“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
Constipation is a condition in which a person has difficulty passing stools or has infrequent bowel movements. It is characterized by fewer than three bowel movements per week, hard or lumpy stools, and straining during bowel movements.
There are many causes of constipation, including a lack of fiber and fluids in the diet, lack of physical activity, certain medications, and medical conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, hypothyroidism, and neurological disorders.
Treatment of constipation usually involves making dietary and lifestyle changes, such as increasing fiber intake, drinking more fluids, and getting regular exercise. Over-the-counter laxatives, such as stool softeners, osmotic laxatives, and stimulant laxatives, may also be used to help relieve constipation.
Prevention of constipation involves maintaining a healthy diet with adequate fiber and fluid intake, getting regular exercise, and avoiding certain medications that can cause constipation.
In some cases, constipation can be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition, so it is important to seek medical attention if constipation is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, or unexplained weight loss.