Constipation is a common term used these days, which implies difficult bowel movement or less frequent expulsion of digestive wastes than normal. At some point of life, almost all of us would have experienced this condition and it may not be usually a serious problem. However, it will be of great relief to get our system back on track. Prolonged constipation may be a symptom or a cause for various other major health issues, so it is advisable not to take constipation light!<\/p>\n
The normal duration of bowel movement varies from person to person. It could range from thrice a day to once or twice a week. Retention of waste for more than three days would lead to hardening of stools and more difficult to expel. Here are the signs that can clearly indicate constipation<\/p>\n
\u2022 Less frequent bowel movement than normal The most important reason could be the kind of food intake. One needs to keep vigilance over what goes into the alimentary canal. Diet poor in fiber and water content, excessive intake of dairy products, sedentary lifestyle, intake of antacids with aluminum or calcium, change in regular diet patterns or activities, long distance travelling, overuse of laxatives, eating disorders, colon cancer<\/a>, Parkinson\u2019s disease, multiple sclerosis, use of narcotics, antidepressants, iron pills or tonic, hypothyroidism, and stress<\/a> could trigger off constipation.<\/p>\n A delay in bowel movements for more than two weeks calls for an immediate diagnosis, which may include, a blood test to check on hormonal levels, Barium test, and colonoscopy to look for blockages in the colon.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Straining or having trouble in bowel movement
\n\u2022 Small pellets or hardening of stools
\n\u2022 A sense of incomplete bowel movement
\n\u2022 Abdominal pain<\/a> accompanied by swollen abdomen
\n\u2022 Nausea and vomiting<\/p>\nWhat causes Constipation?<\/b><\/h2>\n