A bowel dysfunction that makes bowel movements infrequent or hard to pass.
Constipation is a digestive issue in which bowel movements become infrequent, difficult, or painful to pass. It occurs when stool moves too slowly through the large intestine, becoming hard, dry, and compacted. Although constipation is common and usually temporary, it can cause significant discomfort if not addressed.
How Constipation Develops
As digested food travels through the colon, water is absorbed to help form solid stool. Muscles in the colon contract rhythmically to push the stool toward the rectum. When this movement slows down, stool remains in the colon for too long, allowing even more water to be absorbed. The result is stool that is harder, drier, and more difficult to pass.
Several factors can interfere with normal bowel function and contribute to constipation.
Common Causes
Constipation may arise from lifestyle habits, underlying conditions, or disruptions to the digestive process. Frequent causes include:
- Medication Side Effects Certain drugs—such as pain medications, antacids containing aluminum or calcium, antidepressants, and iron supplements—can slow bowel movement.
- Insufficient Physical Activity Lack of exercise can reduce intestinal motility, causing stool to move more slowly.
- Inadequate Fluid Intake Not drinking enough water leads to drier stool that is harder to pass.
- Low-Fiber Diet Fiber adds bulk and helps stool move through the colon. Diets low in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can contribute to constipation.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) IBS can alter bowel habits and often includes constipation as a primary symptom.
- Ignoring the Urge to Go Repeatedly delaying bowel movements can make stool accumulate and become harder.
- Changes in Routine Pregnancy, travel, stress, aging, and disruptions to normal daily patterns can influence bowel regularity.
- Intestinal or Functional Issues Problems such as slow-transit constipation or pelvic floor dysfunction may interfere with stool passage.
- Overuse of Laxatives Frequent or long-term laxative use can weaken the colon’s natural ability to move stool.
Symptoms of Constipation
Symptoms vary, but common signs include:
- Straining or pain during bowel movements
- Fewer than three bowel movements per week
- A sensation of bloating or fullness
- Feeling sluggish or fatigued
- Abdominal discomfort or cramping
When to Seek Help
Constipation is often relieved through dietary changes, increased fluids, physical activity, or short-term use of laxatives. However, persistent symptoms or severe pain should be evaluated by a healthcare provider, especially if constipation is accompanied by weight loss, blood in the stool, or sudden changes in bowel habits.
