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Constipation
Alternate Names : Irregularity of Bowels, Lack of Regular Bowel Movements
Definition Constipation refers to infrequent or hard stools, or difficulty passing stools. More specifically, constipation may involve pain during the passage of a bowel movement, the inability to pass a bowel movement after straining or pushing for more than 10 minutes, or no bowel movements after more than 3 days.
Pictures & Images
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Overview & Considerations
Constipation is a relative term. Normal patterns of bowel elimination vary widely from person to person and you may not have a bowel movement every day. While some healthy people may have consistently soft or near-runny stools, others may have consistently firm stools, but no difficulty in passing them.
When the stool is hard, infrequent, and requires significant effort to pass, you have constipation. The passage of large, wide stools may tear the mucosal membrane of the anus, especially in children. This can cause bleeding and the possibility of an anal fissure.
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Jump to another section
• Definition
• Constipation: Overview & Considerations
• Constipation: Common Causes
• Constipation: Home Care & Treatment
• Constipation: Prevention
• Call your Health Care Provider if
• What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Anal Fissure
• Colon Cancer
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Functional Bowel)
Tests & Exams
• Abdominal Film
• Barium Enema
• CBC
• Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT)
• Prothrombin Time (PT)
• Sigmoidoscopy
• Upper GI and Small Bowel Series
Other Topics
• Abdominal Pain
• Bloody or Tarry Stools
• Weight Loss - Unintentional
Review Date : 8/8/2003
Reviewed By : Jacqueline A. Hart, M.D., Senior Medical Editor, A.D.A.M. Previously reviewed by Alan Greene, M.D., F.A.A.P., Chief Medical Officer, A.D.A.M., Inc.; Clinical Assistant Professor, Stanford University School of Medicine; Attending Physician, Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford (3/3/2002).
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