Constipation
Constipation is characterized by difficulty in passing stools or decreased frequency of passing stools to less than 3 times per week or incomplete bowel movements.
Causes of Constipation
- Change of normal life routine, such changing your diet, travel or exercise habits
- Resisting the urge to pass stool
- Stress
- Eating a diet low in fiber
- Drinking lesser fluids
- Taking iron or calcium supplements
- Taking certain medicines such as antidepressants, strong painkillers such as narcotics and also some antacids
- Being pregnant or after delivery
- Muscular or nerve problems of the intestine, anus or rectum
- Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS
- Diabetes
- Hypothyroidism
Treatment of Constipation
- Eating a high fiber diet
- Doing regular exercise
- Not resisting the urge to defecate
- Increasing the amount of fluid intake