Constipation is a condition in which a person has uncomfortable or infrequent bowel movements. Generally, a person is considered to be constipated when bowel movements result in passage of small amounts of hard, dry stool, usually fewer than three times a week. However, normal stool elimination may consist of having a bowel movement three times a day or three times a week; it depends on the person.

What causes constipation?

Hard, dry stools are the result of the colon absorbing too much water. Normally, as food moves through the colon (also known as the large intestine) the colon absorbs water while forming stool (waste products). Muscle contractions then push the stool toward the rectum, and, by the time the stool reaches the rectum, most of the water has been absorbed, making the stool solid.

When the colon's muscle contractions are slow or sluggish, the stool moves through the colon too slowly, resulting in too much water being absorbed.

Some of the most common causes of constipation include the following:

• Medications
• Lack of exercise
• Not enough liquids
• Not enough fiber in the diet
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement
• Changes in habits or lifestyle, such as travel, pregnancy, and old age
• Problems with intestinal function
• Abuse of laxatives

What are the symptoms of constipation?

• Difficult and painful bowel movements
• Bowel movements fewer than three times a week
• Feeling bloated or uncomfortable
• Feeling sluggish or sleepy
• Abdominal pain

The symptoms of constipation may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis. 

What are the complications of constipation?

Constipation can cause complications, such as hemorrhoids, which occur by straining to have a bowel movement, or anal fissures (tears in the skin around the anus) which occur when hard stool stretches the sphincter muscle. This can result in rectal bleeding.

Sometimes, straining also causes rectal prolapse, where a small amount of intestinal lining pushes out from the anal opening. Constipation may also cause fecal impaction, which occurs mostly in children and older adults. The hard stool packs the intestine and rectum so tightly that the normal pushing action of the colon is not enough to expel the stool

How you can treat and prevent constipation yourself

Making simple changes to your diet and lifestyle can help treat constipation.

It's safe to try these simple measures when you're constipating.

You may notice a difference within a few days. Sometimes it takes a few weeks before your symptoms improve.

Make changes to your diet routine

To make your poo softer and easier to pass:

•         drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol

•         increase fibers in your diet

•         add some wheat bran, oats or linseed to your diet

Improve your diet routine

Keep to a regular time and place and give yourself plenty of time to use the toilet.

Do not delay if you feel the urge to poo.

To make it easier to poo, try resting your feet on a low stool while going to the toilet. If possible, raise your knees above your hips.

Consider increasing your activity

A daily walk or run can help you poo more regularly.

Speak to a doctor for advice

Speak to a doctor if diet and lifestyle changes are not helping. He can suggest a suitable laxative. These are medicines that help you poo more regularly.

Most laxatives work within 3 days.They should only be used for a short time.

If you feel any symptoms of constiation you can call a doctor through tikshif app now.