Constipation is the 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.
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 maybe three times a day or three times a week depending on the person. Also, some people naturally have firmer stools than others.
At one time or another, almost everyone gets constipated. Poor diet and lack of exercise are usually causes. In most cases, constipation is temporary and not severe. Understanding its causes, prevention, and treatment will help most people find relief.
Constipation Causes: To understand constipation, it helps to know how the colon (large intestine) works. As food moves through it, the colon absorbs water while forming waste products, or stool. Muscle contractions in the colon push the stool toward the rectum. By the time stool reaches the rectum, it is solid because most of the water has been absorbed.
