Definition
The definition of constipation includes the following: infrequent bowel movements (typically <3 times per week), difficulty during defecation (straining during more than 25% of bowel movements or a subjective sensation of hard stools), or the sensation of incomplete bowel evacuation.
Causes of constipation
- Blockages in the colon or rectum
- Anal fissure
- Bowel obstruction: colon cancer or rectal cancer
- Narrowing of the colon (bowel stricture); may be related to diverticulum or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Difficulty with the muscle involved in elimination
- Dietary issues -- inadequate water or fiber
- Systemic disease
- Diabetes
- Hyperparathyroidism and hypothyroidism
- Problems with the nerves around the colon and rectum
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson's disease
- Spinal cord injury
- Stroke