From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Constipation (also known as costiveness,[1] dyschezia,[2] and dyssynergic defaecation[2])

refers to bowel movements that are infrequent and/or hard to pass.[2] Constipation is a
common cause of painful defecation. Severe constipation includes obstipation (failure to
pass stools or gas) and fecal impaction (see also Bowel obstruction).

Constipation is common; in the general population incidence of constipation varies from

2 to 30%.[3]

Constipation is a symptom with many causes. These causes are of two types: obstructed
defecation and colonic slow transit (or hypomobility). About 50% of patients evaluated
for constipation at tertiary referral hospitals have obstructed defecation.[3] This type of
constipation has mechanical and functional causes. Causes of colonic slow transit
constipation include diet, hormones, side effects of medications, and heavy metal
toxicity.

Treatments include changes in dietary habits, laxatives, enemas, biofeedback, and

surgery. Because constipation is a symptom, not a disease, effective treatment of
constipation may require first determining the cause.