The Constipation Symptoms

When a digested waste material or a stool moves very slow out of the large intestine, constipation occurs.It is when bowel movements become difficult or less frequent. Fecal matter that stays in the bowel long enough before elimination tends to dry up and harden.

This gradually results in painful, difficult and infrequent bowel movements. It is not a disease, but constipation may be a symptom of the disease. Constipation is harmless in the majority of the cases.

The normal length of time between bowel movements varies and ranges from person to person, depending on the case may be. Many people believe they are constipated even the truth is, they are not. Most even feel they have constipation symptoms.

Having to go to the bathroom once a day makes them think it is already abnormal. The normal range of bowel movements is at least three times a week to a maximum of three times a day.

Infants may poop up to 5 times in one day, even more for those who are exclusively breastfed. However, that is still normal and not considered as constipation symptoms.
Going longer than three days without a bowel movement is long enough.

The stool or fecal matter for three days becomes harder and more difficult to pass.

One is considered to be constipated if for three months he experiences these major constipation symptoms, straining while you poop, hardened stool, and incomplete evacuation for more than 25% of the time. It is already considered as constipation if there are only two or fewer instances of defecation in a week.

Constipation symptoms may be all or either of the following:

• A feeling or sensation that bowels have not been completely emptied

• Indigestion

• Pain or pressure in the belly

• Frequent flatulence or release of fart

• Infrequent stool

• Hard, dry stools that are too difficult to excrete

• Loss of appetite

• Bleeding due to straining

There is no need for extensive testing to diagnose constipation and occurrence of constipation symptoms.

Diagnostic tests for constipation symptoms are only considered if a more serious medical problem is suspected.

If constipation symptoms persist for more than two weeks, a visit to the doctor is recommended so that the source of the problem may be determined and treated. Some tests that the doctor may recommend to diagnose the cause of constipation may be, but not limited to the following:

• Blood tests to determine suspected hormonal imbalances.

• Barium studies to check and look for colon obstruction.

• Colonoscopy is commonly performed as well to check for possible obstruction of the colon.

It is best to know and comprehend the symptoms of constipation. It is a tool to have early prevention and prevent the occurrence of worse complications.

Constipation can cause complications. Large and hard stools can stretch the anus and tear off the skin. Thus it is better to free self from complications of constipation problems.