Constipation is a condition in which a person has fewer or no ability to pass stools. When the stools remain in the colon for too long, the colon will absorb too much from it which makes the stool hard and dry. Constipation is not related to age or sex and everyone experiences constipation every now and then. When suffering from constipation, the person might feel the urge to go to the toilet, but is unable to do so. Some people might suffer from constip1ation for a short time while others might experience it for a longer time.
When constipated a person cannot or can only partially pass stool. This goes hand in hand with other symptoms such as:
Stomach cramps and aches
Felling bloated
Feeling sick
Loss of appetite
What are the causes of constipation?
Constipation is not really caused by a specific condition, but there are some factors that increase the chance of constipation. These factors are:
Not eating enough fibres which can be found in fruit, vegetables and cereals
Regular and healthy eating habit
Ignoring the urge to pass stool
Lack of exercise
Not drinking enough water
Being underweight or overweight
Anxiety or depression
How can constipation be treated?
Treatments for being constipated differ per case. Changes to lifestyle and diet can help, but when these changes do not deliver the expected results, medications such as laxatives can be taken.
