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A condition in which a person passes less than three to five stools in a week is called constipation. However, the frequency of excretion differs from person to person.
Constipation occurs when digestive waste or stool is unable to move smoothly through the digestive tract, or there is impaired elimination from the rectum. In addition, the lack of fibres in the diet makes it difficult to pass stools. As a consequence, the stool turns hard and dry.
Constipation can be acute or chronic. Acute constipation is a short-term condition and is easier to manage. On the contrary, chronic constipation can lead to severe complications and has more complex management.
Sometimes, bowel movements become painful due to constipation and leave a feeling of fullness and bloating.
Constipation itself might be a symptom of gastric discomfort or a side effect of medicines taken in the recent past. However, some symptoms that indicate constipation include:
Constipation can occur for multiple reasons - lifestyle, medicines, pregnancy, diet, and more. Common causes include:
Constipation can be diagnosed by its symptoms and usually requires no tests. However, to understand its cause, the following tests and procedures can be performed:
Constipation can be acute or chronic. Acute constipation can often be treated by taking over-the-counter laxatives or consuming fibre-rich food.
On the other hand, chronic constipation may require in-depth analysis to diagnose its primary cause and make a treatment plan accordingly. These include making changes in diet and lifestyle, medicines, or surgery.
Some important diet and lifestyle changes to treat constipation include:
Laxatives are supplements that make bowel movements easier. Some over-the-counter drugs include:
Constipation for a prolonged period can give rise to complications. Some of them include the following:
Factors that may lead to constipation include:
The following preventive measures can be taken to avoid developing chronic constipation:
Reviewed by Dr. Namrita Singh, Associate Director - Internal Medicine on 22-Mar-2023.
Max Healthcare is home to 4800+ eminent doctors in the world, most of whom are pioneers in their respective fields. Additionally, they are renowned for developing innovative and revolutionary clinical procedures.
Max Healthcare is home to 4800+ eminent doctors in the world, most of whom are pioneers in their respective fields. Additionally, they are renowned for developing innovative and revolutionary clinical procedures.
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