Constipation affects all ages, causing stools to be hard and lumpy. Usually temporary, it can become chronic, significantly affecting quality of life.
Causes include inadequate fluid or fibre intake, such as fruit, vegetables and cereals, change in routine or lifestyle, ignoring the urge to pass stools, medications, anxiety/depression, and conditions including thyroid, bowel or neurological disorders. In children, consider poor diet, fear about the toilet or toilet-training. It’s more common in women, during pregnancy and when older.
Normal bowel habits vary – some adults go daily or more, others every three or four days. Symptoms include passing stools infrequently, difficulty pooing, inability to completely empty the bowel, or abnormal stools. Stomach ache/cramps, bloating, nausea or foul-smelling wind may also occur.
Treatment
Self-treat constipation with simple dietary/lifestyle changes – gradually increase…
