Constipation, << `kon` stuh PAY shuhn, >> is a condition in which the bowel does not rid itself of waste materials in a normal manner. Constipated people do not have regular bowel movements and may have pain or tenderness over the colon. They may suffer from headaches and backaches.
Constipation can be caused by weakness of the bowel muscles or by strong, irregular contractions of these muscles. It may also occur when a person uses laxatives too frequently or does not eat enough of certain kinds of foods, especially those that contain fiber. In addition, constipation may accompany an illness that affects tissues or nerves of the bowel, such as the growth of a tumor that partially blocks the intestines.
When constipation results from a faulty diet, the patient should eat more green vegetables, fruits, whole grain bread and cereals, and other foods with fiber. The patient also should drink ample quantities of water. Constipation may be a symptom of a serious disease. If it persists, or is accompanied by rectal bleeding, it should be investigated by a physician.
