|
Page: Signs and Symptoms
Main article
| Home > Bowel and Abdominal Problems > Signs and Symptoms |
Constipation is one of the most common digestive complaints. It varies greatly between different people, as each person’s bowel movements differ. Most cases of constipation are caused by a low fiber diet or dehydration.Constipation is most common in children and older people, and affects women more than men. One in 200 women have severe, continuous constipation and it is most common before a period and in pregnancy.
Over 6 million people in the UK at any time find it painful or difficult to pass stools. The pain can be even worse if you have haemorrhoids or anal fissure.
In common constipation, the stool is hard and difficult to pass. Usually, there is an infrequent urge to void. Straining to pass stool may cause hemorrhoids and anal fissures. In later stages of constipation, the abdomen may become distended and diffusely tender and crampy, occasionally with enhanced bowel sounds.
The definition of constipation includes the following:
* infrequent bowel movements (typically 3 times per week)
* difficulty during defecation (straining during more than 25% of bowel movements or a subjective sensation of hard stools), or
* the sensation of incomplete bowel evacuation.
Medical authorities accept wide variations in toilet frequency as long as this does not cause any other symptoms. Defecating depends on dietary habits, exercise, fluid intake, and various other factors.
Severe cases ("fecal impaction") may feature symptoms of bowel obstruction (vomiting, very tender abdomen) and "paradoxical diarrhea", where soft stool from the small intestine bypasses the impacted matter in the colon.
Constipation in children can lead to soiling (enuresis and encopresis).
|
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.
|