Constipation can happen for many reasons, such as when stool passes through the colon too slowly. The slower the food moves through the digestive tract, the more water the colon will absorb and the harder the feces will become. A person who poops fewer than 3 times per week may have constipation. Sometimes, constipation results from a blockage in the large intestine. In this case, a person will need urgent medical attention. At other times, it may simply be due to a lack of fiber or water.

Symptoms:

The main symptoms of constipation are:

• difficulty passing stool
• straining when passing stool
• passing less stool than usual
• lumpy, dry, or hard stool

Other symptoms include:

• pain and cramping in the abdomen
• feeling bloated
• nausea
• a loss of appetite

Complications

Constipation on its own can be uncomfortable, but it typically is not life threatening. However, it can become a problem if it is a symptom of a more serious underlying condition, such as colorectal cancer, or if it starts to cause further damage. Damage that can arise as a result of severe constipation includes:

• rectal bleeding after straining
• anal fissure, which is a small tear around the anus
• symptomatic hemorrhoids (piles), which are swollen, inflamed blood vessels in the anus
• fecal impaction, which occurs when dried stool stagnates and collects in the rectum and anus, potentially leading to a mechanical obstruction

Causes

The following are some common causes of constipation:

Lack of fiber in the diet

People with a high intake of dietary fiber are less likely to experience constipation.

This is because fiber promotes regular bowel movements, especially when a person combines it with proper hydration.

High fiber foods include:

• fruits
• vegetables
• whole grains
• nuts
• lentils, chickpeas, and other legumes

Low fiber foods include:

• high fat foods, such as cheese, meat, and eggs
• highly processed foods, such as white bread
• fast foods, chips, and Other premade Food

Treatment

Constipation usually resolves itself without the need for prescription treatment. In most cases, making lifestyle changes — such as getting more exercise, eating more fiber, and drinking more water — can help. Allowing time for defecation, without stress or interruption, may also help. People should also not ignore the urge to have a bowel movement. Laxatives can improve symptoms in the short-term, but people should use them with care and only when necessary. This is because some laxatives can have severe adverse effects.