Chronic Constipation
Frequently Asked Questions
None Available At This Time
Description
Constipation means having a bowel movement fewer than three times per week. With constipation, stools are typically hard, dry, and small in size, and usually difficult to eliminate. People with constipation may find it painful to have a bowel movement, and often experience straining and bloating.
A poor diet is typically the cause of constipation, and most people will experience constipation at some point in their lives. It is important to remember that constipation is a symptom, not a disease.
While there may be many causes of constipation, the most common causes include not enough fiber in the diet, lack of physical activity, milk, and ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement.
Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints.
(Image used by permission of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health.)
Sources of Additional Information
- The American College of Gastroenterology
- Constipation and Defecation Problems
- (Constipation definition, causes, evaluation, and treatments.)
- American Gastroenterological Association
- Understanding Constipation
- (An overview of the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of constipation.)
- National Digestive Diseases sInformation Clearinghouse
- Constipation
- (An overview of the causes, identification, and treatment of constipation.)
Free Pamphlet from NDDIC: Constipation
