Constipation »
What is constipation?
Constipation means different things to different people. For many people, it
simply means infrequent stools. For others, however, constipation means hard
stools, difficulty passing stools (straining), or a sense of incomplete emptying
after a bowel movement. The cause of each of these "types" of constipation
probably is different, and the approach to each should be tailored to the
specific type of constipation.
Constipation also can alternate with diarrhea.
This pattern commonly occurs as part of the irritable bowel syndrome
(IBS). At the extreme end of the constipation spectrum is fecal impaction, a
condition in which stool hardens in the rectum and prevents the passage of any
stool.
The number of bowel movements generally decreases with age. Ninety-five percent of adults
have bowel movements between three and 21 times per week, and this would be
considered normal. The most common pattern is one bowel movement a day, but ...
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