Constipation (Dyschezia), digestive evacuation disorder, is when
bowel movements (defecation) are infrequent, hard and painful to
pass. If you have fewer than 3 bowel
movements per week you are constipated, if you have fewer than one movement per week you are
severely constipated.
Defecation is the final act of digestion during which the colon eliminates solid, semisolid, and/or liquid waste material through
the anus. Muscular contraction, peristalsis, in the walls of the colon move fecal matter towards the
rectum. The colon (large intestine),
situated at the end of the GI tract, is about 5 feet (1,5 m) long and 2.5 in (6
cm) in diameter.
Undigested food is also
expelled through defecation in a process called egestion.
Severe constipation includes obstipation (failure to pass stools or gas) and fecal impaction, which
can progress to bowel obstruction and
become life-threatening.
Points to Remember:
sConstipation is one
of the most common
gastrointestinal problems among all age groups.
sThe hard & dry stools happen when
the colon absorbs too much
water or if the colon's muscle contractions are slow. Colon sluggishness causes the stool
to move through the colon too slowly. Most frequent causes of constipation:
sNot enough fiber & liquids in the
diet.
sLack of exercise & physical
activity.
sStress.
sExcess of certain medications.
sIrritable bowel syndrome.
sChanges in life& daily routine:
pregnancy, older age, & travel.
sAbuse of laxatives.
sIgnoring the urge to have a bowel
movement.
sStroke.
sTroubles with the colon, rectum &
intestinal function.
sDigestive disorders.
IMPORTANT: In most cases, constipation can be prevented, improved or cured naturally. You can
relieve it by treating the underlying medical conditions, with regular
exercise, control of stress, relaxation, healthy diet with moderate alcohol
and plenty of fresh fruits and
vegetables.
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