Constipation is defined as having a bowel movement fewer than three times per week. With constipation s are usually hard, dry, small in size, and difficult to eliminate. Some people who are constipated find it painful to have a bowel movement and often experience straining, bloating, and the sensation of a full bowel.

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 faeces than others.

At one time or another, almost everyone gets constipated. Poor diet and lack of exercise are usually the causes. In most cases, constipation is temporary and not serious. Understanding its causes, prevention, and treatment will help most people find relief.


What you can do

To understand constipation, it helps to know how the colon (large intestine) works. As food moves through the colon, water is absorbed from it while forming waste products, or faeces. Muscle contractions in the colon push the faeces toward the rectum. By the time faeces reaches the rectum, it is solid because most of the water has been absorbed.

The hard and dry faeces of constipation occur when the colon absorbs too much water or if the colon's muscle contractions are slow or sluggish, causing the faeces to move through the colon too slowly.
 

Common causes of constipation are:

• not enough fibre 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
• problems with the colon and rectum
• problems with intestinal function

If you feel you may have constipation, drink lots of water, if constipation continues for more than a few days seek medical attention.