopedia AU

Constipation refers to infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stools, often accompanied by abdominal discomfort, bloating, and straining during bowel movements.
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Digestive Health | Gastrointestinal Issues | Healthy Bowel Habits | Bowel Movement Issues | Constipation Remedies
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Constipation FAQ

What does constipation mean?

Constipation means having hard, dry bowel movements or passing stool fewer than three times a week. It can be caused by things like your diet, medications, whether you are pregnant, or just a change in your routine. Constipation is one of the most common digestive problems in the United States. Around 16 out of 100 U.S. adults have constipation.

Is constipation a disease?

Constipation is a symptom, not a disease. Most commonly, constipation is thought of as infrequent bowel movements, usually fewer than 3 stools per week. However, people may have other complaints as well including: Abdominal bloating. the sensation of incomplete bowel evacuation.

What is chronic constipation?

Chronic constipation is having two or more of these symptoms for three months or longer. Make an appointment with your health care professional if you have constipation with any of the following conditions: Symptoms that last longer than three weeks. Symptoms that make it difficult to do everyday activities.

How to treat constipation?

Undertaking regular exercise, a minimum of three times per week for 30 minutes has also been shown to improve the symptoms of constipation by assisting with movement of the bowel. Developing a routine for passing bowel motions has also been shown to be useful strategy for treating constipation.

What causes constipation?

But other medical conditions or certain medicines may be the cause. Constipation is usually treated with changes in diet and exercise or with nonprescription medicines. Constipation may require medicines, changes in medicines or other treatments prescribed by a health care professional.

Constipation References

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