Constipation, causes and symptoms

Not everybody has the same frequency of bowel movements. There are people who have bowel movements 3 times a week while there are others who have bowel movements thrice a week. If you suffer from constipation, your bowel movements will be less frequent than normal and as a result, your stool will very hard and difficult to pass out.

Symptoms of constipation

You may experience some or all of the following symptoms:

• Swollen abdomen
• Painful and stiff abdomen
• Very hard stools
• Unusually large or Small lumpy stools
• Straining when having a bowel movement
• Few bowel movements
• Nausea and vomiting

Some causes of constipation

If you are suffering from constipation, it may be caused by any of the following:

• A change in your normal diet pattern
• Eating disorders
• Some medications which contain calcium or aluminum e.g. antacids and other medications like narcotics, antidepressants etc.
• Eating dry foods with little or no water or fiber in your diet
• Ignoring the urge to stool

Management of constipation

Constipation can be managed at home unless it has lasted for many weeks or is making you very uncomfortable. If this is the case, contact your health care provider.The  widely used treatment consist of drinking more fluids and eating more fruits and vegetables. If this does not work, your nurse or doctor may prescribe a laxative which will empty your bowel.

Very few people develop hemorrhoids as a complication of constipation.