What is constipation?

Constipation may involve difficult bowel movements, hard stools or reduced frequency relative to usual patterns. Straining and incomplete emptying can occur. Bowel habits vary, so not going every day is not automatically disease. New or persistent changes deserve assessment.

Causes and evaluation

1. Habits and circumstances Low fiber, insufficient fluid, inactivity and postponing bowel movements can contribute. Travel and routine changes also matter, but habits do not explain every case. 2. Medicines and conditions Some medicines, hormonal conditions and bowel or pelvic-floor disorders play roles. Discuss prescribed medicines rather than stopping them independently. Children and older adults may need different assessment. 3. History Duration, stool characteristics, pain and products used guide diagnosis. Examination or tests may be needed; identical imaging or extensive testing is not required for everyone.

Support and warning signs

4. Practical measures When appropriate, gradually increasing fiber, drinking sufficient fluid and moving more can help. Sudden large fiber increases can worsen bloating. People with fluid restrictions should follow their plans. Unhurried regular toilet opportunities may help. 5. Products Laxative choice depends on age, conditions and duration. Avoid arbitrary products, especially for children. Herbal cleanses and repeated enemas are not universal solutions and can obscure underlying problems. Persistent symptoms need review. 6. Alarm signs Severe abdominal pain, vomiting, marked swelling and inability to pass gas may require emergency care. Blood in stool, unexplained weight loss and persistent new bowel changes need prompt assessment. Do not simply increase fiber and wait when these occur.