Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre,
Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre,
Gleneagles Medical Centre,
Mount Alvernia Hospital, Medical Centre D,
#14-09/10 Connexion,
Constipation refers to infrequent bowel movements or perpetual difficulty in passing stools. It is usually diagnosed as having fewer than three bowel movements in a week. Chronic constipation can result in significant inconvenience and discomfort, and can lead to severe complications if not addressed.
of Constipation?
- Having less than three bowel movements per week
- Hard or lumpy stools
- Excessive straining during bowel movements
- Tenesmus, a feeling of remaining stool in your rectum
- Requiring assistance to empty your bowels, such as pressing on the abdomen
Chronic constipation is generally defined as experiencing two or more of these symptoms in a time frame of three months. Constipation can lead to other anorectal conditions such as haemorrhoids, tears or abscesses.
Constipation?
Constipation occurs when stool moves too slowly through the gastrointestinal tract and cannot be passed out effectively, resulting in hard and dry stool and painful bowel movements.
Chronic constipation can have multiple possible causes such as:
- Low-fibre diet and insufficient water intake
- Obstruction in the colon or in the rectum
- Pelvic muscle conditions
- Neurological problems surrounding the muscles in the colon
- Hormonal conditions that affect fluid balance