Constipation is characterised by infrequent, difficult, or painful bowel movements, often accompanied by bloating or discomfort. In India, the prevalence of constipation is significant, with studies suggesting that up to 22% of the population experiences this condition, often due to dietary habits, sedentary lifestyles, and inadequate hydration.

Management typically involves lifestyle changes, such as increasing fibre intake, staying hydrated, and regular exercise, alongside over-the-counter or prescribed medications when necessary. If you experience chronic constipation, severe pain, or symptoms that do not improve with self-care, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Constipation can result from a variety of factors, each contributing to slowed bowel movements or difficulty in passing stools. Here are some of the possible causes:

1. Dietary Factors: A diet low in fiber is one of the most common causes of constipation. Fiber helps add bulk to stools and promotes regular bowel movements. Diets high in processed foods, dairy, or meats, and low in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can lead to constipation. Additionally, inadequate water intake can make stools hard and difficult to pass.

2. Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity can slow down digestion and bowel movements. Regular exercise helps stimulate the muscles in the intestines, promoting more regular bowel movements. A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to sluggish digestion and constipation.

3. Medications: Certain medications can cause constipation as a side effect. These include pain relievers (especially opioids), antacids containing aluminum or calcium, antihistamines, antidepressants, and medications used to treat high blood pressure and other chronic conditions.

4. Medical Conditions: Various health conditions can lead to constipation. These include hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis, and intestinal obstructions. Conditions affecting the colon or rectum, such as diverticulosis or colorectal cancer, can also contribute to constipation.

5. Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during pregnancy or menstruation, can affect bowel movements and lead to constipation. Pregnancy, in particular, can slow down digestion due to hormonal changes and pressure on the intestines from the growing uterus.

6. Ignoring the Urge to Defecate: Suppressing the urge to have a bowel movement can lead to constipation. Over time, this can cause the body to become less responsive to the signals for a bowel movement, leading to harder, drier stools.

7. Dehydration: Not drinking enough fluids can result in hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass. Water is essential for keeping stools soft and moving through the intestines efficiently.

8. Changes in Routine: Traveling, changes in diet, or disruptions in daily routine can lead to temporary constipation. Such changes can affect the regularity of bowel movements and the digestive process.

9. Aging: As people age, the digestive system tends to slow down, leading to more frequent occurrences of constipation. Additionally, older adults are more likely to take medications that can contribute to this condition.

Constipation can present with a variety of symptoms, which may vary in severity and duration depending on the individual. Here are some of the possible symptoms:

1. Infrequent Bowel Movements: One of the primary symptoms of constipation is having fewer than three bowel movements per week. In some cases, the frequency may be significantly lower, with bowel movements occurring only once every few days or even less often.

2. Difficulty Passing Stools: Many people with constipation experience straining during bowel movements. Stools may be hard, dry, and difficult to pass, often requiring considerable effort or prolonged time on the toilet.

3. Abdominal Discomfort or Pain: Constipation can lead to discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen. This may manifest as a dull ache, cramping, or a feeling of fullness or bloating, often relieved temporarily after a bowel movement.

4. Bloating and Gas: A common symptom of constipation is bloating, which is the sensation of fullness or swelling in the abdomen. This is often accompanied by excessive gas, which can cause additional discomfort.

5. Feeling of Incomplete Evacuation: After a bowel movement, individuals with constipation may feel as though they haven’t fully emptied their bowels. This persistent sensation of incomplete evacuation can be frustrating and uncomfortable.

6. Hard or Lumpy Stools: When constipated, stools are often hard, dry, and lumpy, making them more difficult to pass. The consistency of the stool can be an important indicator of constipation.

7. Nausea and Loss of Appetite: In some cases, constipation can lead to nausea and a reduced desire to eat. The buildup of stool in the intestines can create a sensation of fullness that diminishes appetite.

8. Rectal Pressure or Pain: Prolonged constipation can cause discomfort or pain in the rectal area, especially if hemorrhoids develop as a result of straining during bowel movements.

9. Fatigue: Chronic constipation can sometimes lead to feelings of fatigue or sluggishness, as the body may not be effectively eliminating waste, impacting overall energy levels.

Recognizing these symptoms can help in the early identification and management of constipation, reducing the risk of complications and improving overall digestive health.