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Page: Causes
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The main causes of constipation include:
* Hardening of the feces
o Insufficient intake of dietary fiber
o Dehydration
o Medication, e.g. diuretics and those containing iron, calcium, aluminium
* Paralysis or slowed transit, where peristaltic action is diminished or absent, so that feces are not moved along
o Hypothyroidism (slow-acting thyroid gland)
o Hypokalemia
o Injured anal sphincter (patulous anus)
o Medications, such as loperamide, opioids (e.g. codeine & morphine) and certain antidepressants
o Severe illness due to other causes; occasionally colds or flu
o Acute porphyria (a very rare inherited condition)
o Lead poisoning
* Dyschezia syn(usually the result of suppressing defecation)
* Constriction, where part of the intestine or rectum is narrowed or blocked, not allowing feces to pass
o Strictures
o Diverticula
o Tumors, either of the bowel or surrounding tissues
o Retained foreign body
* Psychosomatic constipation, based on anxiety or unfamiliarity with surroundings.
o Functional constipation
o Constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome, characterized by a combination of constipation and abdominal discomfort and/or pain
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Important notice:
The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other
qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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