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Constipation is a common digestive system problem in which you have infrequent bowel movements, pass hard stools, or strain during bowel movements. Most cases of constipation are caused by a low fibre diet or dehydration. This pattern is more commonly considered as part of the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). At the extreme end of the constipation spectrum is fecal impaction, a condition in which stool hardens in the rectum and prevents the passage of any stool. The number of bowel movements generally decreases with age. Ninety-five percent of adults have bowel movements between three and 21 times per week, and this would be considered normal. The most common pattern is one bowel movement a day, but this pattern is seen in less than 50% of people. Constipation is most common in children and older people, and affects women more than men. One in 200 women have severe, continuous constipation and it is most common before a period and in pregnancy
Constipation is defined as having a bowel movement fewer than three times per week. In some cases, constipation also may make you feel bloated or sluggish or experience discomfort or pain. Fortunately, a few common-sense lifestyle changes, including getting more exercise, eating high-fiber foods and drinking plenty of water, can go a long way toward preventing or alleviating constipation. Constipation stools are usually hard, dry, small in size, and difficult to eliminate. Sometimes it is painful to pass. At one time or another, almost everyone gets constipated. Constipation in children can lead to soiling ( enuresis and encopresis ). Severe cases ("fecal impaction") may feature symptoms of bowel obstruction ( vomiting , very tender abdomen) and "paradoxical diarrhea", where soft stool from the small intestine bypasses the impacted matter in the colon.
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