You’re likely constipated if you:
• Have abdominal bloating or discomfort
• Pass a hard stool fewer than three times
a week
• Strain frequently during bowel
movements
• Infrequent bowel movements (typically
<3 times per wk)
• Difficulty during defecation (straining
during more than 25% of bowel
movements or a subjective sensation of
hard stools)
• The sensation of incomplete bowel
evacuation.
• Types 1 and 2 on the Bristol Stool Chart
indicates Constipation
• Constipation is one of the most common
digestive complaints. It varies greatly
between different people, as each
person’s bowel movements differ. Most
cases of Constipation are caused by a
low fiber diet or dehydration.
Medical authorities accept wide variations in toilet frequency as long as this does not cause any other symptoms. Defecating depends on dietary habits, exercise, fluid intake, and various other factors.
Severe cases (“fecal impaction”) may feature symptoms of bowel obstruction (vomiting, very tender abdomen) and “Paradoxical Diarrhoea”, where soft stool from the small intestine bypasses the impacted matter in the colon. Constipation in children can lead to soiling (Enuresis and Encopresis).