Constipation is a health condition when a person passes less than three bowel movements weekly or experiences painful bowel movements. A constipated person has a tough time defecating, or it happens less often than normal. The major cause of this health condition is a blockage, often due to a low fiber diet. It could also result from changes of diet or physical routine. It is best to seek immediate medical attention when you start to experience symptoms of this condition. Symptoms include severe pain, bloody stools, or irregular bowel movements that last for several weeks. It may also cause a small tear in the lining of the anus, known as anal fissure.
These symptoms may occur when passing hard or large stools and are caused by the irritation of the lining of the anus. It may crack the skin, causing severe pain and bleeding, during and after bowel movements. Anal fissure caused by constipation can be deep enough to expose the muscle tissue underneath. Symptoms usually improve when treatment starts.
Common Causes
Constipation is not always due to an underlying disease. Other causes of this condition include: medication, dehydration, low dietary fiber, physical inactivity, pregnancy, hormonal imbalances.